The sounds of splashes and laughter echo through Gungahlin Leisure Centre every day, but participants of the Splish Splash Aqua GOswim lessons do their best to take it up a notch or two. 

The weekly lessons – designed to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers and children in the ACT have a safe and fun place to move and learn how to swim – have quickly become a highlight of the week for many involved. 

For many carers, it’s their first experience participating in formal aquatic lessons. The program is delivered in partnership with Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services (WNAHCS) and provides culturally safe, accessible aquatic experiences for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in the ACT and surrounding regions, regardless of background or circumstance.  

WNAHCS supports around 5,000 people each year, delivering approximately 60,000 occasions of service annually, with a strong focus on holistic health and community‑led care. The partnership with Gungahlin Leisure Centre aligns water safety and physical activity with these broader wellbeing priorities. 

Held Fridays at 10am, lessons include water familiarisation activities with free play in the splash park, followed by coffee and catch‑ups. Babies can participate from as young as three months, with sessions led by a fully qualified infant swim teacher. 

“A number of mums have told us how much this opportunity means to them,” said Nicole Trindorfer, Venue Manager at Gungahlin Leisure Centre.  

“Some of the Winnunga team even jump in and take part alongside the families, which creates a really relaxed and supportive environment.”  

The Splish Splash Aqua GOswim program emerged through Community Network Forum discussions hosted at the venue, a series designed to amplify under‑represented voices and identify practical ways to make leisure environments more inclusive and welcoming. 

Nicole added: “Our first timers quickly discover how joyful and relaxing water play can be for both babies and adults, allowing for bonding time and social interaction. 

Aligned with Belgravia Leisure’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, the Splish Splash program at Gungahlin strengthens relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, promotes cultural safety in aquatic education and supports Belgravia Leisure’s vision for equitable access. 

“We’re hopeful the program will continue throughout 2026”, Nicole said.  

“Our team remains committed to inclusion and empowering families through positive, early experiences in the water.” 

To learn more about Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, visit here. 

Eager to register for the program? You can visit here, email gungahlinlc@belgravialeisure.com.au or call 02 6241 1132 to get in touch with the team. 

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