In honour of Harmony Week that takes place from 18th March to 24th March 2024, we’re proud to share a number of recent initiatives aimed at fostering harmony, inclusion and diversity at our venues across Australia and New Zealand—highlighting our dedication to championing unity and inclusivity within our communities.

Our teams at Mill Park Leisure (MPL) and Thomastown Recreation and Aquatic Centre (TRAC), for example, have been a force behind a range of customised programs aimed at fostering social cohesion and supporting diverse communities.

One standout program is the Somali Men’s Swimming sessions, held every Saturday night at MPL in partnership with the Whittlesea Somali Association.

This co-produced program provides a safe and informal space where community leaders, young representatives and elders provided valuable input to ensure its cultural responsiveness and effectiveness. 

Male elders can engage in informal discussions with young men, addressing topics such as integration into Australian society, navigating experiences of racism, identity and intergenerational challenges. Through this program, these men are forging connections and supporting one another while enjoying the benefits of swimming in a welcoming environment.

This unique program has received state government crime prevention funding for two years. Thanks to a generous $50,000 grant from the Department of Justice and Community Safety, this initiative seamlessly aligns with community needs and underscores our core values.

We are also proud to highlight our Nepalese Women’s Swim Teacher Program, made possible through a successful grant.

This initiative not only enhances the swim skills of Nepalese women but also equips them with the training needed to become swim instructors, paving the way for long-term employment opportunities. 

Lastly, we also take pride in Franklin Pool & Leisure in Pukekohe who welcomed families from diverse backgrounds for a heartwarming Christmas lunch, part of an initiative to connect with recent migrants. Following a successful community engagement event in September, the venue recognised the growing cultural diversity, particularly among South African and Zimbabwean families.

The impact was evident as mothers expressed interest in enrolling their children in swimming lessons and joining the gym.

TRAC has served as a community hub, hosting various events promoting inclusion, diversity and multiculturalism. From the Promistown Picnic (a large family multicultural event), to the International Day of Peace multicultural youth pool fest, these occasions bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds to celebrate values of harmony and inclusivity.

Photography courtesy of Chris Preuss, capturing moments from the Promisetown Picnic.

We make it a priority to participate in important community events that promote social cohesion such as Harmony Week, Cultural Diversity Week, IDAHOBIT Day or NAIDOC Week for example. We are dedicated to fostering connections and building bridges within our diverse communities.

As we support Harmony Week 2024, we invite all our staff, members, and communities to join us in celebrating the richness of diversity and the power of inclusion. Together, let’s continue to build a more harmonious and inclusive future for all. 

You can learn more about our social inclusion efforts here or see more on the Belgravia Foundation website. 

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