Leisure Networks, in partnership with Swimming Victoria and Northern Bay College Family Learning Centre, proudly launched Splash Together—a groundbreaking pilot program that removes cultural, financial, and systemic barriers to swimming and water safety for women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities across the Barwon South West region.
Delivered as a one-week intensive program at The Geelong College aquatic centre, Splash Together was designed by women, for women. The program, delivered through VicHealth’s Regional Sport Partnership program, provided a culturally safe, women-only space where participants—many entering the water for the first time—could build water confidence, learn safety skills, and connect with their local swimming community.
“This is a movement built on inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment,” Leisure Networks Program Coordinator, Natalie Nolan, said. “It’s about giving women the confidence to engage with aquatic environments safely—and helping entire families feel safer around water.”
The pilot program is part of Swimming Victoria’s Diving Into the Future of Swimming initiative, supported by the Victorian Government, and directly aligns with its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy and Women and Girls Action Plan.
Swimming Victoria Sports Development Officer, Jess O’Brien, said the pilot program’s participants were “motivated and brave, they’re leading the way”.
“This isn’t just about individual skill—it’s about building intergenerational change and creating long-term access to swimming for all communities.”
Participants were supported by interpreters and swim coach Robyn Cogan from Lara Swimming Club, with modesty swimwear and transport provided by community partner MELI Connect UP – Early Help. The program also included a CPR training session and will finish in a celebration event at Torquay Surf Lifesaving Club on August 8.
The Geelong College Marketing and Advancement Manager Nicole Roache reflected on the program’s impact saying, “it was a joy to see so many women rediscovering the water”. “By supporting Splash Together, we’re opening pathways to water safety for families and the wider community.”
This pilot program represents a triumph in genuine engagement and consultation with local community. An evaluation and case study, supported by Barwon Health’s Healthy Communities Unit, will help shape Swimming Victoria’s participation and inclusion strategy for the Barwon South West region.
Pictured are participants and local coaches taking part in the Splash Together pilot program.