Positive outcomes of ‘Open boundaries – fairer playing fields’ are written all over the faces of these three young women snapped recently at the Launceston Swim Centre. Christine Dudu from the Sudan, and Eyerusalem Akalu from Eritrea, had never had the opportunity to learn to swim. Now not only can they swim, but they have made new friends – such as Kitty Tam from Hong Kong.
The program introduces migrants to their new community in the very Australian context of sport. New arrivals are linked with clubs and volunteer ‘buddies’ in sports such as swimming, soccer, basketball, table tennis, volleyball and even latin dancing. Program Coordinator, Sally Wiltshire, said that the program is a great way to welcome people and increase their social participation.
“The program supports them in getting involved in the wider community, while learning new sports and having fun,” she said. “They gain so much confidence. It’s inspiring to see.”
The benefits extend well beyond Launceston’s new arrivals. The sports clubs learn cross cultural skills, raise their profile, make important networks, and attract new members. Volunteers have the satisfaction of helping new migrants really get on with life in Australia, and the whole community benefits through improved community relations.
The program was an initiative of the Launceston City Council in partnership with the Northern Tasmania Municipal Organisation, the Migrant Resource Centre of Northern Tasmania and Volunteering Tasmania. Funding of $50,000 under the Commonwealth Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs Living in Harmony community grant initiative supports the part time coordinator position.
Council contributes in kind support in office space, administrative assistance and printing, worth about $20,000.
Mayor of Launceston, Janie Dickenson, is thrilled with the success of the program. She believes that enhancing migrant participation and promoting positive community attitudes are important keys to reaping the rewards from regional migration.
“New migrants bring with them tremendous vitality, enthusiasm and commitment,” she said. “They can help boost the local economy and provide social stimulation, benefiting everyone. The challenge is to remove any barriers, and give support where it works best. The sports field is a great place to start.”
The ‘Open boundaries – fairer playing fields’ program will run for one year, culminating in a sports fun day. However, it is already clear that the Launceston community will take considerable social capital into the future from the program. Productive new connections have been made, insights have been gained, and valuable lessons learned.
For further information contact Sally Wiltshire on (03) 6323 3319 or email Sally.Wiltshire@launceston.tas.gov.au
