Feature article: Workforce diversity breaks down cultural barriers Contemporary society is complex, underpinned ‘conduits for connecting’ multicultural communities by constant change and challenge. Sport has to opportunities to learn water safety and swimming always been a key part of Australian society, behaviours. Good evidence confirms the ‘business’ initially through First Nations people’s games and value of having a diverse workforce that reflects the play activities, and now through a myriad of sport community in which an organisation operates, however and recreation activities that reflect the rich mix small or large. of cultures that make up communities across the nation. Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre, operated by Belgravia Leisure on behalf of Cumberland Council, is Our environment interacts with our sport a shining light for inclusion and diversity, and through and recreation activities, and sometimes that community engagement and collaboration, has led environment creates great risk for people. the way on workforce diversification with amazing Drowning among multicultural communities outcomes, showcased by SBS News and broadcast is a contemporary example of that risk. The Australia-wide. Australian Water Safety Council (AWSC) is providing leadership on this critical matter, and Impetus for the initiative came about through some has released a call to action everyone should minor misbehaviour among a group of young men of read. diversity, responded to by astute management. Instead of reprimanding and excluding, David Burns (Manager) Among the actions recommended is community offered the group the opportunity for training and engagement to build closer ties between the work! Initially suspicious but intrigued, the group drowning prevention sector and multicultural sought help from their teacher at Bankstown Senior communities. Typically, drowning prevention College, Maria Pascalis, who checked and found the has focussed on developing water safety and offer was genuine. swimming behaviours among people who get in or are around water, but implicit in this is the Through a shared commitment to inclusion, David assumption that providers of this service are and Maria set about engaging other community inclusive, welcoming and supportive of people of organisations and stakeholders to create an diversity. opportunity for five young men of Arabic background to undertake training and of applying for and then Recognising this, among the suggested undertaking paid work in an aquatic centre. approaches of the AWSC is to provide training and employment opportunities for multicultural Bankstown Senior College provided the funding for communities who can act as role models and Life Guard training, which was delivered by Jeff Moss, increase social cohesion – in effect, act as a registered RLSSA Life Guard trainer with over 20 06 Play by the Rules Magazine Issue 29