Refugee and Migrant Swim Project Launches at Gungahlin Leisure Centre, ACT

Belgravia Foundation is proud to celebrate the remarkable success of the Refugee and Migrant Swimming Project (RMSP), an initiative that has transformed water safety and swimming education for Canberra’s refugee and migrant communities.

When Canberra locals Annie, Clare, Andrew, and Liam tragically lost a friend from a refugee community to drowning in 2020, their grief turned into action. Recognising the urgent need for culturally safe swimming programs, they founded RMSP in honor of their friend. This not-for-profit initiative has been running out of Gungahlin Leisure Centre since 2021, providing free, trauma-informed water safety and swimming lessons.

Belgravia Foundation and Belgravia Leisure, were honored to partner with RMSP to ensure the program’s sustainability and growth in the ACT. Since its inception, RMSP has supported over 80 participants and continues to expand its reach, creating safer environments and building confidence for those who need it most.

Nicole Trindorfer, Venue Manager at Gungahlin Leisure Centre, expressed her excitement about the program’s ongoing success.
“We are thrilled to see the program return, with smiles all around as participants learn essential water safety skills. We’re excited to watch their confidence grow in the coming weeks,” she shared.

Clare McBride-Kelly, one of RMSP’s founders, highlighted the powerful collaboration with Belgravia Foundation and Gungahlin Leisure Centre.
“It’s incredible to work with a team so dedicated to making this program a reality. Together, we’re creating a safer future for Canberra’s refugee and migrant communities.”

Dr. Jeff Walkley, CEO of Belgravia Foundation, celebrated RMSP’s impact.
“This standout program supports not only water safety but also community participation and understanding. These combined efforts lead to improved health, happiness, and safety for everyone.”

Belgravia Foundation is committed to connecting people from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds to sport, aquatics, fitness, and recreation opportunities, and RMSP is a shining example of what can be achieved when community collaboration and inclusivity come together.

Together, they are creating a future where everyone, regardless of background, can safely enjoy the water and experience the benefits of participation in aquatic programs. Dr Jeff Walkley, CEO of Belgravia Foundation, said “RMSP is a standout program, providing immensely important support to help people become safer around and in water.  The great thing about is that it concurrently supports community participation, presence and understanding, and combined these things lead to improved health and happiness for all.”

Belgravia Foundation works with Belgravia Leisure to help connect people with a disability, of diversity and those who experience disadvantage to sport, aquatic, fitness, recreation and health programs.