Pooling resources to help disadvantaged

A POOL-SIDE program is empowering young people from multicultural backgrounds in Dandenong.
Victorian YMCA Community Programming has received $6000 in Our Neighbourhood Community Grants funding from Australia Post.
YMCA’s Alexandra Ash said Dandenong Oasis would use the cash for an employment strategy to engage young people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
“The pathway introduces local young people to swimming lessons to enable capacity-building in the aquatic space, but also build essential life skills,” she said.
“Once these skills are obtained, young people can complete an Austswim or/and lifeguard accreditation to commence employment at Dandenong Oasis and/or Noble Park Aquatic Centre.”
Australia Post managing director and group CEO Ahmed Fahour said the grants program was launched in 2013.
“We’re thrilled to announce this year’s successful organisations and congratulate them on the positive impact they’re creating in their local communities,” he said.
Australia Post awards the funding to projects that build digital skills, increase employment opportunities for marginalised Australians, build community spirit and foster inclusion, or help communities to better prepare for natural disasters.