Ararat Rural City Council has been successful in securing a $73,000 'Level the Field' Grant for its Swim Safely Ararat initiative, which will support local people with disability to train as accredited swimming instructors and, subject to recruitment, take up paid roles at the Ararat Fitness Centre.
The grant will fund accredited training for up to 10 prospective instructors, including the Swim Australia Teacher Course and the Swim Australia Teacher of Babies & Toddlers Course, delivered on site at the Ararat Fitness Centre. Council's approach is to bring the training to participants locally, reducing barriers such as travel costs and unfamiliar facilities that can make it harder for regional residents with disability to access professional qualifications.
Once training is complete, Council will undertake a recruitment process, with the aim that at least two participants will be employed at the Ararat Fitness Centre as accredited swim instructors providing lessons to community members. The initiative aligns with Council's broader commitment to inclusive employment, local job creation, and improving access to water safety education across the municipality.
Mayor Cr Bob Sanders said the grant was a welcome boost for Ararat Rural City. "This funding for Swim Safely Ararat is good news for our community. It will help local people with disability gain recognised qualifications, open up meaningful employment opportunities, and strengthen the water safety skills of people using our Ararat Fitness Centre. We are proud to support a program that backs our residents, builds confidence in the pool, and keeps people safer around water."
Council will meet the required co‑contribution for employment costs and will provide a safe, inclusive and appropriate workplace, ongoing employee support, and opportunities for further involvement in Council activities. Council's partnership with are-able will ensure disability support is available as needed for instructors participating in the program.
The Swim Safely Ararat initiative is expected to begin with training delivered at the Ararat Fitness Centre, with further information about program timelines and recruitment to be shared with the community as details are confirmed.
