In December 2025, Surf Life Saving Queensland’s (SLSQ) Community Awareness team delivered a hands-on water safety experience for more than 80 culturally and linguistically diverse young people at Tallebudgera Creek. This initiative is aligned to SLSQ’s ongoing partnership with Multicultural Australia.The participants, aged between 15 and 24, had travelled from Brisbane, Logan and Toowoomba to take part in the annual beach trip, many having arrived in Australia within the past five years under the humanitarian settlement program. For some, it was their first time experiencing the beach in a structured and supported environment.
The day focused on building confidence, connection and understanding – introducing young people to essential beach and water safety skills, the meaning of the red and yellow flags and how to enjoy Queensland’s waterways safely.
Learning the Australian Way of Life
For Multicultural Australia, the beach trip is about much more than just a day out.
“We’re here today as part of our annual beach trip with our young people,” Litara Loane, Team Leader at Multicultural Australia Youth Services said. “They’ve settled in Queensland under the humanitarian settlement program and part of our support is helping them build social connection and get to know different areas of their new life.”
“Being at the beach is a big part of Australian culture and we wanted to instil that in our program. We bring them here to go through the water safety sessions offered through our partnership with Surf Life Saving Queensland so they can learn how to be safe in the water and build their confidence.”
The program also provides a valuable opportunity for young people to form new friendships and peer connections across regions.
“We support young people from Brisbane, Logan and Toowoomba, and this is a chance for them to meet each other, share a meal, learn about water safety and have some fun together,” Litara said. “It’s about social connection, confidence and feeling part of the community.”
On the day, young people from 10 to 12 different cultural backgrounds were represented, with cultural support workers and Multicultural Australia staff on hand to assist with language and support needs.
Why It Matters
The partnership between Surf Life Saving Queensland and Multicultural Australia is part of a broader commitment to building safer, more inclusive communities. With the recent launch of SLSQ’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities Action Plan, both organisations are working together to improve water safety knowledge and reduce risk among culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
The need for programs like this is clear. Drowning remains a serious public health issue in Queensland, and of the 64 drowning deaths recorded in 2024-2025 , 41% of cases involved people born overseas.
“Programs like these genuinely make a difference,” said Melissa Whittley, Community Awareness Coordinator for SLSQ. “By educating young people early and giving them the confidence to enjoy the water safely, we’re helping to reduce risk and build safer communities.”
Confidence, Culture and Connection
Throughout the day, participants took part in interactive water safety sessions, learned how to identify safe swimming areas, and gained a better understanding of surf conditions and beach hazards. For many, it was their first introduction to the lifesaving environment and the role surf lifesavers play in keeping the community safe.
Beyond the safety education, the day was about belonging.
Looking Ahead
Creating safe, informed and inclusive communities starts with education. By working alongside Multicultural Australia, Surf Life Saving Queensland is supporting Queenslanders from all walks of life build confidence at the beach, understand our unique coastal environment and feel welcomed into one of the state’s most iconic spaces.
It’s a simple idea with a powerful impact and one that continues to strengthen connections, confidence and safety for the next generation.