Multicultural Australia and Surf Life Saving Queensland Partner to Strengthen Diversity and Inclusion

Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) is proud to announce a new partnership with Multicultural Australia (MA), a leading non-profit organisation that champions the rights of new Queenslanders and promotes building a more welcoming Queensland through advocacy and community engagement.

The collaboration underscores both organisations’ commitment to fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse community, aligning with SLSQ’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy. This partnership will not only enhance engagement with the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities across Queensland but will also focus on implementing an Action Plan for CALD inclusion to ensure SLSQ services are accessible and inclusive to all.

Key Focus Areas of the Partnership:

• DEI Strategy Implementation: MA will support SLSQ in furthering its DEI Strategy, which aims to break down barriers, increase representation, and create an inclusive culture within surf lifesaving activities and leadership.
• Action Plan for CALD Communities: The partnership will focus on the development of a comprehensive CALD Action Plan, addressing the needs of multicultural communities, ensuring that all individuals—regardless of background—can engage with and contribute to lifesaving initiatives.
• Community Engagement and Education: MA will work alongside SLSQ to increase awareness and participation within CALD communities, creating more opportunities for people from diverse cultural backgrounds to get involved in lifesaving training, volunteering, and leadership roles.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Support: MA will assist SLSQ in developing cultural sensitivity initiatives and provide ongoing guidance to ensure the inclusivity of surf lifesaving events and training programs.

SLSQ CEO Dave Whimpey said: “This partnership with Multicultural Australia is a significant step forward in ensuring that Surf Life Saving Queensland reflects the diversity of our community. We are committed to building a more inclusive and accessible environment, where all Queenslanders, regardless of their cultural or linguistic background, can be part of our lifesaving family.”

MA CEO Christine Castley added: “We are truly excited to take this important step forward with Surf Life Saving Queensland, to create a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone. Beach and water activities are such a fundamental part of life in Australia and we are very pleased to be working with SLSQ to ensure that every beachgoer, regardless of where they come from or what language they speak, understands the paramount importance of practising beach and water safety.”

The partnership reflects both organisations’ commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive Queensland, where everyone is empowered to thrive, no matter their background.