Yuendumu Lifesavers Say Thanks

A group of young Aboriginal lifesavers turned away from Alice Springs accommodation when training in the Northern Territory (see Hostel Turns Away Aboriginal Lifesavers, 11th April 2008), have travelled to Sydney to complete their training.

The Yuendumu trainees have now finished the Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA) Indigenous Remote Pools Program with necessary skills in pool operations, water safety and RLSSA Bronze Medallion's in time for the opening of their pool later this year.

The Sydney trip was organised by RLSSA was heavily supported by major partners Qantas, Quest Serviced Apartments, Emerton Leisure Centre, Good Az Gold, BP petrol cards and the City of Sydney Council.

As RLSSA Chief Executive Rob Bradley explains "Royal Life Saving received support both internationally and nationally following the unfortunate incident in Alice Springs in March when the group was asked to leave pre booked accommodation.

"As part of our Indigenous Remote Pools Program established three years ago we have succeeded with the help of corporate generosity in bringing the group to a major metropolitan aquatic facility such as Emerton Leisure Centre to complete their training before the pool in Yuendumu opens."

With the completion of this program, RLSSA is looking to work with indigenous Communities, Bradley explaining that "Royal Life Saving could provide a similar opportunity for other remote indigenous communities working to help us achieve our goal to nationally build healthy communities that much faster."

11th April 2008 - HOSTEL TURNS AWAY ABORIGINAL LIFESAVERS