Water safety lifeline for new arrivals

Media Release
Tuesday 18 January 2010, Moreland City Council

Last year more than 300 people drowned in Australia raising the death toll for the seventh year in a row. While State and Federal organisations have focused their efforts on reaching children and the elderly, the water safety message has been difficult to communicate to newly-arrived migrants some of whom struggle with the English language.

In response to this information gap the Moreland City Council has produced the Water Safety CALDCOM Storyboard as a communication tool that brings the water safety message to newly arrived migrants and refugees. Education is the key to reducing water-related injuries and fatalities, and the State Government now has a resource that breaks through the language barrier.

The State Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, Mr Nicholas Kotsiras, congratulated Moreland City Council on this “creative and vital initiative.” An initiative which he said he “hoped other councils and service providers would adopt as part of their approach to communicating with diverse communities throughout Victoria.

“Tourists and new migrants are particularly vulnerable to water hazards and everyone needs to learn the safety precautions which many Australians take for granted.” Added Minister Kotsiras.

“Engaging with our culturally and linguistically diverse communities is a moral imperative when it concerns an issue of public safety so we are pleased to be launching this innovative communication tool that breaks through the language barrier.

“The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that all Victorians benefit from the same programs, services and information available to our citizens and residents.”

The latest CALDCOM Storyboard, Water Safety, appeals to non-English speaking people to enjoy the water but to do it responsibly and safely.

“In Moreland almost half of our population speaks one of 132 different languages at home and it is almost impossible to translate the water safety message to everyone but this does exactly that.” Mayor Cr Oscar Yildiz said.

“It is alarming to see new migrants and refugees drown because of a lack of information so this is a way to reach them and let them know about the dangers of pools, beaches, rivers and lakes.” Mayor Cr Yildiz added.

The CALDCOM Storyboards is a Moreland Council initiative that takes essential everyday messages and translates them into a visual story. The Storyboards won State and National Multicultural awards and are recognised by State and Federal organisations as an innovative communications solution.

Come and see The Hon. Nicholas Kotsiras, MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship launch Moreland’s answer to spreading the Water Safety message.

What: Launch of Water Safety CALDCOM Storyboard education resource

When: 9.50 am, Tuesday 18 January

Where: Oak Park Aquatic Centre

Corner of Main Street and Pascoe Vale Road,

Oak Park 3046

Melway reference: Page 16 H7

Photo and vision opportunities will be made available.