Media Releases

Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, has guaranteed the future of the highly respected local VICSWIM Summer Kidz learn-to-swim holiday program.
“The Liberal Nationals Coalition will invest $1.6 million to overhaul and revitalise this program that has effectively been all but dumped by the Brumby Government,” Mr Walsh said.
“This program has taught tens of thousands of Victorian children to swim since it started in the mid 1970s but because of Labor’s neglect the organisers have been forced to chase the corporate dollar for sponsorship.
“As a result, costs have increased and participation is now at an all time low.
“With the failure of Labor to show any interest in the program, the only way it will continue this summer will be with an injection of funds from a newly elected Coalition government,” Mr Walsh said.
“With the Royal Life Saving reporting that the numbers of drowning deaths are the highest they've been at any time in the last 7 years, with 314 drowning deaths in Australian waterways in the 12 months to June 30th this year, it is essential that the future of this high quality Learn to Swim program is assured,” he said.
“We have ten venues in the Swan Hill electorate that have traditionally provided the program ranging from Murtoa and Rupanyup in the south to Nyah and Swan Hill in the north and many venues in between.
“It will be a tragedy if the dedicated swimming teachers in these communities are unable to teach our young children the necessary water safety skills they need to allow them to enjoy the coming summer months,” Mr Walsh said.
“The Coalition will do what Labor has failed to do and that is to guarantee the future of the program and subsidise the costs for families,” he said.