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Swimming Australia's 'Deadly Little Dolphins' Program

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Swimming Australia's 'Deadly Little Dolphins' Program

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Swimming Australia’s 'Deadly Little Dolphins' (DLD) initiative aims to enhance swimming and water safety among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The program, which begins with a pilot on Thursday Island, focuses on community-driven, culturally sensitive swim education. It addresses high drowning rates among First Nations people and supports local coaches through tailored training. The long-term goal is to cultivate Olympic and Paralympic talent, potentially leading to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander athlete winning a medal at the Brisbane 2032 Games.

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Swimming Australia - Deadly Little Dolphins To Improve Swim Safety And Pave The Way For First Nations BNE32 Success

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Deadly Little Dolphins is Swimming Australia’s national call to action to ensure that Aboriginal…

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Australian Sports Commission - First Nations Australians

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Australian Sports Commission - First Nations Australians

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The Australian Sports Commission's guide highlights inclusive strategies for engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in sport, advocating for community-led initiatives and active role models to boost participation. Key recommendations include building relationships with local Aboriginal Land Councils, incorporating Acknowledgement of Country, promoting cultural visibility, addressing racism, involving First Nations people in leadership, and celebrating events like NAIDOC Week. Swimming Australia aligns with this guide through programs like DLD which foster cultural visibility, leadership roles for First Nations people, and a culturally safe, respectful sporting environment.

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Australia is made up of hundreds of diverse First Nations Australians, each with their own culture, language, beliefs and practices.

Sport is the ultimate cultural community connector and can contribute to reducing the physical and mental health challenges that these communities currently face.

That is why it is important for clubs to implement strategies for the inclusion of First Nations Australians.

Programs and interventions that are forced or imposed without significant consultation, are unlikely to benefit First Nations Australians or the broader community.

Community-led initiatives and healthy, active role models are important first steps, to increase First Nation Australians' participation in sport.

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Australian Sports Commission is determined to have more Australians participating and excelling in sport, from grass-roots right up to the pinnacle of elite competition.

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The report on Indigenous sports programs in Canada identifies key practices for promoting physical activity in Indigenous communities. Effective strategies include culturally relevant programming, strong community involvement, and a holistic approach to health, addressing physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being. Successful programs also emphasise partnerships between Indigenous communities, government agencies, and organisations to ensure sustainability. These practices enhance physical health, cultural pride, and community cohesion. Similarly, Swimming Australia adopts these best practices into the ‘Deadly Little Dolphins’ program by engaging and strengthening cultural identity and resilience within Indigenous communities and promoting a holistic approach to health among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

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Sport Development Systems (Guest Speakers, Matt Simpson & Bec Herbert)

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The primary aim of 'Deadly Little Dolphins' is to tailor the sport’s approach to meet the cultural and community needs of Indigenous populations. It envisions a holistic pathway, integrating First Nations people not just as swimmers but also in coaching, administration, and officiating. However, the program faces challenges such as financial constraints, structural resistance, and the need for better storytelling to increase visibility. Success requires deeper integration of Indigenous perspectives, improved funding strategies, and consistent leadership commitment. Overcoming these challenges is vital for the program’s long-term success, requiring both internal reforms and external support.

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John Moriarty Football - Moriarty Foundation

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John Moriarty Football - Moriarty Foundation

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John Moriarty Football (JMF) is Australia's longest-running Indigenous football initiative, founded by John Moriarty, the first Aboriginal player to represent Australia, and his son James Moriarty. JMF uses football to foster talent, improve school attendance, and promote healthier outcomes for Indigenous children in remote and regional communities. The program offers a holistic approach, integrating sports, health, and wellness education, and provides pathways from grassroots to elite levels. JMF also emphasises cultural relevance, community connection and equal participation for boys and girls. Swimming Australia's DLD initiative shares a similar mission to JMF by using sport to foster talent, promote health and education, and ensure culturally relevant, community-connected opportunities for Indigenous children, aiming to create pathways from grassroots to elite levels.

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John Moriarty, the first Aboriginal player selected to play football for Australia, and his son James Moriarty co-founded JMF.

John and James launched the pilot program in Borroloola, in the remote Gulf of Carpentaria, NT in 2012. In the decade since, JMF has expanded its hubs to include Dubbo in NSW, Kuranda in QLD and Tennant Creek in NT.

Our goal is to grow JMF through our best practice curriculum and an integrated sport/health delivery. Our core focus is on building wellbeing, protective relationships and community connection, to support learning and football development outcomes.

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John Moriarty Football - Moriarty Foundation

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John Moriarty Football is a transformational skills mastery program for 2-18 year olds that uses football for talent and positive change, improving school attendance and achieving resilient, healthier outcomes in remote communities.

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The article discusses the work of Tangaroa Ara Rau, a Māori water safety group from New Zealand. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the spiritual and genealogical connections that Māori communities have with water. The group advocates for water safety messages that resonate with indigenous perspectives, focusing on harmony with water rather than seeing it as a threat. Their work includes swimming programs like "Kauora," which integrates traditional Māori practices and knowledge to promote water safety, well-being, and environmental protection among Māori communities. Collaboration or shared learning between such initiatives could strengthen water safety practices by integrating indigenous knowledge and perspectives into mainstream programs like those run by Swimming Australia.

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We formed Tangaroa Ara Rau to emphasize the voices of indigenous people and our relationship with the water environment and put these at the forefront of all our water safety messaging and activity

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Indigenous Swimming & Water Safety Program

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Indigenous Swimming & Water Safety Program

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The Indigenous Swimming & Water Safety Program is an initiative designed to improve water safety and swimming skills among Indigenous communities in Canada. The program focuses on reducing drowning risks and promoting safe water practices by providing culturally relevant education and training. It offers swimming lessons, water safety education, and instructor training tailored to the unique needs of Indigenous peoples. By partnering with local communities, the program aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to stay safe around water, ultimately fostering a safer environment for Indigenous populations, especially in remote and rural areas. This program aligns with similar initiatives like those supported Swimming Australia which also emphasise water safety and education.

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Canadian Red Cross / Croix-Rouge canadienne

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Indigenous Swimming and Water Safety Program

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The AIS Share a Yarn program fosters connections between athletes and Indigenous communities, challenging whiteness through education and encouraging athletes like Bianca Crisp to appreciate Indigenous cultures. Expanding cultural training and partnerships with Indigenous leaders could further transform Australian sport, leading to a more inclusive environment and benefiting both the sports industry and broader society. This aligns with Swimming Australia's ‘Deadly Little Dolphins’ program, which similarly highlights Indigenous culture and inclusion to create a more diverse and connected sporting community.

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Swimmer Bianca Crisp finds connection through AIS Share a Yarn

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The AIS Share a Yarn program continues to provide swimmer Bianca Crisp with much-needed connection as she pursues a spot on the Paris 2024 team.

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 Effects of land and water separation on First Nations Peoples

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 Effects of land and water separation on First Nations Peoples

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The source highlights the impact of separating Aboriginal people from their land and water, which are vital to their cultural identity and well-being. Colonisation and restrictive policies disrupted traditional practices, causing social, economic, and health challenges, and contributing to intergenerational trauma. In sport, Indigenous Australians have faced systemic barriers but have excelled despite them, bringing unique cultural perspectives. Programs like Swimming Australia's ‘Deadly Little Dolphins’ foster cultural connection, break down barriers, and empower Indigenous children, aligning with broader efforts to restore Aboriginal connections to land and water, and promote reconciliation and inclusion in Australian sports.

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The effects of land and water separation on First Nations Peoples - Australian Water Partnership

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Although Australia’s innovative water policies and management frameworks have resulted in significant gains regarding water management, some of these policies

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The Brisbane Broncos' “Deadly Choices" program, now in its 13th year with the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH), promotes healthy lifestyles among Indigenous communities. It focuses on encouraging exercise, healthy eating, and addressing smoking and alcohol abuse. By utilising rugby league's appeal, the program drives positive change through educational workshops and community engagement. This ongoing collaboration underscores the commitment to improving health outcomes and supporting Indigenous communities through sport and education. This partnership also connects with DLD, which similarly aims to foster healthy behaviours and positive lifestyles among Indigenous youth through sport-based educational activities.

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Author broncos.com.au Timestamp Mon 11 Mar 2024, 05:23 PM

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In a powerful statement, the entire Brisbane Broncos NRL squad and football staff have today worn new Deadly Choices health check shirts during training.

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Sport as a cultural offset in Aboriginal Australia 

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Sport as a cultural offset in Aboriginal Australia 

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The article explores the role of sport in Aboriginal communities as a form of cultural offsetting. It examines the assumption that sport is a "natural fit" for Aboriginal Australians and whether sport-for-development (SfD) programs can compensate for the cultural, social, and environmental losses experienced by these communities due to colonialism and contemporary development. Swimming Australia’s initiatives, like "Deadly Little Dolphins," reflect the broader discussion in the article by using sport not just for skill development but also as a means of cultural preservation and self-determination within Aboriginal communities.

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Sport as a cultural offset in Aboriginal Australia 

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Sport and physical activity play important roles for Indigenous communities

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Sport and physical activity play important roles for Indigenous communities

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The sociocultural factors influencing Indigenous participation in sport, including the DLD program, involve historical exclusion, socio-economic disparities, and cultural disconnection. Colonisation and systemic discrimination have long marginalised First Peoples, limiting access to sports facilities and opportunities. Initiatives like ‘Deadly Little Dolphins’ address these barriers by fostering culturally safe environments that honour Indigenous traditions and values. These factors shape outcomes by encouraging early engagement in swimming, promoting health and safety, and creating pathways for Indigenous children to participate in mainstream sports. The program’s success lies in its ability to blend cultural respect with skill development, overcoming historical disadvantages.

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Physical activity and sport are important in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Traditional activities like hunting and caring for Country are still practised today. These activities require physical exertion and have cultural significance.

Organised sport is important in many regional and remote communities where higher numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples live. This can be seen through competitions like the NSW Koori Knockout and the NAIDOC Netball Carnival.

Why is this important?

Many factors influence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in physical activity and sport. These can be classified as facilitators, that enable participation, or barriers, that can make participation more challenging.

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show fewer than four in ten Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults are doing enough physical activity. This is despite high Indigenous representation in professional sport, for example in Rugby League and AFL.

Doing physical activity has lots of positive health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes. There are also social benefits of participating in sport. Our previous research found some evidence of benefits for education, employment, culture, well-being, life skills and crime prevention.

Our new review found 62 different facilitators and 63 different barriers to physical activity and sport. Multiple, complex facilitators and barriers were experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults across Australia.

The review included 27 studies of over 750 total participants aged 18 and over. The studies were published between 2008 and 2020 and took place in urban, rural/regional and remote areas. Most involved interviews, "yarning" or storytelling with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Some studies focused on physical activity programs. Some studies had a sport focus. And some focused on physical activity together with nutrition.

The main physical activity and sport motivators were support from family, friends and program staff, and opportunities to connect with community or culture. The main barriers were a lack of transport and financial constraints. Also, a lack of time due to work, family or cultural commitments.

Feedback through Action Statements

Each facilitator and barrier were examined together to give five clear "Action Statements". These statements give practical guidance for how future programs can increase and sustain participation. They also give advice to improve current programs and strategies.

Action Statement 1: personal attitudes and life circumstances of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be considered

Many different attitudes, expectations and self-beliefs were identified that could either facilitate or hinder physical activity and sport participation. Physical activity needs to fit in with people's daily life and personal circumstances. These circumstances include health issues and socioeconomic issues. In urban areas, self-motivation made participation more achievable. But a lack of self‐motivation was a barrier in all geographic locations.

Action Statement 2: promote the holistic health and personal benefits of physical activity and address participation challenges

People described wanting to improve their health as a motivation to do physical activity and sport. However, health or physical issues were barriers to participating. This means coming up with strategies to overcome these barriers are essential. People also described being motivated to participate as they enjoy physical activity. However, injury or illness was also described as a barrier.

Action Statement 3: recognise the importance of family and cultural connections

Providing opportunities for positive connections with family, peers and networks can help people do physical activity and sport. Family commitments, including caring for children, were a common barrier. Racism was also a barrier. But the importance and influence of family, friends, community members and role models were very evident.

Action Statement 4: respect connections to culture and support communities to be supportive, safe, and well-resourced

At the community level, infrastructure and neighbourhood safety are important factors. Community relationships also play an important role that can help or hinder physical activity participation. Connecting to culture and access to culturally safe places and activities is also important.

Action Statement 5: physical activity and sport programs should be sustainably funded and open to participants' needs and expectations

Programs must accommodate the needs and expectations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Programs that are cost‐free, have a structure, provide transport and childcare and that are professionally delivered and well‐organised were appealing.

Next steps

Future decisions about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander physical activity and sport need to be made in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is also important to acknowledge the diversity in different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Decisions should be consistent with local views and customs.

Future research could evaluate the impact of future programs, or changes to current programs. This way, we can best understand the benefits of physical activity and sport for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and enhance future opportunities.
Rona Macniven This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. , Research Fellow, ; Bridget Allen, Research assistant, Neuroscience Research Australia, and John Evans, Professor, Indigenous Health Education, University of Technology Sydney

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Sport and physical activity play important roles for Indigenous communities, but there are barriers

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Physical activity and sport are important in Indigenous cultures. How can barriers to participation be removed?

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Indigenous Australians Perceptions' of Physical Activity: A Qualitative Systematic Review

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Indigenous Australians Perceptions' of Physical Activity

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Indigenous Australians Perceptions' of Physical Activity

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The sociocultural factors influencing the participation of First Peoples in the DLD program and similar initiatives include deep connections to family, community, and the natural environment. Physical activity embedded in cultural practices is valued, but barriers like shame, especially for women, and the impacts of colonisation and discrimination shape their experiences. These factors have led to a preference for culturally relevant group activities, emphasising collective identity and cultural continuity, which significantly shape the outcomes of such programs. Swimming Australia leverages these influences to foster cultural pride and community cohesion among Indigenous youth.

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The Deadly Choices Traditional Indigenous Games integrates Australia's First Peoples' perspectives by incorporating traditional games and cultural practices, fostering identity and pride while challenging Eurocentric approaches through cultural relevance and community engagement. To further inform and transform Australian sport systems, incorporating Indigenous-led training for staff and embedding cultural practices in all levels of sport would deepen understanding and respect. The ‘Deadly Little Dolphins’ program embraces these perspectives, promoting inclusivity and cultural pride in Australian sport. Long-term benefits include stronger community ties, enhanced cultural awareness, and greater inclusivity, enriching both the sport and broader Australian society.

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Traditional Indigenous Games - Deadly Choices

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The National Indigenous Sports Foundation (NISF) enhances Indigenous Australians' health and well-being through sports, focusing on increasing participation, fitness, and community engagement while celebrating Indigenous culture. It bridges gaps in sports access and opportunities through local and national partnerships. The NISF links to Swimming Australia and DLD by sharing a goal of promoting healthy lifestyles among Indigenous communities. While the NISF addresses a broad range of sports, ‘Deadly Little Dolphins’ specifically promotes swimming and water safety for Indigenous youth. Both programs aim to improve health outcomes and support youth development through sport.

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Australian Sports Commission NSO Funding

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Australian Sports Commission NSO Funding

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Sport Australia's investment announcements highlight recent funding aimed at boosting sports participation and improving facilities across Australia. These funds are designed to enhance access, support grassroots development, and upgrade facilities, fostering a more active population. For the 2024/2025 financial year, Swimming Australia has been allocated $6,850,000, with only $325,000 designated for participation growth. This limited funding poses a challenge for the ‘Deadly Little Dolphins’ program, which must compete with other Swimming Australia initiatives for financial support.

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Sport Australia is determined to have more Australians participating and excelling in sport, from grass-roots right up to the pinnacle of elite competition.

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Djabooly-djabooly: 'why don't they swim?': The ebb and flow of water in the lives of Australian Aboriginal women

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Djabooly-djabooly: 'why don't they swim?'

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Djabooly-djabooly: 'why don't they swim?'

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The article explores the historical and cultural significance of aquatic activities for Aboriginal women in Australia, emphasising their deep connection to water for sustenance, leisure, and cultural practices. It discusses how colonial displacement disrupted these traditions, leading to a decline in water-based activities among Aboriginal women. Contemporary challenges, such as limited access to water and safety concerns, are also examined, alongside efforts to revive these practices. Swimming Australia recognises this significance and aims to support and revive these traditions by improving water safety and access for First Nations communities through programs like DLD.

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Djabooly-djabooly  why don t they swim    the ebb and flow of water in the lives of Australian Aboriginal women

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The SwimAus Foundation's "Pool for Purpose" campaign funds new pools in remote and regional Australian communities, promoting water safety, physical fitness, and well-being. By enhancing access to swimming facilities, the campaign aims to reduce drowning rates and support community development. It directly benefits programs like DLD, which increase swimming participation among Indigenous children. These new pools provide safe spaces for Indigenous children to learn to swim, develop water safety skills, and engage in physical activity, while also fostering cultural connections. The initiative underscores Swimming Australia's commitment to inclusivity and health in underserved regions.

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Swimming Australia - SwimAus Foundation launches Pool for Purpose

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Swimming Australia has today launched its first major project under the SwimAus Foundation, the Pool

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CommBank Australia is an ideal sponsor for the ‘Deadly Little Dolphins’ program due to its dedication to diversity, inclusion, and community support. As a major financial institution, CommBank can provide essential funding for program expansion, infrastructure improvements, and swimming education resources. With a history of supporting local communities and sporting initiatives like AFL, Cricket Australia, and Netball Australia, CommBank aligns with DLD’s goal of boosting Indigenous youth participation in sports. Their extensive reach and media presence could raise awareness, attract additional support, and ensure the program’s growth and sustainability, demonstrating a strong alignment with shared values.

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CommBank has been proudly supporting women’s sports for more than 20 years.

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Staying Active Programs for kids - Pick Fresh, Play Fresh

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Woolworths is another potential sponsor for Swimming Australia's Deadly Little Dolphins Program due to its strong community focus and commitment to promoting health and wellness. Sponsorship would provide essential resources and support, enhancing program reach and impact. Benefits include increased funding for training and broader exposure for the initiative. Woolworths has successfully partnered with Cricket Australia and the Australian Olympic Team, showcasing its commitment to community and sport.

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'Sistas' and Aunties: sport, physical activity, and Indigenous Australian women

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'Sistas' and Aunties: sport, physical activity, and Indigenous Australian women

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'Sistas' and Aunties: sport, physical activity, and Indigenous Australian women

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The participation of Indigenous Australians in sport has deep historical and socio-cultural roots, disrupted by European colonisation which led to land dispossession and declines in traditional activities. Today, Indigenous Australians, especially women, participate in organised sports at lower rates than non-Indigenous Australians, facing barriers such as racism, economic constraints, and cultural obligations. Despite these challenges, sport remains crucial for community engagement and cultural preservation. Initiatives like DLD address these barriers by creating culturally safe spaces, offering role models, and providing access to swimming lessons, thus improving participation and supporting Indigenous communities.