About

A project that empowers First Nations communities

Remote Pools Project is a community led program that improves the health and vitality of First Nations communities, for present and future generations.

Working in partnership with communities, The Y Northern Territory has developed the Remote Pools Project as a new operating model for swimming pools in remote communities across the Northern Territory.

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The Y is committed to playing a part in improving health inequalities for First Nations peoples living in remote communities. The safe operation of swimming pools in remote communities, together with the delivery of community-led health promotion programs, fosters far-reaching health and wellbeing benefits for communities.

The Remote Pools Project provides children and young people living in remote communities with access to regular swimming and water safety education programs, to learn how to be safe in and around water – a crucial life skill and a protector against drowning.

The Y’s approach

The Y practises a community-led approach to our work in communities. Our intent is to ensure strengths and assets of the community are identified and the needs within the community are understood. We work with a range of community members to identify opportunities to improve health and wellbeing and deliver physical and social health outcomes for the whole community.

Developing mutual trust, understanding and meaningful relationships within each of the communities is vital and ensures that we can work together to maximise the benefits of the swimming pools and associated programs.

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The Remote Pools Project employs local people in the communities where we work and engages experienced volunteers to form teams who manage the swimming pool facilities and deliver programs. With very few employment opportunities in remote communities, the provision of training pathways and local jobs for local people is important and leads to greater health outcomes for individuals and families.

Working in partnership with communities enables us to work together to identify the health and well-being needs and aspirations of communities and to co-design and deliver programs to meet those needs.

Programs

Healthy living and hygiene:

A child’s daily swim at the local community pool is an experience that contributes to forming healthy lifestyle habits, increased physical activity and improved hygiene.

Healthy routines are integrated into all swimming programs and activities.

Our programs promote positive hygiene practises that help children understand the link between good hygiene and good health.

Hygiene expectations of pool entry are encouraged and practised including showering, and washing your hair, face and hands.

Health literacy is encouraged through promotion of Melbourne University's “clean faces, strong eyes” program, based on a 6-steps to germs prevention model, to encourage healthy hygiene practises to minimise the risk of developing trachoma.

Provision of fresh fruit for all children and families visiting the pool each day provides a nutritious snack and encourages healthy eating habits.

Physical activity:

Daily open swim sessions for community members offer the opportunity for regular physical activity.

Specific physical activity programs are also provided for different groups within community:

Aqua exercise classes for women
Water polo
Local football club training

To support the development of life-long water safety skills, the Remote Pools Project works in partnership with local schools and early learning centres to deliver a range of aquatic education programs.

Programs include:

Swimming and water safety lessons
Swim carnivals
Parent-baby classes for 0-2 years olds

Local community members are invited and encouraged to take part in annual Bronze Medallion training, building lifesaving skills and competency across the whole community.

During hot summers with temperatures often reaching over 40 degrees Celsius, the pool is a popular place for friends and families to meet.

A range of youth programs, in partnership with the local council Sport and Rec teams, are held regularly at the pool, including disco events, fella nights and kunga (women’s) nights.

Family-orientated community events are held regularly throughout the summer season.

Community benefits

The Remote Pools Project generates far-reaching benefits for remote communities.

Pools are open with free entry for all community members to ensure equitable access and daily opportunities for fitness, social connection, and the development of healthy lifestyle habits.

Improved water safety

Access to regular water safety education and swimming lessons, ensures children in First Nations communities can learn how to be safe in and around water – an important life skill and a protector against drowning.

Improved health outcomes

The washing of people, particularly children, and improved nutrition, are two healthy living practices that are based on best-practice public health knowledge internationally.

Promoting physical activity

Swimming and getting active in the pool are low-impact forms of exercise that are accessible to a wide range of people. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, swimming benefits the heart, lungs and circulatory health.

Long term employment

Job opportunities in remote communities are scarce. We offer local people employment in a range of roles and provide support with professional training and ongoing mentoring, leading to long-term employment.

Community wellbeing

The pool is a welcoming community hub, a place to learn life skills, socialise and encourage children to form healthy habits. During hot summers, the pool is a great place to cool down and an alternative to swimming in local waterholes, where often water can be stagnant and of poor quality, and, in the case of the Top End, croc-infested!

Improved school attendance

The Remote Pools Project works closely with local schools and community members to support “Yes School – Yes Pool”, an initiative to improve children’s school attendance rates.