Recipients of Starfish Nippers Start-up Equipment Kits announced
Surf Life Saving Tasmania (SLST) in partnership with Variety – the Children’s Charity Tasmania is proud to announce the successful recipients of the Starfish Nippers Start-up Equipment Kits that will supply clubs across the state with the gear they need to set up and run their own Starfish Nippers program this summer.
SLST’s programs, such as Starfish Nippers, aims to increase social inclusion and participation levels in beach activities for children (from ages 5) and young people with an intellectual impairment, physical disability and/ additional needs who find themselves capable but challenged by the requirements of mainstream junior Surf Life Saving programs. Recently, increased accessibility to purpose-built facilities and beach access wheelchairs has seen more Tasmanians participate in aquatic activities. In Hobart, there has been a noticeable growth of interest in the SLST facilitated programs, but in some areas of the state there are currently no aquatic based recreational programs available to people with a disability and their families and or carers.
Through utilising the growing network of beach access wheelchairs and club facilities becoming more accessible than ever, SLST have accessed funding and understand the importance of collaboration with like-minded organisations, service providers and organisations striving to achieving the same in terms of inclusion and accessibility for all Tasmanians. SLST is therefore extremely thrilled to announce through the new 3-year Community Partnership with Variety Tasmania, the following initiatives were successful and clubs will be provided equipment to set up and run their own Starfish Nippers program this summer.
• Clifton Beach SLSC, Carlton Park SLSC & Kingston Beach SLSC (Southern SLSCs Collab) – Aim to run 3 Sessions at Kingston Beach, Carlton Beach and a Hobart’s Eastern Shore location (venue TBC)
• Penguin SLSC & Ulverstone SLSC (Joint Initiative) – Aim to run 4, monthly Starfish Nippers Sessions and teaming up with a local disability service provider and utilise local school network
• Devonport SLSC & Port Sorell SLSC (Joint Initiative) – Aim to run 4 Starfish Nippers Sessions with the ultimate goal of incorporating Starfish Nippers into a week-long summer vacation activity program
• Bridport SLSC – Aim to run 2 Starfish Nippers Sessions in January and collaborate with St. Giles Tasmania
Full details of Starfish Nippers and the programs to be run around the state will be available shortly on our website at https://www.slst.asn.au/training-education/community-programs/. Registrations will be managed centrally with SLST with the intention of forming a network of families from across Tasmania getting involved and sharing experiences. Watch this space!
The successful clubs must be acknowledged for their considered applications and programs that demonstrate collaboration and commitment of a shared vision. On behalf of SLST and Variety Tasmania, Congratulations to all successful clubs and we look forward to working with you to roll out your programs this summer!
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Leanne Johannesen | Training & Community Programs Manager
M: 0447 287 847
E: [email protected]
