Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown—Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault)—For those of us who live near the coast, learning to swim is an essential part of growing up, and is fundamentally important for all of us who live in and around Lake Macquarie, which is the largest saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere, and we are privileged to live close to so many beautiful beaches. Some of our newest neighbours who have become citizens, for a myriad of different reasons, often do not know how to swim, and so it's great to see that Charlestown Swimming Pool is again hosting the Splash of Colour program, which is a free, 12-week swimming programme for international women. In the course about to commence women from Kenya, Zimbabwe, India Peru, China, Venezuela, Rwanda, Nigeria and Colombia are participating. Ennia Jones, the Program's lead rightly notes that "Swimming is not just a recreational activity but a vital life skill that enhances safety, health, social integration and cultural empowerment for CALD adults", and I wish Ennia and the team at Charlestown Pool the very best for the coming months.

A Community Recognition Notice is an opportunity for an MP to submit a short statement praising the work of an individual or group in the local community. If you have any ideas about people I can recognise with a Community Recognition Notice, please email and let me know!