A First Nations swimming group at Beenleigh has given a Tanah Merah mum a sense of community and belonging.
For Tahnee Minchin, taking her baby boy Tanner to swimming lessons was a job for her husband.
But finding a First Nations swimming group for mums and bubs changed that, and as the program came to an end in December 2021, she had made friends and discovered her son’s love of the water.
The Tanah Merah mum says she was hesitant to take the plunge, but then she heard of a First Nations group being run from Beenleigh Aquatic Centre.
“I saw an ad on Facebook and I thought it would be a great way to try and connect with some other mums in the First Nations community.
“It’s been great, everyone gets along so well.
“The instructors and everyone involved are very welcoming and it feels nice to be with other First Nations families.
“That aspect made it feel like it was going to be a safe space, being around Mob like that.
“I’ve exchanged numbers with a few of the girls in the group and we will be getting together even though the class has finished for now.
“The group also offers free transport for people who don’t drive so everyone can make it, I haven’t used that service but it really means a lot for those who do.
“It’s just really lovely to feel like a part of the community and Tanner loves the water.
“Sometimes he has been really tired and I’ve wondered if we should skip the session but as soon as he gets in the water, he stops being tired and just loves it.”
The next series of First Nations Mums and Bubs swimming groups will be held early next year.
