The Study Melbourne Inclusion Program (SMIP) forms part of Victoria's International Education Recovery Plan 2025 to support international students in Victoria.
The SMIP provides funding for activities that promote the wellbeing of international students and enhance their experience living in Victoria.
SMIP’s goal is for international students to have positive, rewarding and enriching experiences during their time in Victoria.
The program aims to:
• ensure all international students enjoy studying and living in Victoria and feel a strong sense of belonging and connectedness to the local community
• enable capable organisations to deliver high quality activities that improve the wellbeing of post-secondary international students living in Victoria
• fund activities that respond to emerging needs of international student cohorts
• encourage activities that place international students at the centre; genuinely involving them in the design, delivery and review of projects
• build the capacity and capability of Victoria’s education ecosystem to offer inclusive and culturally appropriate services
• increase international students’ access to mental and physical support and information services
• increase international students’ social connections and create positive opportunities for them to get involved in the local community
• support greater engagement with students studying with regional providers and remotely, with equal access to wellbeing services and empowerment programs.
Kangan Institute and Bendigo TAFE has been successful in receiving funding as part of the Study Melbourne Inclusion Program. Partnering with Life Saving Victoria to run a Beach and Water Safety Program.
The latest statistics from ABC news, released in June, showed 339 people drowned in Australian waters in the 2021–22 year.
It was a 15 per cent increase on the previous year, and a 24 per cent increase compared with the 10-year average.
"We have seen lots of accidents over the last few years. In particular, issues with international students who go out for fun without realising the safety requirements around beaches and oceans."
"Deaths by drowning are near an all-time high, we need to be training the next generations that come through if we are going to start addressing these drowning deaths."
The Beach and Water Safety Program will include a range of activities throughout the year. These activities are free for all current international students to participate.
Activity | Objectives | Description | Date |
Water Safety Incursion | Incursion Water Safety Presentation - delivered by Life Saving Victoria targeted at international students and delivered on site at Kangan Institute campuses. | Teaches students about water safety from the expertise of a surf lifesaver. This interactive experience empowers students to stay safe in a range of aquatic environments | 03/05/2023 1 hour program delivered on campus |
Diversity & Inclusion Pool Program | The Diversity and Inclusion Pool Program will foster greater diversity in our people and through community participation in water safety and resuscitation. | To learn water safety, swimming and resuscitation in a safe environment. You will be required to bring swimwear or lightweight clothing, towel, hats, water, some snacks, sunscreen and a change of dry clothes. | Wednesday 14th June 11am – 1pm This is a 2 hour session delivered at Melbourne City Baths Register here
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First Aid Course | This course will equip students with the skills and knowledge to act quickly and confidently in more than a dozen common first aid and emergency situations and managing the situation, assessing the casualty, and communicating with emergency services. The course also covers first aid frameworks, one and two person CPR as well as choking. | To recognize and respond to life threatening emergencies and provide first aid response to a casualty in a range of situations. | Tbc This is a one day face-to-face and online 5- hour course. |
Water Safety Incursion | Incursion Water Safety Presentation - delivered by Life Saving Victoria targeted at international students and delivered on site at Kangan Institute campuses (Docklands, Cremorne and/or Broadmeadows). | Teaches students about water safety from the expertise of a surf lifesaver. This interactive experience empowers students to stay safe in a range of aquatic environments
| July 2023 1 hour program delivered on campus |
Beach Program (including Life Saving Presentation Incursion) | This course will teach the practical and engaging water safety, lifesaving, and emergency response skills to empower students to make safe decisions while enjoying the beach. | Practical and engaging water safety, lifesaving, and emergency response skills. These skills empower students to make safe aquatic related decisions while enjoying their local waterways. | November 2023 This is a 3-hour program delivered at South Melbourne Beach (weather permitting, otherwise moved to Life Saving Victoria’s indoor facilities). |
Lifeguard Kits | To equip participants with an organised and properly stocked Lifeguard Kits for fun in the sun and around water. | A complete lifeguard kit including a Laerdal Pocket Mask, Notepad, Pencil and Hart Sport Pealess Whistle, pocket hand sanitiser, includes drink bottle holder. | These will be provided to students who participate in the First Aid Course and Beach and Pool Program. Students who attend multiple activities will only be eligible to receive one Lifeguard Kit. |
