Our Story Begins Here
❊ About Us
The Starfish Swim Group (Starfish), based in Darwin, Northern Territory, was initially formed in 2005 when Donna Rousham, a parent of a child living with disability, recognised the need to assist children with special needs to learn to swim and be safe in the water. One-on-one pace-based instruction was required. The aim was to provide an opportunity for families who have children with a disability to access a specialised water skills program, one that was quite different to mainstream water safety environments. The program grew successfully over several years with over 100 kids participating across varied age groups. The group has been privileged to watch a large cohort of kids grow through their childhoods, developing confidence, skills and a love of the water. In 2025 the program unfortunately experienced a short term closure, however, is up and running with renewed energy in 2026.
The programs now offer small group classes for younger children, primarily one-on-one instruction and two on one where a buddy system is introduced.
Starfish is an unincorporated community group that enjoys having an auspice partnership with Total Recreation NT. Starfish values working collaboratively and maintains strong and productive community partnerships which directly benefit the kids in our program. Starfish is currently in a strategic planning phase to strengthen our future direction and ensure the program remains sustainable.
Our Vision
Inclusion water safety is available for kids of all abilities.
Our Mission
To promote and deliver specialised water safety and swimming skills for kids who have unique abilities and special needs.
Purpose
Our purpose of Starfish is to create a safe water environment by providing inclusive specialised programs in supporting each individual child with disabilities, aged 6 months to 13 years old without the financial hardship.
Our Values
SAFETY
INCLUSION
COMMUNITY
WELLBEING
FUN
Our Objectives
Starfish objectives for young children living with disability are to:
Have opportunities for individualised instruction and learn to swim according to their own needs and at their own pace
Support early movement in children with diverse limitations, improving muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance. Applying the use of water resistance to support postural control, balance and coordination in a safe and low impact environment.
Build self-confidence and safety awareness using water sensory to improve emotional regulation. This reduces anxiety, stress or behavioural dysregulation to improve attention, focus and participation.
Promote supportive relationships within the Starfish community and include opportunities for connection, social interaction and peer support with families of the children who attend.