From 1 July 2025, the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (CITS) replaces the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC).
Intro
Hosted by the Perth Rainbow Swans and Team Perth, the event was a celebration of resilience and inclusion.
Among the competitors was Andrew Hayes-Morton, whose journey to the pool stretched back to 2002, where he taught himself freestyle in a quiet hotel pool so he could compete at the Sydney Gay Games.
“Sport is an essential outlet for queer people who are hoping to feel included,” he said.
“Once in the pool, everyone is equal…Out of the pool, diversity is not only accepted but fostered.”
After major stroke in 2017, swimming became part of his rehabilitation, joining the Rainbow Swans offered him a recovery pathway and sense of belonging.
For Daryl Brandwood, a former professional ballet dancer, the carnival was another stage. Swimming quickly became his meditation, sharpening his strokes and clearing his mind.
Guy Cox joined the Swans in 2022, overcoming a back injury, he improved his fitness and found a close circle of friends.
“Getting to regularly catch up with mates in the swimming environment and to see everyone challenging themselves and setting personal bests was very cool to watch,” he said.
“It shows there are other people out there just like us who enjoy sport and succeed in it.”
New recruit Imogen DiGiulio once competed at state level as a teenager but stepped away from swimming due to burnout.
Spotting the Swans at Pride Fairday earlier this year reignited her passion and coach Janet Bolton encouraged her to give it a try.
“It’s such a welcoming and inclusive group and it didn’t take long to feel like I was part of the community,” she said.
“Being part of an LGBTIQA+ inclusive sporting community like the Rainbow Swans means a lot to me.
“It’s a space where I can show up as my full self without fear or filters.”
Thanks to the WA Government’s Sport and Recreation Events Funding Program, the Rainbow Swans were able to plan, secure, and deliver this event, ensuring it rippled across the community.