2022 ARV Industry Gala Awards recognise aquatic industry excellence

Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) has acknowledged excellence in the industry at its 2022 awards, presenting 25 awards at a gala event, presented by Perfect Gym.

Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 2nd September at a presentation attended by 736 people, the ceremony acknowledged and celebrated a wide range of organisations and individuals and their achievements.

This year’s celebration, the ARV’s 23rd Industry Awards, night showcased our industry’s innovations, achievements and incredible resilience after a challenging few years, with 170 nominations, assessed by 70 judges.

Commenting on the event, Aquatics and Recreation Victoria Chief Executive, Kathy Parton stated “these awards provide a unique opportunity for all those who plan, design, build, manage, operate, supply or service our Victorian aquatic and recreation facilities to come together to celebrate their individual and organisational achievements and the positive impacts that the industry has had on the Victorian community.

“The significance of these awards was demonstrated by the record attendance and award nominations (through what) was an extraordinary year for our industry.

“I am very proud of the collaborations that stood strong while we continued to innovate, collectively problem-solve and respond to whatever come our way – a lot of which was showcased throughout the many award nominations.”

Award judge Sami Yeomans, acting Aquatics Coordinator at the Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre, added “it was an honour to participate in the 2022 ARV Awards as one of 70 judges.

“The ARV Awards acknowledge individuals and the wider industry’s achievements and success.

“The difficulty in judging the category demonstrates the high quality of all nominees, and their dedication to safe and welcoming environments for all communities.”

List of winners:

Customer Service Award
• Nicole Ross, Peninsula Leisure
• Highly Commended: Lynda Chu-Shing, Splash Aqua Park and Leisure Centre – City of Hume

Membership Sales Award
• Jenna Smith, Aquapulse, Western Leisure Services

Duty Manager Award
• Mark Hetherington, Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre

Most Valuable Employee Award
• Libby Dewar, Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre
• Highly Commended: name redacted, Splash Aqua Park and Leisure Centre, City of Hume

Pool Lifeguard Award
• Caitlin McGraw, Aquapulse, Western Leisure Services

Swim Teacher Award
• Joanna Yang, Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre

Swim Teacher for Infants, Toddlers and Preschool
• Susan Hill, Knox Leisureworks, Belgravia Leisure
 
Swim Teacher for Persons with a Disability
• Sharon Wrobel, South Gippsland Splash, The Y

Course Instructor Award
• Georgina Eddy, Aligned Leisure

Swim School Award
• Waves Leisure Centre, Kingston Active

Watch Around Water Award
• Sunshine Leisure Centre, Brimbank Leisure Centres
• Highly Commended: Aquapulse, Western Leisure Services

Nutrition and Healthy Choices Award
• Casey Stadium, the Y
A new Award in 2022, supported by Nutrition Australia Healthy Eating Advisory Service.

Emerging Leader
• Billy Sunjo, Eltham Leisure Centre, Aligned Leisure

Innovative Program Award
• Customer Care Team, Belgravia Leisure

Sustainability Award
• Sunshine Leisure Centre, Brimbank Leisure Centres

Marketing and Communications Award
• Nillumbik Leisure Facilities, Aligned Leisure

Group Exercise Instructor Award
• Mary Albert, Peninsula Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Peninsula Leisure

Personal Trainer Award
• Simon McCoy, Aquahub, Maroondah Leisure

Health Club Award
• Casey RACE, the Y

Community Impact Award
• Brimbank Access, Sunshine Leisure Centre – Brimbank Leisure Centres

Facility Management of the Year Award – Seasonal
• Pines Forest Outdoor Pool, Peninsula Leisure

Facility Management of the Year Award
• Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre, Campaspe Shire Council

Facility Management of the Year Award
• Casey Stadium, the Y

Facility Management of the Year Award
• Peninsula Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Peninsula Leisure.
• Highly Commended: Gippsland Aquatic and Recreation Centre, the Y and Yawa Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Belgravia Leisure.

Outstanding Contribution of the Industry
• Posthumously awarded to Don Hartley. 

ARV will be presenting a full event calendar in the coming months to round out the 2022 calendar year.

Article amended 30th July 2025 with a name redaction.

Image shows ARV team members at the awards.