Aquatics and Recreation Institute NSW celebrates record-breaking 2024 Awards of Excellence

The Aquatics and Recreation Institute NSW (ARI NSW) hosted its largest-ever Awards of Excellence ceremony on 17th October at the Waterview in Sydney’s Bicentennial Park, Sydney.

With a sold-out event, the Awards Night brought together ARI Members and key partners from across the aquatics and recreation sector to honour outstanding achievements.

A total of 19 prestigious awards were presented, highlighting the exceptional contributions of individuals and facilities dedicated to promoting health, fitness, water safety and community engagement.

Shared his excitement about the success of the evening, ARI NSW Chairperson, Marco Blanco stated “the Awards night was a celebration of the incredible people and organisations within the Aquatics and Recreation industry.

“The sector demonstrates a significant social impact, that helps people lead healthy and active lifestyles, have fun, and be better connected to their local communities.

“We congratulate all nominees, finalists and winners.”

The evening was filled with incredible moments, some of which included an emotional tribute to Roz Neville, ARI NSW Life Member, who received the inaugural 'Distinguished Service' Award for her dedication and service to the sector, and 'Chip' Hanson of Wollondilly Leisure Centre, the first person living with Down Syndrome to receive Swim Teacher of the Year and a heartfelt standing ovation for his acceptance speech. "

The celebration recognised those individuals, teams and organisations that have gone above and beyond to make a lasting impact.

ARI NSW 2024 Awards of Excellence Winners

Accessibility Award - sponsored by Para Mobility 
Maitland Aquatic Centre, Maitland City Council

Diversity & Inclusion Award - sponsored by Belgravia Foundation
Liverpool Region, Belgravia Leisure 

Social Impact Award - sponsored by Life Fitness
Inner West Aquatic Facilities, Inner West Council

Children's Program of the Year Award - sponsored by Little Toggs
Junior Beach Safety Program, Greenwich Baths - BlueFit 

Child Safeguarding Award - sponsored by Child Safeguard
Joint Winners- Bluefit & Inner West Aquatics & Recreation

Environmental Sustainability Award - sponsored by Roejen Engineering & Technical Services
Maitland City Council 

Marketing & Communications Award - sponsored by Australasian Leisure Management 
Parramatta Aquatic Centre, City of Parramatta 

Innovation & Technology Award - sponsored by Xplor Recreation
Lane Cove Aquatic & Leisure Centre, Bluefit 

Customer Service Team of the Year Award - sponsored by Roejen Engineering & Technical Services 
Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic Centre, Macquarie University 

Lifeguard of the Year - sponsored by Lifeguarding Services Australia 
Jennifer Murillo, Parramatta Aquatic Centre - City of Parramatta

Duty Manager of the Year - sponsored by BlueFit
Garry Sole, Leichhardt Aquatic Centre - Inner West Council 

Swim Teacher of the Year - sponsored by AMPD Academy 
Taylor ‘Chip’ Hanson, Wollondilly Community Leisure Centre - Belgravia Leisure 

Supplier of the Year - sponsored by ARI NSW 
Little Toggs 

Swim School of the Year - sponsored by AUSTSWIM 
Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic Centre - Macquarie University 

Emerging Leader Award - sponsored by Jonas Leisure 
Joint Winners - Lucy Collin, Lifeguarding Services Australia and Zach Byrnes, Regional Manager NSW - Belgravia Leisure 

ARI NSW Distinguished Service Award 
Roz Neville 

Adam Lloyd Memorial Spirit Award - sponsored by InterQuad and ARI NSW 
Maria Wakefield, Sydney Gymnastic & Aquatic Centre at West HQ

Award of Excellence - sponsored by Para Mobility 
Brad Vella, Sydney Gymnastic & Aquatic Centre at West HQ

A.H Pierce Memorial Facility of the Year Award - sponsored by InterQuad
Parramatta Aquatic Centre, City of Parramatta

Iimages: Roz Neville receives the inaugural ARI NSW Distinguished Service Award (top, from left: Louise Magee, Roz Neville, Ross McManus)