AUSTSWIM announces recipients of its 2023 awards of excellence recipients

Australia’s pre-eminent provider of swimming and water safety teacher training, AUSTSWIM has announced the national recipients of its Awards of Excellence.

Presented at this year’s AUSTSWIM ‘Soak It Up’ International Conference held on the Gold Coast, the premier awards are presented to individuals and organisations in Australia that achieve the highest standards of aquatic education excellence.

The national AUSTSWIM Awards of Excellence recognise brilliance, commitment, and innovation in the teaching of swimming and water safety.

The awards were officially presented to each recipient by AUSTSWIM Ambassador Brooke Hanson OAM and AUSTSWIM Chief Executive Bradley Low.

Acknowledging the value of the program, Low commented “the AUSTSWIM Awards of Excellence began in 2004 with just three national award categories.

“These awards have now grown to over 15 categories and recognise our AUSTSWIM family on an international, national and state level.

“This significant growth is a testament to the dedication and passion within our industry and the continued importance of aquatic education. This year we received over 6,600 nominations across all the categories and are incredibly proud to see our industry come together to recognise brilliance, commitment, and innovation in the teaching of swimming and water safety.

“I would like to congratulate each of this year’s winners who are making an incredible and outstanding contribution to their local communities.”

AUSTSWIM 2023 awards of excellence recipients

Best new AUSTSWIM Teacher 
Grace Lingard, Western Australia - Hammond Park - Speed With Style

The AUSTSWIM Teacher of Adults 
Dianne Whitelaw, Victoria - Blairgowrie - YAWA Aquatic Centre

AUSTSWIM Teacher of Aquatics Access and Inclusion 
Danielle Lysle, Western Australia - Midvale, Aqualife Swim School

AUSTSWIM Aqua Instructor 
Marisa Zinghini, NSW - Ropes Crossing, Blacktown Aquatic Centre

AUSTSWIM Teacher of Competitive Strokes 
Louise Waller, Queensland -Currumbin Waters, Laurie Lawrence Swim School Burleigh

AUSTSWIM Teacher of Infant & Preschool Aquatics 
Jessica Adkins-Barber, Victoria - Ferntree Gully & Clayton, The Little Swim School

AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming & Water Safety 
Wanda Grime, Victoria - Narrawong, Portland Leisure and Aquatic Centre

Swim School of the Year Award (small) 
Goldfishbowl Swim School, Northern Territory - Yarrawonga

Swim School of the Year Award (large) 
iSwim @ Immanuel - South Adelaide

Trainer of the Year Award 
Sheryl Everett, Victoria - Croydon

Local Community Initiative of The Year 
SA Shores Program - iSwim @ Immanuel & Surf Life Saving SA - Adelaide

Most Significant Contribution to Water Safety 
The Kemp Family, Victoria - Maffra 

Most Outstanding Contribution to AUSTSWIM 
Nick Cox, Victoria - Belgravia Leisure 

AUSTSWIM Recognised Swim Centre - International Award Recipients 
Nettakallappa Aquatic Centre, India
D Swim Academy (DSA), Malaysia 

Best New AUSTSWIM Teacher - New Zealand 
Margaret Hutson

AUSTSWIM Teacher of the Year - New Zealand 
Kirstie Nash 

AUSTSWIM is privileged to have the opportunity to honour AUSTSWIM Teachers, trainers, Swim Centres, and programs who have each been outstanding in their field as well as those individuals that make a significant contribution to swimming and water safety.

Main image: Goldfishbowl Swim School, winner of the 2023 AUSTSWIM Swim School of the Year Award (small).