AUSTSWIM awards excellence in aquatic education in NSW

Champions of the NSW aquatic industry have been recognised by AUSTSWIM at a recent awards ceremony in Sydney.

Former Olympian Elka Whalan was the Master of Ceremonies for just under 200 people at the 2018 NSW AUSTSWIM Awards of Excellence presentation. The presentation acknowledged the contribution made by over 100 nominees to the teaching of swimming and water safety.

AUSTSWIM Chairman John Rigby said the awards recognised brilliance, commitment and innovation in the teaching of swimming and water safety.

They are the premier awards presented to individuals or organisations in NSW that achieve the highest standards of aquatic education excellence.

AUSTSWIM welcomed several sponsors of the evening.

Child SafeGuard, sponsor of the Master of Ceremonies, passionately believe that children and young people should be kept out of harm’s way and provide organisations with tailored cutting-edge services to do so.

For the first time, industry supplier International Quadratics and Pierce Pool Supplies provided a photographic imaging booth, an addition that was incredibly well received by all, with guests taking the opportunity to capture the memories of the evening.

Leading advocate in teaching the importance of swimming and water safety, particularly in regional NSW, Diane Gray, from Armidale, received the 2018 NSW AUSTSWIM Most Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by the Aquatic and Recreation Institute (ARI) NSW.

Gray has been at the forefront of the aquatic industry for over 25 years, dedicating her life to AUSTSWIM and the wider water safety community.

Seven other award recipients were also acknowledged for their work and dedication:

AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety Award - Lynette Wooden, St Clair

AUSTSWIM Teacher of Infant and Preschool Aquatics Award - Hope Dawson, Campbelltown

AUSTSWIM Teacher of Aquatics – Access and Inclusion - Alison Feilen, St Marys

AUSTSWIM Teacher of Aquatics – Access and Inclusion (Adults) - Petrina Liyanage, Chatswood

AUSTSWIM Aqua WETS Instructor - Lesley Richardson, Cranebrook

AUSTSWIM Recognised Swim Centre of the Year - Aquatics Down Under, North Rocks

AUSTSWIM Melissa van Poppel Presenter of the Year Award - Monique Sneddon, Singleton

The Melissa van Poppel award holds a special place in the organisation as they honour the memory of outstanding AUSTSWIM presenter Melissa van Poppel, who was tragically killed in a car accident in 2007.

AUSTSWIM also welcomed sponsors for each of the awards.

Camp Counselors USA sponsored the AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety Award. AUSTSWIM teachers are in high demand for CCUSA summer camp jobs around the world.

Little Toggs, the Australian distributor for Splash About products, sponsored the AUSTSWIM Teacher of Infant and Preschool Aquatics Award.

Rainbow Club, has over 20 clubs across NSW providing swimming and water safety lessons for children with a disability, was the sponsor of the AUSTSWIM Teacher of Aquatics - Access and Inclusion Award.

Insurance Made Easy sponsored the AUSTSWIM Teacher of Aquatics – Access and Inclusion (Adults) Award. They are a trusted insurance broker for small to medium businesses servicing Australia-wide.

AquaFitnessOnline.com support all lovers of aqua fitness by providing them with workouts, resources, and information on new training and products to ensure we achieve the best possible water workout experience. This year, they sponsored the NSW AUSTSWIM Aqua WETS Instructor Award.

Jonas Leisure, which provides innovative software solutions in the leisure and recreation industries, sponsored the 2018 NSW AUSTSWIM Recognised Swim Centre Award.

ARI NSW sponsored the 2018 NSW AUSTSWIM Most Outstanding Contribution Award. ARI provide support, direction, training, information and networking opportunities for all members who are involved in aquatic and recreation services and facility management.

For more information about AUSTSWIM courses go to austswim.com.au

Image: AUSTSWIM 2018 Award winners. 

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