Victorian swim teacher in running for national aquatics award

Swimming and water safety teacher, Jill Heffernan, has won the 2016 Victorian AUSTSWIM Teacher of Aquatics Access and Inclusion Award, a state honour which has recognised her work teaching aquatic safety and swimming skills to a diverse range of people at Kilsyth Centenary Pool.

With over 25 years industry experience, Heffernan has been a swimming and water safety teacher at Kilsyth Centenary Pool for three years with her efforts forming part of facility manager Belgravia Leisure’s Access and Inclusion Program,.

The industry-leading Access and Inclusion Program was founded last year by Belgravia Leisure’s National Disability and Diversity Manager, Associate Professor Jeff Walkley, and champions creating and fostering sport and recreation opportunities for all people, regardless of age, disability, health or cultural backgrounds.

Since 2015, the Program, the first of its kind to be privately funded, has been rolled out to almost 30 Belgravia Leisure centres across the country, across aquatics, golf and stadium sports.

Welcoming the receipt of her award, Heffernan explained “I’m so thrilled to receive this award.

“The Access and Inclusion Program is a great initiative which welcomes all people and allows me to modify and adapt training to each individual’s needs.

“The best part about it is seeing people, particularly those with a disability, build their confidence and accomplish their personal goals.”

Associate Professor Walkley adds “we are delighted to congratulate Jill on this wonderful achievement. With water safety skills high on government agendas at the moment, it’s great that Jill has been recognised on a state level for her work to ensure Australians, despite their age or ability, are safe around water.”

She will now go on to represent Victoria in the 2016 National AUSTSWIM Awards to be announced in 2017.

Belgravia Leisure is part of Australian company, Belgravia Group, which also owns Genesis Fitness Clubs and Corporate Health Management (CHM).

For more information about Belgravia Leisure go to www.belgravialeisure.com.au

Images: Jill Heffernan receives her 2016 Victorian AUSTSWIM award (top) and training a teenager with autism (below - courtesy of Lawrence Pinder).

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