2016 NSW Austswim Awards

Champions of the NSW aquatic industry were recognised at a gala ceremony on Friday 24 February 2017 at The Epping Club in Sydney.

More than 200 people attended the 2016 NSW AUSTSWIM Awards of Excellence presentation that acknowledged the contribution made by over 50 nominees to the teaching of swimming and water safety.

AUSTSWIM General Manager of Operations Jared Wilson 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.

Leading advocate in the push for drowning prevention David Macallister, from Baulkham Hills, received the 2016 NSW AUSTSWIM Most Outstanding Contribution Award. 

David has been involved with the Royal Life Saving Society for more than 30 years, and has been the CEO for the past 15 years. Under David’s leadership the partnership between AUSTSWIM and Royal Life Saving NSW has grown and strengthened for the benefit of everyone in and around water.

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

AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety Award
Kaylyn Tomkinson, from Villawood

AUSTSWIM Teacher of Infant and Preschool Aquatics Award
Krista Palmer, from Oatlands

AUSTSWIM Teacher of Aquatics – Access and Inclusion
Patricia King, from Tweed Heads South

AUSTSWIM Teacher of Adults
Sharon Falkner, from Woodcroft

AUSTSWIM WETS Aqua Instructor
Rowena Malone, from St Clair

AUSTSWIM Recognised Swim Centre of the Year
Ripples Leisure Centre, St Marys

AUSTSWIM Melissa van Poppel Presenter of the Year Award
Tryon Francis, from Alexandria

AUSTSWIM Melissa van Poppel Presenter Scholarship
Rebecca Gumm, from Coffs Harbour

The Melissa van Poppel award and scholarship hold 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.

For the first time AUSTSWIM welcomed sponsors for some of the awards.

Camp Counselors USA sponsored the 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 Teacher of Infant and Preschool Aquatics Award.

Rainbow Club, which has 16 clubs across NSW providing swimming and water safety lessons for children with a disability, was the sponsor of the Teacher of Aquatics - Access and Inclusion Award.

Jonas Leisure, which provides innovative software solutions in the leisure and recreation industries, sponsored the 2016 NSW AUSTSWIM Recognised Swim Centre Award.

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