The third annual WA Aquatic Recreation Industry (ARI) Awards, hosted by LIWA Aquatics, honoured the leading professionals in the state’s aquatic recreation sector. 

The Awards Dinner took place on the first night of the WA Aquatic Recreation Conference at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

These awards recognise excellence among individuals, aquatic facilities, their staff, and organisations, acknowledging their dedication to enhancing aquatic recreation communities, programs, facility operations, management, and safety. Nominees are put forward by their colleagues within the industry to be considered for the awards.

The evening opened by Master of Ceremonies Simon Beaumont and LIWA President Nick Wilkinson before proceeding to the first half of the organisational awards.

The main course was served before former LIWA Executive Officer Tony Head addressed the room on 20 years of the Watch Around Water program and all that has been achieved in that time.

The second half of the organisational awards were presented before the individual awards and then dessert!

The night was closed out with the presentation of the Smith Robertson Award, which was won by Royal Life Saving WA Remote Pool Manager Graeme Pollett, who has been a beacon of dedication and resilience in the aquatic community.

Graeme has made significant strides in the aquatics industry, managing the refurbishment of Katanning Pool and leading the construction of Bridgetown Pool. His dedication to LIWA Aquatics and Royal Life Saving is evident in his role in organising regional seminars to showcase these upgraded facilities.

For the past four seasons, Graeme has served as Pool Manager at Balgo Community Pool, 250 km south of Halls Creek. Despite facing extraordinary challenges, including four months of isolation due to floods, he remained committed to the community. In Balgo, he provided vital services such as performing CPR, sheltering children at the pool, and managing multiple crises, including fires and break-ins.

Under his leadership, the Balgo Community Pool has thrived, offering a range of programs and fostering strong community relationships. Graeme has also mentored young people and aspiring pool managers, significantly contributing to the industry.

As he transitions to Pool Manager in Kalumburu, Graeme continues to embody the qualities of a true leader. His new role in an even more remote location reflects his adventurous spirit and dedication to the profession, only further highlighting how deserving of this award he truly is.

Thank you to our sponsors and supporters: Jonas Leisure, ezidebit, Royal Life Saving Society Western Australia, Water Corporation, and Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries with Lotterywest.

Congratulations to all of our award winners, nominees and attendees for a fantastic night. We can’t wait to see you all again next year!

Organisational Awards

·        Sustainability Award - Craigie Leisure Centre

·        Aquatic Facility Safety Award - Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre

·       Watch Around Water Facility of the Year Award - Metro: Beatty Park Leisure Centre, Regional: Derby Memorial Swimming Pool

·        Community Impact Award - Kwinana Requatic

·        Swim School of the Year - Kwinana Swim School

Individual Awards

·        Pool Lifeguard of the Year - David Rennardson, Derby Memorial Swimming Pool

·        Aquatic Technical Operator of the Year - Kevin Concha, Beatty Park

·        Emerging Leader of the Year - Jackson Sainty, Derby Memorial Swimming Pool and  Gordon Cheok, Kwinana Recquatic

·         Swim Teacher of the Year - Rachel Morgan, Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre

·         Smith Robertson Award - Graeme Pollett

WaterWise Endorsements - sponsored by Water Corporation

Developed by Water Corporation in partnership with LIWA Aquatics to recognise aquatic centres for their commitment to saving water, the Waterwise Aquatic Centre program provides support, advice, and resources to work towards the centres commitment to implement water efficiency actions.

Five years or more:

·         Onslow Aquatic Centre

·         Quairading Memorial Swimming Pool

·         Williams Swimming Pool

·         Waroona Recreation and Aquatic Centre

Platinum Waterwise Councils of the Year:

·         Wanneroo Aquamotion

Newly endorsed Waterwise Aquatic Centres:

·       Collie Mineworkers Memorial Pool

·         Hyden Swimming Pool

Industry Service Award recipients

30 years of service:

·         Eddie Gibbs

·         Kim Johnson

·         Eleanor Lee

·         John Simmonds

·         Richard Duke

20 years of service:

·         Jabin Herd

·         John Main

·         Chris Romans

·         Colleen Browner

·         Ian Chester

·         Sandra Murphy

·         Warwick Westmore

10 years of service: 

·         Jordan Caffery

·         Rebecca Foulkes-Taylor

·         Kassandra Hooper

·         Casey Zepnick

·         Christopher Ancliffe

·         Jedd Parkinson

·         Jennifer Little

·         Jonathan Shapcott

·         Amy Giltrow

·         Julia Hendley

·         Keith Howe

·         Mark Hubbard

·         Michaela Florisson

·         Nick Allen

·         Selena Brown

·         Taku Korogi

·         Talia Galloway

·        Tim Saunders

·         Verity  Bignell