Vote for LIWA Aquatics Board

LIWA Aquatics is excited to announce that seven individuals have been nominated for the one (1) available Board position, which will be filled during the upcoming AGM in October 2024. Each nominee brings valuable skills and perspectives that can greatly benefit LIWA Aquatics.

We encourage you to take a moment to read through all the nominees' bios before casting your vote . Your careful consideration is essential to selecting the best candidate to guide our organisation’s future.  Final voting closes at 6.00pm Wednesday 16 October 2024.

Jordan Caffery 

Jordan Caffery feels she would be an excellent addition to the LIWA Aquatics Board, bringing a wealth of experience in public relations, government engagement, and customer communication. Her ability to navigate complex, sensitive conversations—whether with staff, parents, or the public—positions her well to help shape policy and drive change in the industry. Jordan has extensive experience building and maintaining relationships with government bodies, which is crucial for joint projects and initiatives. Her strong communication skills, combined with a practical understanding of delivering tailored messages to diverse audiences, will enhance the board’s effectiveness in reaching broader demographics. Jordan’s background in training staff to manage these conversations with care and respect will help maintain LIWA’s reputation and ensure a positive public image. With a degree in project management and a long-standing career in the aquatic industry, she brings strategic, risk, and economic management skills to the table. Jordan's passion for inclusion and accessibility aligns with LIWA’s goals, and her operational insight will provide a valuable perspective on what members and stakeholders need moving forward. She is committed to driving innovation and excellence within the industry.

Lee Duffy

Lee Duffy’s deep expertise in swim school management and leadership makes him an ideal candidate for the LIWA Aquatics Board. With nearly two decades of experience in the industry, Lee has been instrumental in transforming the City of Wanneroo’s swim school into an award-winning program, receiving accolades such as the LIWA Swim School of the Year 2023. His expertise in managing financials, partnerships, and dispute resolution, alongside his strong compliance knowledge, demonstrates his well-rounded leadership skills. Lee’s ability to lead through significant changes, such as the shift from term-based swim lessons to an ongoing delivery method during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights his strategic thinking and adaptability. His leadership has been recognized through numerous industry awards, and his role as a community trainer for Royal Life Saving WA further showcases his dedication to the development of others. Lee believes strongly in the growing importance of swim schools within LIWA, and his representation on the board would ensure that swim teachers and programs continue to receive the support and recognition they deserve. His vision aligns with LIWA’s goals for future growth and inclusion in the industry.

Sian Edwards

Sian Edwards' extensive experience across metro and regional aquatic and recreation operations, combined with her deep cultural ties to the Kimberley region, makes her a unique and invaluable candidate for the LIWA Aquatics Board. With over 18 years of hands-on experience as a swim teacher and pool operator, Sian has worked in a wide variety of roles, from surf lifesaving and elite-level swim coaching to managing complex aquatic and recreation programs. Her leadership in remote and regional facilities provides her with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities these areas face, particularly in terms of access, inclusion, and community engagement. As a proud Aboriginal woman and emerging elder, Sian brings a strong cultural perspective, which will be vital in shaping policies around Indigenous engagement and inclusion within the aquatic industry. Her commitment to community development, local government programming, and staff management, coupled with her passion for mentoring, highlights her ability to contribute a diverse and knowledgeable voice to the board. Sian is ready to share her vast expertise and help drive meaningful, inclusive change for LIWA Aquatics.

Melissa (Mel) Hooke

Mel Hooke’s extensive 22-year career in the aquatics and recreation industry makes her a standout candidate for the LIWA Aquatics Board. With a wealth of experience in customer service, lifeguarding, and operations coordination across both Victoria and Western Australia, Mel has a well-rounded understanding of the industry’s best practices and the diverse communities it serves. Her strong advocacy for the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations and her track record of success in safety audits position her as a leader in facility safety and risk management. Mel has also spearheaded numerous change initiatives, including staff training programs, departmental restructuring, and the creation of new roles to increase productivity. Her passion for creating inclusive programs, such as female-only aquatic events and all-abilities basketball, highlights her commitment to community engagement and inclusivity. Mel’s experience working with local governments and industry bodies ensures she has the collaborative skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the board. Her drive for change and growth, along with her strategic mindset, will support LIWA’s efforts to innovate and improve industry standards.

Emma Lavery

Emma Lavery is a highly qualified candidate for the LIWA Aquatics Board, with extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, program development, and strategic operations. Her leadership at Kwinana Recquatic and her involvement with various committees, including the Multicultural Steering Committee and the Education, Care and Family Network, showcase her commitment to community engagement and inclusion. Emma’s innovative approach to swim school programming, particularly her creation of the SAIL program for Specialised Access Inclusion Lessons, reflects her passion for making aquatics accessible to all. This initiative has been nationally recognized, demonstrating Emma’s ability to lead projects that have a meaningful impact. Her role in transforming the team culture at Kwinana Recquatic, which contributed to the centre winning the AUSactive National Employer of Choice award, highlights her strong leadership and dedication to staff development. Emma’s ability to navigate compliance while driving innovative programs will bring fresh perspectives to the LIWA Board, especially in areas of inclusion, swim school excellence, and community engagement. Her experience and enthusiasm for the aquatics industry make her an excellent fit for the board.

Trent Smith 

With over 20 years of experience in the aquatic industry, Trent Smith offers deep insights and practical knowledge that would greatly benefit the LIWA Aquatics Board. As Aquatic Operations Manager for the Shire of Harvey, Trent has successfully led significant structural changes, focusing on training, recruitment, and retention of skilled staff in regional areas. His strong leadership in managing multimillion-dollar budgets and overseeing large-scale projects reflects his comprehensive understanding of both commercial and local government operations. Trent’s hands-on experience with legislative knowledge and risk management further underscores his suitability for the board. His dedication to advocating for regional training programs and retaining talent locally aligns with LIWA’s mission to ensure high standards of safety and service in aquatic facilities across Western Australia. Trent’s experience in negotiating wage conditions and his strategic input in navigating the ever-evolving employment landscape in aquatics demonstrates his readiness to tackle industry-wide challenges. He is eager to promote the aquatic industry as a positive career choice and believes his voice could help shape LIWA’s future initiatives.