Aquatic & Recreation Institute NSW - ARI NSW, PO Box 8307, Baulkham Hills (2026)

20/10/2026

🏆 2026 ARI NSW Awards of Excellence | A.H. Pierce Memorial Facility of the Year Award

Congratulations to Ashfield Aquatic Centre (Inner West Council), winner of the 2026 A.H. Pierce Memorial Facility of the Year Award!

One of the most prestigious facility awards in our industry, this award recognises excellence in aquatic operations, safety, customer service and community engagement.

Ashfield Aquatic Centre has demonstrated outstanding performance across all these areas, welcoming approximately one million visits during 2025/26, while continuing to grow its aquatic, fitness and community programs.

But it's the centre's commitment to safety and developing its people that really stands out.

Through its partnership with Royal Life Saving NSW, the team achieved some exceptional results in 2026, including a 96% Safety Audit score, 98% Five Star Safety Assessment score and 95% Mystery Guest Assessment score.

With approximately 280 employees, the centre has also placed a strong focus on staff training, leadership development and creating opportunities for career progression.

From inclusive community programs and Learn to Swim to innovative operational practices and sustainability initiatives, Ashfield Aquatic Centre continues to demonstrate what a well-managed community aquatic facility can achieve.

Congratulations to Inner West Council and the entire Ashfield Aquatic Centre team on this outstanding achievement! 👏

A special thank you to InterQuad, our proud sponsor of the A.H. Pierce Memorial Facility of the Year Award, for supporting and recognising excellence across our industry.

20/10/2026

🏆 2026 ARI NSW Awards of Excellence | Award of Excellence

Congratulations to Todd McHardy, Founder and CEO of BlueFit, recipient of the 2026 ARI NSW Award of Excellence!

The Award of Excellence is one of our industry's highest individual honours, recognising those who have made an outstanding and lasting contribution to the aquatic and recreation sector.

Todd's journey is certainly one worth recognising.

Since founding BlueFit in 2007 with a single facility at Lane Cove, Todd has grown the organisation into one of Australia's largest aquatic and leisure operators, now managing more than 70 facilities and employing approximately 3,000 people across the country.

Today, BlueFit delivers swimming lessons to more than 58,000 participants every week, alongside a wide range of aquatic, fitness and recreation programs.

But Todd's contribution goes well beyond the growth of BlueFit.

Through his commitment to developing people, embracing new technology and creating career opportunities, Todd has helped shape the direction of our industry and supported the development of countless aquatic professionals.

As an ARI NSW Board Director since 2023, Todd has also continued to give his time and experience back to the industry, contributing to important discussions, conferences and initiatives that benefit the wider sector.

This award recognises not just what Todd has built, but the opportunities he has created for others and the lasting impact he continues to have on our industry.

Congratulations Todd on this well-deserved recognition and for your outstanding contribution to the aquatic and recreation industry! 👏

A special thank you to Maytronics Commercial, our proud sponsor of the Award of Excellence, for supporting the recognition of outstanding industry leadership.

20/10/2026

🏆 2026 ARI NSW Awards of Excellence | Adam Lloyd Memorial Spirit Award

Congratulations to Gary Johnson from Tamworth Regional Council, winner of the 2026 Adam Lloyd Memorial Spirit Award!

This award holds a special place in our industry, recognising individuals who embody the generosity, passion and willingness to help others that Adam Lloyd was so well known for.

Gary has dedicated decades to improving aquatic safety, beginning his journey in surf lifesaving back in 1986.

Following a tragic drowning incident in 2001, Gary turned a difficult experience into a lifelong commitment to improving pool supervision, leading to the development of the SeeClearlyNow Pool Supervision Program.

But Gary's contribution goes well beyond aquatic safety.

Whether he's mentoring his team at Tamworth Regional Council, sharing his knowledge with industry colleagues or advocating for regional aquatic facilities, Gary is always willing to give his time and support to others.

And of course, anyone who has met Gary will know his colourful shirts are just as memorable as his enthusiasm and personality!

Gary represents everything this award stands for. Someone who genuinely cares about people, shares what he knows and wants to see our industry succeed.

Congratulations Gary on this incredibly well-deserved recognition! 👏

A special thank you to InterQuad and ARI NSW, proud co-sponsors of the Adam Lloyd Memorial Spirit Award, for supporting this meaningful recognition of Adam's legacy.

19/10/2026

🏆 2026 ARI NSW Awards of Excellence | Emerging Leader Award

Congratulations to Liv Stephenson from BlueFit, winner of the 2026 Emerging Leader Award!

At just 26, Liv has already built an impressive career in the aquatic and recreation industry, progressing from a group fitness instructor at 19 to her current role as Regional Manager for Newcastle Pools.

Through her leadership, Liv has helped strengthen community engagement, improve safety and develop the next generation of aquatic professionals.

One of her standout achievements has been leading the introduction of female CPR manikins into BlueFit's training programs, helping improve awareness of gender differences in emergency response and CPR training.

But Liv's contribution goes well beyond her role at BlueFit.

As an active member of the ARI NSW Young Leaders Advisory Group, Liv continues to share her knowledge and advocate for the industry through initiatives including AquaWomen, AUSTSWIM webinars and presentations at the ARI NSW Annual Conference.

Her willingness to step forward, challenge existing practices and support others is exactly what this award is about.

Congratulations Liv on this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to seeing the impact you continue to make across our industry! 👏

A special thank you to Jonas Leisure, our valued Gold Sponsor and proud sponsor of the Emerging Leader Award, for supporting the next generation of industry leaders.

19/10/2026

🏆 2026 ARI NSW Awards of Excellence | Lifeguard of the Year Award

Congratulations to Mark Anders from Sutherland Shire Council, winner of the 2026 Lifeguard of the Year Award!

With extensive experience across both pool lifeguarding and surf lifesaving, Mark has built a reputation for his exceptional vigilance, calm approach to emergencies and genuine commitment to keeping people safe.

From preventing incidents through early intervention to managing major first aid emergencies and helping develop improved pool supervision plans, Mark consistently demonstrates the importance of proactive lifeguarding.

But it's Mark's personality and connection with the community that make him stand out!

Whether he's educating families about the Keep Watch message, mentoring younger lifeguards, dressing up as the centre mascot or even dancing on pool deck during aqua aerobics classes, Mark brings plenty of energy and enthusiasm to his role.

A Life Member of North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club, Mark continues to share his knowledge and experience to help develop the next generation of aquatic professionals.

Congratulations Mark on this well-deserved recognition and for showing that great lifeguarding is just as much about preventing incidents as it is about responding to them! 👏

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor SET - Specialised Engineering Technologies PTY LTD/AngelEye, our proud sponsor of the Lifeguard of the Year Award, for supporting and recognising the important work of lifeguards across our industry.

19/10/2026

🏆 2026 ARI NSW Awards of Excellence | Duty Manager of the Year Award

Congratulations to Kyle MacLaren from Sutherland Shire Council, winner of the 2026 Duty Manager of the Year Award!

With more than 10 years of service at Sutherland Shire Leisure Centres, Kyle has earned the respect of his colleagues and customers through his strong leadership, technical expertise and genuine care for the people around him.

From managing complex incidents and coordinating a centre evacuation during severe weather to improving operational procedures and aquatic supervision standards, Kyle consistently demonstrates what it takes to lead a safe and well-run aquatic facility.

But it's his commitment to developing others that really stands out.

Through his involvement in the Duty Officer Pathway Program, Kyle shares his knowledge and experience to mentor emerging aquatic leaders, helping build confidence and capability across the team.

He's also built strong relationships with the local community, becoming a familiar and trusted face for many regular visitors to Engadine Leisure Centre.

Congratulations Kyle on this well-deserved recognition and for the positive impact you continue to make on your colleagues and community! 👏

Thank you to BlueFit, our proud sponsor of the Duty Manager of the Year Award, for supporting and recognising aquatic industry professionals.

19/10/2026

🏆 2026 ARI NSW Awards of Excellence | Swim School of the Year Award

Congratulations to SPLASHERS Swim School (Sutherland Shire Council), winner of the 2026 Swim School of the Year Award!

With a strong focus on swimming development, water safety and community inclusion, SPLASHERS has built a program that supports swimmers from their very first lessons through to Swim Academy and competitive swimming.

The results speak for themselves, with Swim Academy participation growing by approximately 75% since 2023, reflecting the success of its teaching programs and swimmer development pathways.

But it's the work beyond traditional swimming lessons that really stands out.

Through its Swim Safe Community Program, SPLASHERS has delivered more than 1,600 swimming and water safety sessions for culturally and linguistically diverse communities, helping remove barriers and provide essential water safety education to those who may otherwise miss out.

From dedicated Water Safety Weeks each school term to investing in teacher development and inclusive programs, the team continues to make a real difference in the community.

Congratulations to Sutherland Shire Council and the entire SPLASHERS team on this well-deserved recognition! 👏

Thank you to AUSTSWIM, our proud sponsor of the Swim School of the Year Award, for supporting excellence in swimming and water safety education.

19/10/2026

🏆 2026 ARI NSW Awards of Excellence | Swim Teacher of the Year Award

Congratulations to Amanda Blake from All Coast Swim Stars, winner of the 2026 Swim Teacher of the Year Award!

With more than 25 years of experience and over 5,260 students taught, Amanda has dedicated her career to helping children develop confidence, swimming skills and a lifelong understanding of water safety.

As the founder of All Coast Swim Stars, Amanda has built her teaching philosophy around one simple belief: confidence cannot be forced, it has to be built.

Known affectionately as "Miss Mandy", she has a special ability to connect with children, particularly those who are anxious, neurodivergent or need a little extra support. Through imaginative, play-based lessons, she turns swimming into an adventure, helping children overcome fears and achieve things they once thought impossible.

Her influence extends beyond the pool, mentoring fellow swim teachers, supporting families and helping develop the next generation of confident swimmers.

For Amanda, success isn't just about learning to swim. It's about building trust, celebrating the small victories and making every child feel capable.

Congratulations Amanda on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for the difference you continue to make in the lives of so many children and families! 👏

Thank you to AMPD Academy, our proud sponsor of the Swim Teacher of the Year Award, for supporting and recognising the incredible work of swim teachers across our industry.

19/10/2026

🏆 2026 ARI NSW Awards of Excellence | Aqua Instructor of the Year Award

Congratulations to Sharon Calabro from Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre (Inner West Council), winner of the 2026 Aqua Instructor of the Year Award!

With over 10 years of service at Inner West Council, Sharon has built a loyal following through her infectious energy, engaging classes and genuine connection with participants. As a professional singer, she's even known to bring a little live entertainment to her aqua sessions!

But it's Sharon's dedication to making fitness accessible to everyone that really stands out.

One particularly inspiring example is her work supporting a participant who is blind, helping them progress from aqua fitness classes into personal training and confidently using a gym for the very first time. Sharon has even helped the participant and their guide dog navigate the gym environment, opening up new opportunities for independence and wellbeing.

It's these personal connections and the difference Sharon makes in people's lives that make her such a deserving recipient.

Congratulations Sharon, and thank you for the energy, care and passion you bring to our industry! 👏

Thank you to AquaAlliance.com.au, our proud sponsor of the Aqua Instructor of the Year Award, for supporting and recognising our aquatic fitness professionals.

19/10/2026

🏆 2026 ARI NSW Awards of Excellence | Health Club of the Year Award

Congratulations to Parramatta Aquatic Centre (City of Parramatta), winner of the 2026 Health Club of the Year Award!

With a strong focus on member experience, personalised support and community wellbeing, Parramatta Aquatic Centre has created a welcoming fitness environment for people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels.

From Reformer Pilates and group fitness to personal training, fitness challenges and specialised programs for older adults, the team continues to provide opportunities for members to stay active, build confidence and achieve their health goals.

Over the past 12 months, the health club has achieved 12.45% revenue growth, alongside increased participation across its fitness programs and a continued focus on member engagement and retention.

Behind these achievements is a dedicated team of fitness professionals who take pride in supporting their members and building a strong sense of community.

Congratulations to the City of Parramatta and the entire Parramatta Aquatic Centre team on this well-deserved recognition! 👏

Thank you to NovoFit, our proud sponsor of the Health Club of the Year Award, for supporting excellence in health and fitness across our industry.

Aquatic & Recreation Institute NSW - ARI NSW

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