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From Bubbles to Gold Medals. Aquatic industry's best celebrated at the 2026 SWIM Australia Awards.

SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia

From Bubbles to Gold Medals. Aquatic industry’s best celebrated at the 2026 SWIM Australia Awards.

Glitz and glamour filled The Events Centre Caloundra on Saturday evening as SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia and SWIM Schools Australia celebrated the people and organisations shaping the future of swimming at the 2026 SWIM Australia Awards.

Hosted by Olympic gold medallist Giaan Rooney OAM OLY, the gala recognised achievement from learn to swim through to international competition. Special guests included Australian swimming legends and SWIM Life Members Dawn Fraser AC MBE OLY, Laurie Lawrence OAM, and Olympian Lani Pallister OAM OLY.

Dean Boxall, of St Peters Western, was named 2026 Coach of the Year, with the award presented by Lani Pallister, who was honoured to be able to support Boxall in receiving the award. Boxall’s swimmers delivered an outstanding Pan Pacific Championships campaign, earning four individual gold medals, two individual silver medals, an individual bronze and multiple relay medals. He also received the Open Water Coach of the Year award.

Kerrie Pride, of Holsworthy Aquatic Centre in New South Wales (NSW), received the coveted 2026 Swim Teacher of the Year award. She was also named SWIM Australia Teacher of Excellence for her engaging, adaptable approach to teaching water safety and building confidence among swimmers of all ages and abilities.

Two swim schools took home the year’s leading honours. 5 Star Swim Schools from NSW, represented by director Sara Tattoli, was named Metro Swim School of the Year, while Buoyant Swimming & Aquatics from South Australia, represented by Kimberley Falland and Tabitha Lewis, received Regional Swim School of the Year. 5 Star and Buoyant had also received multiple awards on the night, further cementing their Swim School of the Year status.

Dawn Fraser delivered a heartfelt speech about her pride in Australian swimming. She acknowledged the work of swim schools and teachers in raising water safety awareness and helping the next generation of Australian swimmers develop their skills and confidence.

The evening’s highest coaching distinction, Master Coach, was awarded to Leigh Nugent and Rohan Taylor (presented on Sunday in the opening keynote session) in recognition of their exceptional coaching careers and decades of leadership and mentorship. Retired SWIM President Lynn Lonngren received the Meritorious Service to Swimming in Australia award to a standing ovation, for more than 40 years of contribution to the sport, while Joanne Love was awarded SWIM Life Membership.

“Every winner recognised tonight has made a difference, whether they’re helping someone feel safe in the water for the first time, opening up lessons to families who couldn’t otherwise access them, or guiding athletes to success on the world stage,” said SWIM Chief Executive Officer Brendon Ward.

“What makes our swimming community so special is the dedication behind those achievements. Our coaches, teachers and swim schools give their time, knowledge and care to others every day, and these awards are an opportunity to celebrate that work.”

The awards formed part of SWIMCON26, held on the Sunshine Coast from 19 to 21 September under the theme Connect | Create | Celebrate. The gala was proudly sponsored by Vorgee.

About us:

SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia (SWIM) is the peak body for swimming Coaches, Teachers and Swim Schools in Australia.

SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia is dedicated to developing world leading practises in the education, accreditation, professional development and ongoing support for swimming Coaches and swimming and water safety Teachers, as well as developing and empowering our swim school network through the delivery of world’s best practice guidelines, professional development programs, growth opportunities and business support.

Whilst our core business is based in Australia, SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia has members throughout the world and delivers conferences, resources, courses and services overseas.

SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia also is an active member of both the World Swimming Coaches Association and the International Federation of Swimming Teachers Associations.

Contact details:

Brendon Ward | Chief Executive Officer

SWIM Coaches and Teachers Australia
M: 0427 308 220

W: www.swim.org.au

F: https://www.facebook.com/ASCTAAustralia