News

Tamzen Yates named 2026 Swim Teacher of the Year

Tamzen, from Superfins WA – Telethon Superfins Learn to Swim, was named Swim Teacher of the Year at the 2026 WA Aquatic & Recreation Industry Awards. Sponsored by Royal Life Saving WA, the award recognises outstanding teachers whose passion, professionalism and commitment help build confident, capable and safer swimmers.

Fri 25 Sep 2026

Meet our Members: Dianne Jupp

Dianne Jupp began her aquatic career more than 20 years ago after taking her children to Wundowie Pool and being offered the opportunity to manage the facility. She has since worked across Northam’s aquatic and recreation facilities and was appointed Manager of Recreation Services in March. Dianne is passionate about sharing her experience, mentoring young staff and supporting the next generation of industry professionals.

Fri 25 Sep 2026

Waterwise Partnership Renewed

LIWA Aquatics is pleased to continue its long-standing partnership with Water Corporation for 2026–27. Since 2012, the partnership has supported aquatic centres across Western Australia to improve water efficiency, share successful initiatives and receive recognition for their achievements. Since 2008, Waterwise programs supporting aquatic centres have helped save around 1.5 billion litres of water—enough to fill approximately 671 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Tue 22 Sep 2026

LIWA Board: EOI Director

LIWA is seeking a skilled and committed individual to join its Board as a voluntary Director and help shape the organisation’s future. Submit a written Expression of Interest outlining your capabilities, together with your résumé, by 7 October 2026.

Mon 21 Sep 2026

Smart Glasses & Wearable Recording Devices in Aquatic Facilities

Smart glasses and wearable recording devices are creating new privacy and child safeguarding challenges for aquatic facilities, with some Australian councils already introducing restrictions.

Sun 13 Sep 2026

Taya Downing named 2026 Customer Service Officer of the Year

Taya was named Customer Service Officer of the Year at the 2026 WA Aquatic & Recreation Industry Awards, presented by LIWA Aquatics. Introduced for the first time in 2026, the award recognises frontline staff who go above and beyond to create welcoming experiences for their members and communities.

Fri 11 Sep 2026

Ebony King named 2026 Emerging Leader of the Year

Ebony, from Riverton and Cannington Leisureplex, City of Canning, was named the 2026 Emerging Leader of the Year at the WA Aquatic & Recreation Industry Awards, proudly supported by event Platinum Sponsor Jonas Leisure. The award recognises young professionals demonstrating commitment, passion and the potential to become future leaders of WA’s aquatic and recreation industry.

Fri 11 Sep 2026

Trevor Caporn and Tahlia Cappeluti recognised as WA’s leading Aquatic Technical Operators

This year, LIWA Aquatics recognised excellence across both regional and metropolitan Western Australia, naming Trevor Caporn from Wongan Hills Memorial Swimming Pool, Shire of Wongan-Ballidu, the 2026 Regional Aquatic Technical Operator of the Year, and Tahlia Cappeluti from Riverton and Cannington Leisureplex, City of Canning, the 2026 Metropolitan Aquatic Technical Operator of the Year. The award was proudly sponsored by Brauer Swim.

Fri 11 Sep 2026

Sarahjayne Westberg recognised with 2026 President’s Award

Sarahjayne (SJ) Westberg from Cockburn ARC, City of Cockburn, was presented with the 2026 LIWA Aquatics President’s Award – Exceptional Service at the WA Aquatic & Recreation Industry Awards, proudly supported by event Platinum Sponsor Jonas Leisure. The award recognises exceptional service to WA’s aquatic recreation industry during the preceding 12 months and the positive, measurable impact created through that contribution.

Fri 11 Sep 2026

Chris Blankley honoured with LIWA Aquatics’ highest award

Chris Blankley, long-time leader at the Shire of Mundaring’s Bilgoman Aquatic Centre and Mt Helena Aquatic Centre, was presented with the 2026 Smith–Robertson Award at the WA Aquatic & Recreation Industry Awards, proudly supported by event Platinum Sponsor Jonas Leisure.

Tue 08 Sep 2026

Celebrating 40 Years in the Aquatic Industry – Graham Macauley

From Albany to the northern Goldfields, through the Wheatbelt and back home again, Graham Macauley’s 40-year career has taken him across Western Australia’s aquatic industry. Along the way, he has witnessed enormous changes in technology, facilities and the role aquatic centres play in their communities. We celebrate Graham’s remarkable career and four decades of service to the industry.

Tue 01 Sep 2026

2026 WA Aquatic & Recreation Awards

Western Australia’s aquatic and recreation industry came together at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday, 27 August for the fifth annual WA Aquatic & Recreation Industry Awards Dinner.

Mon 31 Aug 2026

Leanne Coverley-Brandis: Celebrating 40 years

Leanne Coverley-Brandis will be recognised for an incredible 40 years of service to the aquatic industry at the Aquatic & Recreation Industry Awards on Thursday, 27 August. From swimming teacher and pool operator to managing facilities across regional Western Australia, Leanne’s career has been defined by her commitment to water safety, community participation and supporting fellow aquatic professionals.

Mon 17 Aug 2026

Jonas Leisure Unveil Next Generation Leisure Management Software

Jonas Leisure will be unveiling VELEO, their next-generation leisure management software and most significant product launch in decades, at the WA Aquatic & Recreation Conference 2026.

Mon 10 Aug 2026

40 Years of Service: Justin Cooper

Justin Cooper will be recognised for 40 years of outstanding service to Western Australia's aquatic and recreation industry at the 2026 Aquatic & Recreation Industry Awards on 27 August. Renowned for his commitment to safety, operational excellence and mentoring, Justin's greatest legacy is the many aquatic professionals he has helped develop, making him a highly respected and influential figure in the industry.

Thu 06 Aug 2026

30 Years of Service: Cristiano Bradshaw

Congratulations to Cristiano Bradshaw on receiving a 2026 LIWA Industry Service Award in recognition of 30 years of dedication to the aquatic industry. Beginning his career as a lifeguard at Wanneroo Aquamotion in 1990, Cristiano has held a range of leadership and operational roles across WA and the UK, helping deliver safe, high-quality aquatic facilities for communities and elite sport alike. Read about Cristiano's journey and thoughts in our industry service Q&A.

Mon 03 Aug 2026

Start building your summer team now

As the weather begins to warm up, aquatic centres across Western Australia know what comes next – increased patronage, busier programs and the annual search for additional staff.

Mon 03 Aug 2026

Meet Erin Vis - Waterwise Aquatic Centre Program Coordinator

After 19 years with Water Corporation, Erin Vis is passionate about helping aquatic centres across Western Australia improve water efficiency and sustainability. Through the Waterwise Aquatic Centre Program, Erin works closely with facilities to provide practical advice, identify water-saving opportunities and build lasting relationships with the people behind our industry. Her top tip? You can't manage what you don't measure. Whether through a data logger or regular meter readings, monitoring w

Wed 29 Jul 2026