Life Members

Life Membership

Life Membership of The Leisure Institute of Western Australia (Aquatics) Inc. (LIWA) is the highest honour the Institute may confer. It recognises individuals whose service to LIWA and to the aquatic & recreation industry has been distinguished by exceptional leadership, integrity, dedication and lasting influence. Life Membership is intended to honour those whose contribution has gone well beyond the normal expectations of professional or voluntary service and whose work has materially strengthened the Institute and the industry it represents.

Life Membership also serves to preserve the history, culture and professional standards of LIWA by formally recognising those individuals whose legacy continues to shape the organisation and the broader aquatic sector.

Authority

Rule 4.3.2 of the LIWA Constitution, empowers members to nominate individuals for Life Membership, authorises the Board to assess and recommend nominees, and requires final approval by the membership at an Annual General Meeting. This ensures those constitutional powers are exercised in a fair, transparent and consistent manner that protects the prestige and integrity of Life Membership

Criteria

Life Membership is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional and sustained service to LIWA and the aquatic & recreation industry over a significant period, normally not less than ten years unless exceptional circumstances apply. The nominee must have held a LIWA membership for the duration of the period, with no lapse in membership.  In considering nominations, the Board will assess the nominee’s leadership, influence, professional reputation, and the tangible outcomes of their work for the Institute and the industry.

Relevant contributions may include, but are not limited to, governance, strategic leadership, advocacy, policy development, education and training, mentoring, industry representation, safety and risk leadership, innovation, or the development of facilities, programs or professional standards. The Board will consider both the scale and the enduring impact of the nominee’s contribution rather than simply the length of service.

Eligibility

Nominees must have made a significant and meaningful contribution to LIWA Aquatics or to the aquatic & recreation industry in Western Australia. Nominees are normally required to be current financial members at the time of nomination unless the Board determines that exceptional circumstances apply. Former members or industry leaders who have rendered extraordinary service may be considered where their contribution warrants recognition at the highest level.

Nominees must be of good standing within the industry and must have demonstrated professional conduct and values consistent with the objects and reputation of LIWA.

Nominations

A Life Membership nomination may be submitted at any time by any LIWA member. Each nomination must be proposed and seconded by two current financial members and submitted in writing through the approved process. Nominations must provide detailed evidence of the nominee’s contribution, including examples of leadership, service, influence, contribution to the Institute, contribution to the industry, and alignment with LIWA Aquatics’ values and objectives.

Nominations must be treated as confidential to protect both the nominee and the integrity of the process. Members are encouraged to ensure nominations are carefully prepared and supported by appropriate evidence to allow the Board to make an informed assessment.

Life Member Nomination Form

Board Consideration

All Life Membership nominations are considered solely by the LIWA Aquatics Board. The Board retains absolute discretion to determine whether a nominee meets the standard required for Life Membership. The Board is not obliged to recommend any nominee and is not required to provide reasons for its decisions. The Board may also defer consideration of a nomination if further information is required.

Member Approval

Any nominee endorsed by the Board must be presented to the Annual General Meeting of LIWA Aquatics for approval in accordance with Rule 4.3.2 of the Constitution. Life Membership is only conferred if the members vote to accept the Board’s recommendation. This ensures that Life Membership reflects both Board endorsement and the collective support of the membership.

Rights and Privileges

Life Members are recognised as honoured members of LIWA Aquatics in acknowledgement of their exceptional contribution to the Institute and the aquatic recreation industry. Life Members receive complimentary membership for life.

Life Members