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Memberships Transitioning to Financial Year Renewal Cycle

To simplify membership management and align with financial reporting periods, LIWA will be transitioning all memberships to a financial year renewal cycle, with membership renewal dates standardised to July 1st each year This new membership period will commence for all memberships on July 1st 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Aquatic & Recreation Workforce Guide: 2026 Australian Census

For the aquatic and recreation industry, the Census presents an important opportunity for Government to better understand the size, diversity and composition of our national workforce. The quality of this information, however, depends on people completing the occupation section of the Census consistently. This guide has been developed to enable that consistency across our Industry and ensure our workforce is represented as accurately as possible.

Meet Our Members: Simon Peppler

Simon Peppler's career in aquatics began at the age of 15 in England and has taken him from pool and beach lifeguarding to leading community recreation services in Western Australia. Along the way, he has built extensive experience across aquatic operations, Surf Life Saving WA and leisure facility management. Today, as Manager Community Services for the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup, Simon remains passionate about creating thriving communities through quality recreation and aquatic services.

Chlorine Exposure Limits Delayed

Safe Work Australia has delayed proposed changes to workplace exposure limits for chlorine, with current standards remaining in place from 1 December 2026 while further work is undertaken. LIWA welcomed the decision after advocating on behalf of Western Australia's aquatic industry, highlighting concerns around consultation, evidence, implementation costs and operational impacts.

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