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

From keeping complex plant systems running safely and efficiently to developing the people who operate them, Aquatic Technical Operators play a critical role behind the scenes of WA’s aquatic facilities.

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.

Regional Winner – Trevor Caporn

Since joining the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu in October 2024, Trevor has brought extensive industry experience and a practical, hands-on approach to improving the Wongan Hills Memorial Swimming Pool.

Among the improvements delivered under his leadership are a new soda ash dosing system to provide more consistent pH management and reduce manual intervention, along with modifications to the balance tank that have improved reliability and prevented water loss during power outages. His focus on finding practical solutions has improved efficiency while reducing labour requirements and costs.

Safety has been another priority, with Trevor driving improvements to the first aid room, emergency shower facilities, signage and site security. Just as importantly for a regional facility, he has focused on building local capability by mentoring swimming club members through Bronze Medallion training and pool inductions and generously sharing his technical knowledge with others.

Trevor’s recognition also came in a significant year, with the Awards marking his 20 years of service to the industry.

Metropolitan Winner – Tahlia Cappeluti

At Riverton and Cannington Leisureplex, Tahlia has established herself as a highly capable technical operator and emerging operational leader.

Her strong knowledge of plant systems and maintenance planning is matched by a significant commitment to safety and continuous improvement. Tahlia has personally authored more than 20 Safe Work Procedures and reviewed and updated a further 20, while also helping improve plant room signage, Job Safety Analyses and Safety Data Sheets.

She has also invested heavily in developing others, mentoring six new Duty Officers, creating 24 training infographics and contributing to improved induction resources across several operational roles. Her leadership has extended into acting supervisory positions across Lifeguarding and Aquatics and Customer Experience.

Tahlia has twice demonstrated her ability to put her training into action during serious medical emergencies, including a child emergency in April 2025 and an adult cardiac arrest in September 2025. Her responses resulted in recognition through Royal Life Saving Bravery Awards.

Together, Trevor and Tahlia demonstrate the depth of technical expertise, leadership and commitment found across WA’s aquatic industry.

LIWA Aquatics congratulates Trevor Caporn and Tahlia Cappeluti on being named the 2026 Regional and Metropolitan Aquatic Technical Operators of the Year.