The WA aquatic and recreation community turned out in force last night, with more than 270 guests filling the Perth Conference and Exhibition Centre Ballroom for the 2025 WA Aquatic Recreation Industry (ARI) Awards Dinner. Hosted by 6PR’s Simon Beaumont, the event was a celebration of the people, programs, and facilities making a splash across the state.

The evening’s most memorable moment came when Wendy Cole was left “absolutely gobsmacked” to be named the recipient of the prestigious Smith Robertson Award. Still in disbelief as she took the stage, Cole was met with a standing ovation from her peers.

In another crowd-favourite moment, the Shire of Coorow’s Deputy CEO, Sam Curulli, received a roaring applause when stepping up to collect the Watch Around Water – Regional award for the Coorow Aquatic Centre. The heartfelt cheers perfectly captured the spirit of unity and mutual respect that defines WA’s aquatics industry.

Top Honours for Facilities & Programs

Facility of the Year went to Stirling Leisure Inglewood, City of Stirling, recognised for its innovation and community impact. Wanneroo Aquamotion took out Highly Commended in this category – one of three awards the City of Wanneroo facility would feature in on the night.

Watch Around Water winners included Cannington and Riverton Leisureplex, City of Canning in the Metro category, and the celebrated Coorow Aquatic Centre, Shire of Coorow for Regional.

Sustainability leadership was acknowledged with the Claremont Aquatic Centre winning the Sustainability Award, while Wanneroo Aquamotion claimed the Aquatic Facility Safety Award.

Gosnells Leisure World, City of Gosnells took home the Community Impact Award for programs delivering measurable benefits to health, inclusion, and community connection.

The Swim School of the Year was awarded to Wanneroo Aquamotion, with Highly Commended honours shared between Armadale Swim School and Water Ponyz Swim School.

Celebrating the People Behind the Pools

Pool Lifeguard of the Year went to Miriam Ohuma from Goldfields Oasis Recreation Centre, City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, recognised for her exceptional skills and dedication to safety.

Maddilyn McGrinder, from Eneabba Aquatic Centre, Shire of Carnamah, claimed Aquatic Technical Operator of the Year, while Cyrus Milne of Water Ponyz Swim School took home Emerging Leader of the Year.

Helen Harris, from Aqualife Swim School, Town of Victoria Park, was named Swim Teacher of the Year, acknowledging her outstanding commitment to education and water safety.

Highly Commended awards across these categories went to:

• Pool Lifeguard of the Year: Tiana Thomas, Armadale Fitness & Aquatic Centre; Andre Desveaux, Wanneroo Aquamotion
• Aquatic Technical Operator of the Year: Ken Yu, Kwinana Recquatic; Shelby Hyde, Scarborough Beach Pool
• Emerging Leader of the Year: Lauren Gastevich, Craigie Leisure Centre
• Swim Teacher of the Year: Sacha Dewit, Cyrus Milne, Water Ponyz Swim School; Ryan Lee, Beatty Park Leisure Centre

“These awards recognise not just excellence in operations and safety, but the passion, creativity, and teamwork that make aquatic facilities so vital to our communities,” said LIWA Executive Officer Leith Fradd “From bustling metro centres to small regional pools, every winner has shown they are making a real difference.”

With big wins for both regional champions and metropolitan leaders, the 2025 ARI Awards cemented their role as the industry’s most prestigious night of recognition, leaving the room buzzing with pride, inspiration, and perhaps a little friendly rivalry for 2026.