Last week, family, friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate Colin Hassell as he officially received his Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) at his investiture ceremony, recognising a lifetime of service and leadership across the aquatic and water safety industry. 

LIWA Aquatics proudly congratulates Life Member Colin on this well-deserved honour and acknowledges the extraordinary impact he has had on the aquatic industry in Western Australia over many decades.

For decades, Colin has been one of Western Australia’s most respected and influential voices in aquatics. His impact has extended across facility development, water safety advocacy, regional access, industry leadership and community participation, helping shape the aquatic industry into what it is today.

Throughout a career spanning more than 40 years, Colin has championed the role of aquatic facilities as essential community assets — places that improve safety, health, recreation and social connection for people of all ages and abilities.

After migrating to Western Australia in 1986, Colin held leadership roles at several major aquatic and recreation facilities including the City of Wanneroo Waterworld (now Craigie Leisure Centre), Gosnells Leisure World and the Geraldton Aquarena redevelopment. Across each of these projects, he focused not only on operational excellence, but on ensuring facilities delivered meaningful community outcomes and accessible aquatic opportunities.

Colin’s influence has also been deeply felt in regional Western Australia. He has long advocated for equitable access to swimming and water safety education for regional and remote communities, understanding the unique role aquatic facilities play in regional health, wellbeing and drowning prevention.

His commitment to industry collaboration and community outreach helped bring aquatic education and lifesaving programs to communities with limited access to services, including remote Aboriginal communities throughout the state.

One of Colin’s most memorable achievements was leading the iconic Swim Across Australia initiative, where a purpose-built swimming pool travelled more than 6,000 kilometres from Geraldton to Sydney to raise awareness and funds for toddler drowning prevention. The initiative captured national attention and highlighted the importance of water safety education for all Australians.

Beyond his professional achievements, Colin has played a significant leadership role across the aquatic and water safety sector through his long-standing involvement with Royal Life Saving WA, where he served as Board Director, President and mentor over more than two decades. 

Colin is widely respected across the industry for his humility, generosity and unwavering commitment to supporting others. Many aquatic professionals throughout Western Australia have benefited from his mentorship, guidance and advocacy, and his legacy continues to influence the sector today. 

LIWA Aquatics acknowledges Colin’s enormous contribution to the aquatic industry and congratulates him once again on this prestigious recognition. His leadership, vision and dedication have helped create safer, stronger and more connected aquatic communities across Western Australia, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.