40 Years of Service: Leanne Coverley-Brandis

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.

1. How did your journey in the aquatic industry begin?

My journey began somewhat unexpectedly while I was working as a swimming teacher during a working holiday around Australia. I had travelled from Narembeen as far as Port Hedland when the Education Department asked me to deliver swimming lessons and courses in neighbouring and remote communities.

For some of this work, I needed to hold a Pool Manager’s Certificate, so I travelled to Perth to complete the two-week course before undertaking the required 1,000 hours of practical experience. I spent an entire summer season at the Gatwick and South Hedland aquatic centres before receiving a phone call from Paul Beach in Harvey, who asked if I would come and work there because they were short of staff.

I spent two years in Harvey before travelling to the UK, where I worked as a pool operator, swimming teacher and coach. I later returned to Western Australia to manage the Brookton pool for two years, before travelling to Canada and taking on similar aquatic roles there.

2. What roles and organisations have been part of your journey?

I’ve been fortunate to experience almost every aspect of regional aquatic facility operations. I was Assistant Manager in Harvey and have managed facilities in Brookton, Wagin, Esperance, Geraldton and Mullewa, as well as working as a supervisor at Riverton and Cannington.

Over the years, I’ve worked as a pool manager, swimming teacher, swimming coach and aerobics teacher. In regional areas, where staffing could be limited, I was also regularly the Centre Supervisor for VacSwim and Interm Swimming programs.

That variety has given me the opportunity to work with many different communities and understand just how important local aquatic facilities can be, particularly in regional Western Australia.

3. What career highlights are you most proud of?

One of the biggest highlights was being involved with the Swimming for Bush Kids program throughout the Mid West. I travelled to communities and stations to teach swimming and first aid, as well as helping people learn how to operate their pools or make local waterholes safer places to swim. We would then bring participants into Geraldton to experience the Aquarena and the beach.

Another major highlight was seeing the refurbishment of the Geraldton Aquarena in 2012–13 and being part of that period of development.

Being recognised by the industry has also meant a great deal. Receiving the LIWA Smith Robertson Award in 2023 was a significant honour, as was being recognised by the Wheatbelt Pool Managers in 2024 for assisting country pool managers in undertaking their roles.

4. What has kept you involved for so many years?

For me, it has always been about giving people the opportunity to enjoy the water, learn to swim and do so safely.

I’ve had the privilege of teaching people from all walks of life and working in many different environments. That has often meant adapting training and operational procedures to suit individual communities and making sure people have the opportunity to enjoy the water safely.

The local swimming pool can play an incredibly important role in a community, particularly in regional areas. Being part of that is what has kept me involved.

5. What are some of the biggest industry changes you have seen?

The biggest changes have been around qualifications, compliance and the overall professionalisation of the industry.

There is now a much greater emphasis on formal qualifications, professional standards and ensuring people have the right skills to operate facilities safely and effectively. The industry has become more professional, and the skill level expected of aquatic professionals has continued to grow.

6. Who has influenced you along the way?

There have been several people who have had a significant influence on my career and the pathways I’ve taken.

Brian Schartws, Merv Hammond, Paul Beach and Marlene Stevens have all played an important part in my journey. Their influence, support and experience helped shape the direction of my career and my involvement in the aquatic industry.

7. What advice would you give someone starting out today?

Learn how to network, build relationships and provide great customer service.

Technical knowledge and qualifications are important, but the aquatic industry is ultimately about people. Building strong relationships with colleagues, industry peers and the communities you serve will help you throughout your career.

8. What does receiving a LIWA Industry Service Award mean to you?

My first reaction is probably: I’m old and I’ve been doing this for too long!

But on a more serious note, it is very special to be recognised by your peers after so many years in the industry. My career has taken me from small regional pools and remote communities to facilities overseas, but the focus has always remained the same – helping people enjoy the water safely and supporting the people and communities that make our industry what it is.