Australia’s next Olympic swimming champion could come from the Camden area after Mount Annan Leisure Centre was awarded the AUSTSWIM NSW Swim School of Excellence – Large award.

The prestigious award is the highest presented in Australia for aquatic education excellence.

Mount Annan Leisure Centre’s programs are based on learning outcomes that enhance personal knowledge, skill and understanding of aquatic environments for safer participation in, on and around water. This coupled with initiatives the centre implements to engage, interact, and educate the community for safer aquatic participation made them impossible to beat.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli said the award recognised a fantastic swim school at Mount Annan Leisure Centre.

“Mount Annan Leisure Centre has long been seen as having a successful swim school in an impressive facility and this award cements it as industry leading, right here in our local community,” Cr Fedeli said.

“The facility is a real community asset and is the perfect place to exercise, socialise and participate in sport and fitness activities.

“Council is committed to providing our residents with facilities to excel in anything they choose and I congratulate the team at Mount Annan Leisure Centre for helping our community achieve its goals.”

This is the second award in as many years for Mount Annan Leisure Centre, after its Swim School received the Australian Swim School Association (ASSA) National Award for Excellence in Inclusion last year.

Mount Annan Leisure Centre manager Ryan O’Loughlin said the team was proud and grateful to be recognised.

“Whilst Mount Annan Leisure Centre has always had a reputation as having a wonderful Swim School program, the way that the program has bounced back after two lockdowns has been extraordinary,” Mr O’Loughlin said.

“The number of enrolments has steadily grown, even in winter, and receiving an award such as this is a true reflection of the wonderful work the instructors, wet deck supervisors and management team do on a daily basis.

“Being able to have a positive impact in providing safe and enjoyable lessons for such a large and diverse number of enrolments is extremely rewarding and it’s a credit to everyone involved,” he said.

The Y NSW has managed Mount Annan Leisure Centre for over 16 years on behalf of Camden Council.

For more information on Mount Annan Leisure Centre, go to www.ymcansw.org.au/centres/mount-annan-leisure-centre