South Gippsland Bass (SGB) Swimming Club has come a long way since its beginnings just 19 years ago.
Back then, it ran a few sessions a week out of the Wonthaggi indoor pool. Now, it is Swimming Australia’s Optus Club of the Year.
The award, announced at the Hancock Prospecting Australian Short Course Championships, caps off a big year for the club which was also awarded the Swimming Victoria Club of the Year Award in June.
SGB’s dedication to providing an inclusive club culture and focusing on the development of its members has been a key focus for the club. They will receive $1,000 prize money and an athlete appearance.
“It is a real honour and we’re very proud,” club president Lorraine Muir said. “It’s reassuring that other people know that what we’re striving to do is on the right track.”
Muir said the club, which has more than 200 members, has experienced rapid growth during the past 15 months and it was now also looking to upgrade its facilities to cater for the demand.
Melton Swimming Club’s Julie Walsh was also acknowledged as a Local Legend finalist. The Local Legends program recognises stalwarts of our sport who dedicate their time behind the scenes to ensure swimming remains one of the most popular past times in Australia.
This year marks 40 years of volunteering for Julie, who has filled almost every role at the club. Julie is the heart of the club and offers her time to share her knowledge and expertise from everything to running events to swimming rules. In 2017 she received the Volunteer of the Year Award at the Swimming Victoria Awards.
Congratulations to Julie and the South Gippsland Bass Swimming Club. It’s great to see such worthy Victorians recognised on the national stage and we couldn’t be prouder.
