Lismore City Council’s recent winning of a swim safety award for local swim programs comes at a time when we all look eagerly toward when fitness centres like GSAC will reopen. 

The State Government has yet to announce a date that fitness centres and gyms can open, but a date sometime in June is expected. This was reiterated by Lismore Council today.

“There is no firm opening date for GSAC at the moment,” a Council spokesperson said.

“We are working our way through necessary social distancing protocols to ensure the safety of the community and staff.

“As soon as we do have an opening date we will let the community know through the media and our Facebook page.”

Swim Australia award win

Last week, the Council’s swim school at GSAC (Goonellabah Sports & Aquatic Centre) and the Lismore Memorial Baths were named the Best Small Swim School in Australia for marketing and promotion at this year’s Swim Australia and Australian Swimming Coaches & Teachers Association Awards.

The awards include Council’s use of social media, bus signage, water safety week, grandparents’ week and swimming clinics.

The award is designed to highlight the importance that Swim Australia places on the swim safety message, and acknowledges the outstanding work being done around water safety.

Teacher of the Year

Two local swim teachers - Craig Beck and Trish Bailey - were given Teacher of the Year awards at the ceremony.

Craig Beck was awarded Teacher of the Year - Babies & Toddlers. Craig is part of the Learn to Swim program at Northern Rivers Swim Academy at Trinity College.

"Not a bad effort for a bloke pushing 66," Craig said. "Move over Laurie Lawrence."

GSAC teacher Trish Bailey, was also awarded Teacher of the Year for Learners with a Disability.

Trish has worked at GSAC for eight years and has taught many children with additional needs, building a great relationship with the student and their families, while achieving amazing results with the children.

Lismore City Council’s Manager, Major Recreation & Cultural Facilities, Tony Duffy congratulated the winners.

“I would like to congratulate and thank our swim school team and Trish. We have some great facilities in Lismore, and what these awards show is that we also have some wonderful and dedicated staff who work in those facilities,” Mr Duffy said.

“We all know that drownings are tragic events for the families affected, but also for the whole community. That is why teaching members of our community how to swim and feel confident in water is crucially important.”