About ASSA

With a strong background in process improvement and operational excellence, I am committed to driving growth and maintaining the highest standards of industry leadership. My role involves not only strategic oversight but also hands-on management, ensuring that our operations align with our overarching goals of advocacy, education, and community engagement.

At the Australian Swim Schools Association, we strive to elevate the profile of our industry through innovative marketing campaigns, engaging content, and valuable educational programs. I am proud to lead a team that is as dedicated to innovation and quality as it is to serving the needs of every member.

Together, we are building a community of professionals who are passionate about excellence in swimming education and water safety.

I’m committed to expanding resources and support for our members and aquatic professionals, whose dedication to excellence in swimming education and water safety is second to none. If you have ideas or initiatives we can bring to life, please reach out at 0434 435 213.

In my role, I aim to enhance the visibility and value of our sector in both government and public spheres, share innovation across our membership, and collectively elevate professionalism to new heights.

At ASSA, I look forward to building on my experience with swim schools and sharing my passion for all things learn to swim. I love the journey and trust between you and someone who hesitates to put their face in the water, progress right through to being able to swim confidently and love being in water. That moment when they lift their goggles and flash that proud smile of achievement is precious to be part of. No surprise to you reading, my first job was as a Swim Teacher ;)

If you have any questions or you simply want to say ‘hello’ you can contact Brenda at brenda@australianswimschools.org.au

As the CEO of Carlile Swimming, Jon has a unique set of skills developed in a career which has spanned an eclectic mix of commercial experiences in media, politics, the corporate world and sport. He has commentated elite athletes at the pinnacles of their careers and led teams to deliver great marketing and communications outcomes in complex stakeholder environments.

As the founder of successful media and consulting firm, Hark Attack, Jon was responsible for delivering strategic consulting services and has experience project managing and influencing stakeholders across multiple sectors.

Nicky’s leadership capabilities are underscored by her dynamic and results-oriented approach to management. She possesses an innate ability to manage and lead all facets of a business, translating her hands-on experience into a profound understanding of what it takes to foster high-performance cultures within organisations.

Kim is widely recognised for his success as the Swim School Coordinator at the Town of Victoria Swim School in Perth. His addition to the board brings valuable expertise and new opportunities to further our commitment to advancing the learn to swim industry.

Previously a swimming and triathlon coach, Reece took over his family’s company in 2004, at that point a single swim school in Burleigh Heads. Using this facility as a launch pad, over the next 12 years the business expanded under his direction to where it is today. Reece has a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration from Griffith University to augment his industry knowledge. Reece’s family involvement in the Aquatic Industry spans three generations, and with that comes an immense ingrained knowledge of how to operate aquatic based leisure facilities. Reece was appointed President of ASSA in November 2023 after serving on the board as Vice President since the inception of the Association in 2016.

Wayne was the ASSA President from 2017 to 2023 and is the Chairman of the International Swim Schools Association (ISSA). Formerly the CEO and Chairman of Paul Sadler Swimland (PSS) with locations in Australia, Vietnam, and Canada, he now owns several Swimland franchises. Wayne’s career spans diverse sectors, including engineering, education, retail, and sports administration. He has worked as a high school teacher, department head, human resources manager, and education manager, in addition to managing the Victorian Basketball Association.

Throughout his life, Wayne has been an avid sports enthusiast, engaging in basketball, Australian Rules football, cricket, softball, track, squash, and scuba diving. Although his high school swimming career was unremarkable, golf has become his current obsession. He has actively sought out golfing nirvana worldwide, before the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. With over 20 years of experience in the Learn to Swim industry, Wayne’s leadership in ASSA and ISSA demonstrates his commitment to the swim school community.

As General Manager of Operations at Aligned Leisure, Simon oversees the company’s operations and leads the development of operational systems and plans.

Simon has more than 18 years of leisure management experience with a demonstrated talent for successfully navigating the complexities of transitioning new contracts whilst improving operational and business performance, most recently Simon lead and managed the successful opening of the $70m Bay Pavilions Leisure and Arts Precinct in Batemans Bay.

Simon is a highly committed and energetic professional, who is passionate about shaping the future of the leisure industry. Known for his ability to build high performance teams and drive team culture, Simon’s visible leadership and hands-on approach has consistently seen the delivery of superior team and business results throughout his career.

Theresa is the Operations Manager of Healthways Recreation and Aquatic Centres in Melbourne.

With a Bachelor of Business, where she graduated with a dux of her class, she started her career in corporate management, finance and marketing roles overseas.  In 2002, Theresa moved back to Australia and began working in the family’s health and fitness business.  After working throughout her high school and university years as a senior gymnastics coach, her focus naturally became the swim school side of the business and she quickly grew the business and a second aquatic centre was opened.

In 2006 she won Victoria’s Swim School of the Year, and in 2010 she was elected President of Victoria’s Branch of Swim School Owners Association (Victoria’s industry association prior to ASSA).  She is a mother of 2 primary school aged children, and is a sitting member of school council, elected in 2019 after coordinating the massive school fair in 2018.  She is looking forward to contributing to the Australian swim school industry via ASSA’s board as of 2020.

Always looking for opportunities and innovations to expand business operations, she has overseen Healthways’ growth to two swim school locations, launched a highly successful government approved Children’s Education and Care service at the centre, launched highly successful collaborations with an onsite Karate Club and an onsite Dance School, oversees a fully equipped health and fitness suite of services (gym, group exercise classes, personal training), and collaborates the management of Australia’s longest running Ten Pin Bowling Alley at the centre.  Most recently, she has been involved in the complete construction redevelopment of Healthways’ Mont Albert North centre, due for completion in 2021, and is currently studying her Diploma in Early Education and Care.

Tiffany Oldrey is an experienced aquatics professional with close to 30 years in swimming education, water safety and aquatic programming. She is Aquatic Programming Manager for The Y Victoria and YMCA Aquatic and Event Services, based across the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre and the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre.

Tiffany has led large-scale learn-to-swim pathways from infants through to squad development, with a strong focus on inclusive programming, practical operations and improving access to water safety education.

Alena is the Owner/Operator of Aquatots Swim School in Canberra and a well-regarded trainer and assessor. She is recognised as a leader in the learn-to-swim industry in Canberra and beyond. Her addition brings valuable expertise, geographical diversity and new perspectives to the board.