Experienced aquatics leader brings three decades of industry expertise and strengthens South Australian representation on the national board.
The Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tiffany Oldrey to its Board of Directors.
Tiffany joins the ASSA Board as a Director, bringing with her close to 30 years of experience in the aquatics industry. She currently serves as Aquatic Programming Manager for The Y Victoria and YMCA Aquatic & Event Services, based out of the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre (SAALC) in Oaklands Park and the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre (AAC) in North Adelaide South Australia, two of the state’s premier aquatic facilities.
Her appointment strengthens ASSA’s representation in South Australia, reinforcing the Association’s commitment to supporting swim schools and aquatic operators in the great majority of Australia’s states and territories. Tiffany’s hands-on operational experience, leading various large-scale swim school programming at some of Australia’s most prominent aquatic centres, adds depth and practical insight to the Board’s strategic direction.
Tiffany has been immersed in the aquatics industry since 1996, working across swimming education, water safety and aquatic facility programming. At Y Victoria and YMCA Events and Aquatic Services, she oversees learn-to-swim pathways from infants through to squad development, with a strong focus on inclusive programming and removing barriers to water safety education. She has been a champion of initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for women and girls in aquatics.
She is a recognised voice in the industry, having presented at the ASSA National Conference and contributed to professional development programs for swim teachers and aquatic educators across Australia.
ASSA Chief Executive Officer, Luke Daly, said Tiffany was exactly the kind of board member the Association needed as it continues to grow its national footprint.
“Tiffany isn’t someone who talks about what the industry should do from a distance. She’s in it every day, leading some of the biggest learn-to-swim operations in the country,”
Mr Daly said.
“Teachers went straight back to their pools and changed how they ran a class. Managers told us they wished they’d brought more of their team. The conversations over lunch were just as valuable as the sessions themselves.”
ASSA President, Jon Harker, welcomed the appointment and highlighted the importance of diverse industry experience on the Board.
“It’s fantastic to have Tiffany join the ASSA Board. Her depth of experience across large-scale aquatic programming and her genuine commitment to water safety education align perfectly with the direction we’re heading as an Association,”
Mr Harker said.
“Our Board is strengthened when we have directors who bring different perspectives, different operational contexts and different geographic insights. Tiffany delivers on all three.”
ASSA Vice President, Nicky Sloan, said the appointment was a strong addition to the Board’s mix of industry experience.
“Tiff is a highly capable leader whose depth of industry knowledge is matched by her ability to influence outcomes at every level. Her strategic insight, combined with a practical understanding of the sector, enables her to drive meaningful impact and support shaping the direction of our industry.”
Ms Sloan said.
Ms Oldrey said she was honoured to take on the role and looked forward to contributing to the national conversation around swim school standards, water safety and industry development.
“I’ve spent my career in the water, and this industry has given me so much. To have the opportunity to contribute at a national level through ASSA is something I’m really proud of,”
Ms Oldrey said.
“I see every day how important quality learn-to-swim programs are for families and communities. I want to bring that frontline perspective to the Board and help ensure ASSA continues to be the voice that swim schools across Australia need.”
Tiffany’s appointment was ratified at the ASSA Board meeting held in March 2026 and is effective for the remainder of the current Board term. Meet the ASSA Board.
About ASSA
The Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) is the national peak industry body for swim school businesses across Australia. ASSA represents and supports swim schools of all sizes, from independent operators to large multi-site aquatic centres, providing advocacy, professional development, industry standards and a collective voice for the learn-to-swim sector.
Media contact: Luke Daly
Chief Executive Officer
Mob: +61 414 086 858
ASSA President, Jon Harker, welcomed the appointment and highlighted the importance of diverse industry experience on the Board.
The 2026 program has been shaped by detailed attendee feedback and built around what the industry told ASSA it needs most.
A Program Built by SwimSchoolers, for Swim Schools.
Each Swimposium event will be tailored to its local audience, but the 2026 program draws from a pool of sessions that may include:
- Inclusive teaching for neurodivergent and additional needs learners, with practical tools and takeaway resources
- Babies, toddlers and the developmental science behind infant aquatics
- Behaviour and class management strategies for the pool environment
- Adult learn-to-swim, addressing aquaphobia and the psychology of adult learners
- Culturally responsive teaching for diverse communities
- Practical stroke introduction, teaching techniques and drill ideas
- Teacher development, career pathways and professional growth
“The feedback was clear. Teachers want practical tools they can use straight away. They want real time to connect with other people who get it. So that’s what we’ve built this around,” Mr Daly said.
Nikiesha from South Australia said she valued “learning from and with other passionate swim educators.” Jessica from New South Wales loved that “it went to each state and allowed us to bring along more staff so they could also benefit.”
Investing in the People Who Teach Australia to Swim
Mr Daly said the Swimposium series reflects what ASSA exists to do as the peak body for swim schools across Australia and New Zealand.
“When your teachers are better, your business is better. When your business is stronger, the whole industry lifts. That’s the cycle we’re trying to drive,”
Mr Daly said.
“The people on the pool deck deserve great professional development where they are. Not just once a year at a national conference. Swimposium is how we make that happen.”
Belinda from Queensland
captured the spirit of the event:
“As swim teachers we can learn from each other. Keep educating ourselves and be open to new ideas.”
