Aquatic & Recreation Institute

Since 1961 there have been eight federal presidents, working hard for the Aquatic & Recreation Institute. Following is a profile on each of them and their many achievements.

WJ Pickering
1961-1966

Foundation President: Manager of the revamped Beach and Baths Association (1927), which became the Pool Superintendents Association of Australia in 1961. Under his presidency the Association achieved the following:

• Union representation on the management committee of the MEU
• Union award to cover pool superintendents
• Having pool superintendent moved from the Labouring Award to the professional and technical section
• Recognition of the Pool Superintendent Association by the NSW Health Department
• The instigation of a pilot course, exam and certificate by the NSW Department of Health
• A monthly newsletter to keep all members informed of the latest methods and improvements in swimming pools
• A revised constitution
• Annual conference and dinner

EH Simms
1966-1975

General Manager of Granville and Parramatta Swimming Centre. Under his presidency the Association achieved the following:

• The production of a training manual
• The examination and issuing of a certificate
• The formation of an examination committee with the NSW Chief Health Inspector as Chairman
• NSW, South Australia and Victorian branches formed
• An investment account opened
• Course and examination for Senior Resuscitation Certificate (previously only available to police, fire brigade and ambulance officers)
• Membership with the Baths Institute of England and the Swimming Pool Managers’ Association of New Zealand
• Mixed dinners at seminars
• The change over from sodium hypo chlorite for water treatment in swimming pools
• Instigated Life Membership for the Pool Superintendents Association

Laurie Anderson
1975-1977

Laurie was Superintendent of the pool for Penrith City Council. His period in the chair is marked in particular by the stability and consideration that he oversaw. The co-operation of the states was due to the personality and drive that Laurie was so well known for. He implemented the Presidents Award which is cherished by all who have been honoured by its presentation. His memory is honoured every year when this trophy is awarded.

Ray Martin
1981-1983

Ray came from Western Australiato manage the Adelaide City Swimming Centre. Foundation president of South Australian Branch. Had the requirements of the PSAA Certificate inserted in the South Australian ordinance.After the constitution was altered Ray became the first interstate president • Instigated the first interstate seminar.

Charles Elliot
1978-1980

Superintendent, North Sydney Olympic Pool. 1979 to 1980 was a particularly important period for the institute. Over a number of years representations to TAFE and local government had been made but little success had been achieved. However, during the period 1970-1980, a course structure and syllabus for a Pool Superintendents course was developed. In 1980 the qualifications committee held its inaugural meeting and the Local Government Act, Ordinance 52, was amended recognising the institute certificate until the TAFE course was available. In 1981 the TAFE course was offered for the first time.

Jim Harley
1984

Victorian Superintendent. Jim was elected at the 1984 national AGM, but unfortunately did not complete his term in office. It was during this period the Victorian Branch decided that their interests lay in a different direction.

Charles Elliot
1985-1986

Charles returned to the chair at this time as it was felt that an experienced chairman was needed to help deal with some of the problems that arose from the Victorian break away.

Arthur Bristoe
1987-1988

Superintendent, Dapto Olympic Pool. Arthur was the first of what could be called the “new order” to take the chair. This younger group of members had served as committee members and the other executive positions and this experience was showing through with new ideas, new directions and the need for new and younger blood to take the institute into the 1990s and beyond. Arthur and his team were also responsible for the new reference handbook, which has been invaluable, and the new format for Aqualink.

Charles Elliot
1989-1990

Charles returned to the chair for another short stint as some of the younger members were finding that the amount of time required to fill the position was, in some cases very demanding, particularly those with small children. It was during this period the decision was taken to dissolve the state branches and revert to one national body.

David Lynch
1991-1995

Campbelltown Olympic Pool. David lead a committee filled with youth in his four years as president, himself one of the youngest presidents to ever take the chair. He held a variety of executive positions and had great experience which helped him lead the institute towards the year 2000. He assembled a young and vibrant team that promoted the industry until 1995.

Dawne Thomas
1995-2000

Dawne not only brought youth to the chair but femininity, being the first woman to be elected as President. During her five years in office she assembled a professional and forward thinking committee. Under her leadership and guidance the team developed a strategic direction which formed part of the Institutes’ Annual Business Plan. Some of the major achievements over the years included, the introduction of council and corporate memberships, the development and implementation of new training modules for the Aquatics industry, the introduction of State Representatives and the new look ARI magazine. Dawne now looks forward to the future and the vision she has for the industry which is the formation of an Aquatics Alliance.

Gary Penfold
2001-2003

Gary takes on the role of president bringing with him years of experience in the institute. He was Chairman of the Institute Training Committee which established a clearly defined career path for aquatic staff through the development of nationally accredited qualifications, Certificates II and IV in Swimming Pool Operations. Gary can best be described as a hands-on professional manager with a talent for developing and leading staff through the many challenges the industry will offer in the years to come.

Bill Meaney
2004–2005