Whether in the pool or on the sidelines, Shane Dufty has always been passionate about the sport of swimming.
With an impressive list of personal achievements and a breadth of experience in both coaching and aquatic management, Shane is excited to be taking over the reins of the new Blackwater Aquatic Centre with his wife Wendy.
The state-of-the-art centre has been under construction for more than 12 months and will officially open on 4 March 2017 with a family fun day.
Shane said he and his wife were both looking forward to getting to know the locals and sharing their experience, knowledge and passion.
The incoming manager said his 30-year career in the aquatic industry has been mostly in regional areas, enabling him to extend his support to the whole community.
‘It’s meant I can take on a more personal and active approach, promoting the centres as family facilities and encouraging a healthy lifestyle for all age groups,’ he said.
Shane was a state and national medallist, as well as an Australian Age Group Top Ten ranked swimmer.
He has many years of coaching experience under his belt, from Learn-to-Swim, school programs, club level, district, state and national championships, through to Australian Open and Olympic trials.
In addition to this, Shane was involved in developing and conducting community swimming programs for the disabled.
Wendy is also an experienced centre manager, managing pools for councils in Mittagong and Riverstone and joining Shane at Cooma, Narooma, Bowral and Blacktown aquatic centres.
The Blackwater Aquatic Centre is part of the Hunter Street Sports Precinct and was jointly funded by the Central Highlands Regional Council, the Australian Government and BMA.
The centre features a 50 metre partially covered pool, a 25 metre covered and heated pool, a zero-depth splash pad for the little kids, a community meeting room, kiosk, amenities, a courtyard and covered dining areas.
Everyone is invited to the opening event which will take place from 10.30 am. There will be a barbecue, slushies, giveaways and Hit FM are broadcasting live onsite.