Aquatic Mentors

Podcast Episode – Stephen Howell

Welcome to another episode of the Aquatic Mentors podcast. I am your host, Katrina van Eyk.

In this episode I interview an industry professional who has forged his own path through swimming from a junior swimmer, to competing at the world transplant games and now inspiring regional swimming by coaching and organising clinics with high performance athletes. So, please extend a big welcome to the podcast for Stephen Howell.

Stephen showed his swimming skills early shinning as a talented school swimmer until he was diagnosed with kidney failure and moved on to dialysis to survive. After receiving a transplant Stephen come back to swimming with a blast and competed in the world transplant games among other transplant events.

After noticing a lack of local swimming Stephen developed a passion to build swimming in Bathurst and across regional NSW. Starting his own business, Swim Better HQ, Stephen continues to make an impact regionally by hosting clinics and online events with high performance athletes to inspire NSW regional swimmers and coaches.

Stephen wants to encourage change in the industry where promoting swimming is shared by all and supported by the governing bodies and regional swimming across Australia receives as many opportunities as their metro counterparts. His dream is to develop a regional hub in NSW which produces a number Olympic swimmers and expanding his clinics to regional areas throughout Australia.

Through today’s episode Stephen shares some insights into his work as well as his thoughts on swimming and where he see’s swimming moving to in the future.

Please share the hidden gems you find in Stephen’s interview on our Facebook page, Aquatic Mentors and you will find all his contact details listed at the end of the show notes.

If you want to share your aquatic story, please contact me via my email: [email protected]

Check out our website aquaticmentors.com.au for our Season 1 Ebook.

So, let’s jump in and find out more about Stephen’s journey in swimming.

Stephen Howell’s Contact Information:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-howell-11424a21/

Website: swimbetterhq.com

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: aussieswimcoach

Katrina van Eyk's Contact Information:

Aquatic Mentors - https://www.aquaticmentors.com.au/

Facebook - Aquatic Mentors

Regional Swim Clinics - www.regionalswimclinics.com.au

Email – [email protected]

Facebook - Regional Swim Clinics

Aquatic Mentors Ebook Link: https://www.regionalswimclinics.com.au/top-10-tips-for-aquatic-professionals/

Welcome to another episode of the Aquatic Mentors podcast. I am your host, Katrina van Eyk.

In this episode I interview one of Australia’s most iconic lifeguards who has been patrolling the NSW beaches and protecting swimmers for 30 years. So, please extend a big welcome to the podcast for Bruce Hopkins.

Bruce or Hoppo as he is more widely known is one of the world’s most influential and recognised Lifeguards. He regularly graces our tv screens with his work on Bondi Rescue where he and his fellow lifeguards share a look into their work protecting and educating locals and tourists at Bondi Beach about water safety.

As a respected water sportsman and competitor Hoppo has won two gold medals at the Australian Surf Life Saving titles, and as President of Surf Educators International he has travelled the world to educate on water safety.

Bruce shares his extensive knowledge of water safety with the world through the Float to Survive campaign, encouraging people to learn the skill of floating to help save their life when in trouble in the water.

With Bondi Rescue reaching such a wide audience and educating them on the importance of water safety Bruce saw an opportunity to bring this education to the children of Australia and now consults for the children’s TV show – Kangaroo Beach.

To top off all his amazing work Bruce has started his own podcast called ‘Life’s a Beach’. In the podcast Bruce interview’s special guests, share his personal journey and talks about the all-important frank discussions impacting himself, his friends, and the lives of his audience.

Through today’s episode Bruce shares some insights into his work as well as his thoughts on lifeguarding and swimming in Australia and where he see’s swimming and water safety moving to in the future.

Please share the hidden gems you find in Bruce’s interview on our Facebook page, Aquatic Mentors and you will find all his contact details listed at the end of the show notes.

If you want to share your aquatic story, please contact me via my email: [email protected]

Check out our website aquaticmentors.com.au for our Season 1 Ebook.

So, let’s jump in and find out more about Bruce’s journey in swimming.

Bruce Hopkins Contact Information:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-hoppo-hopkins-17980763/

Podcast: https://www.lifesabeach.co/

Website: www.lifesabeach.co www.surfeducatorsinternational.com.au

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @lifeguardhoppoofficial  @lifesabeachau @kangaroobeachofficial

Katrina van Eyk's Contact Information:

Aquatic Mentors - https://www.aquaticmentors.com.au/

Facebook - Aquatic Mentors

Regional Swim Clinics - www.regionalswimclinics.com.au

Email – [email protected]

Facebook - Regional Swim Clinics

Aquatic Mentors Ebook Link: https://www.regionalswimclinics.com.au/top-10-tips-for-aquatic-professionals/

Podcast Episode – Kelly Smart

Welcome to another episode of the Aquatic Mentors podcast. I am your host, Katrina van Eyk.

In this episode I interview an industry professional who has made a big difference in her short time in the industry, please extend a big welcome to the podcast for Kelly Smart.

Kelly started her career in aquatics 8 years ago as the centre coordinator for the Lake’s Entrance Aquadome in the East Gippsland Shire in regional Victoria.

She came in knowing little about the industry but has built her knowledge very quickly by taking the opportunities that come her way.

During the 2019 Victorian and NSW bushfires Kelly stood up and took on a crucial role running a second relief centre in town for those effected and displaced by the fires. Her management and aquatic skills played a vital role in her success of taking care of her staff and the community and the connections she made with local emergency services.

Kelly shares how the skills she gained from her role in the fires and the experiences she had now shape the way her team deal with emergency training in the facility.

She remembers how great it was to see the Aquadome staff coming together to help the town survive. They also worked together to help the neighbouring town of Orbost by helping the aquatic staff at the Orbost pool set the pool up ready for CFA to pump water from the facility which was to be used to fight the incoming fire front.

Her experiences in the Christmas/New Year’s bushfires has shown Kelly the importance of slowing down and taking the time to breath and access the situation.

After dealing with the brunt of the bush fires Kelly had to jump into the role of Covid officer for the Shire using her connections and knowledge of emergency situations to deal with the shire’s covid response. The skills learnt in the bush fires again played a big role in her response to covid within the community and with her staff. Kelly emphasised taking care of her staff’s mental health and continued to connect and ask questions throughout the first lockdown and into subsequent lockdowns.

Through today’s episode Kelly shares some insights into her work as well as her thoughts on swimming and where she see’s swimming moving to in the future.

Please share the hidden gems you find in Kelly’s interview on our Facebook page, Aquatic Mentors and you will find all her contact details listed at the end of the show notes.

If you want to share your aquatic story, please contact me via my email: [email protected]

Check out our website aquaticmentors.com.au for our Season 1 Ebook.

So, let’s jump in and find out more about Kelly’s journey in swimming.

Kelly Smart’s Contact Information:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-smart-26a233170/

Katrina van Eyk's Contact Information:

Aquatic Mentors - https://www.aquaticmentors.com.au/

Facebook - Aquatic Mentors

Regional Swim Clinics - www.regionalswimclinics.com.au

Email – [email protected]

Facebook - Regional Swim Clinics

Aquatic Mentors Ebook Link: https://www.regionalswimclinics.com.au/top-10-tips-for-aquatic-professionals/

Podcast Episode – Scott Wilson

Welcome to another episode of the Aquatic Mentors podcast. I am your host, Katrina van Eyk.

In this episode I interview an industry professional who has had years of experience across all areas of aquatics so, please extend a big welcome to the podcast for Scott Wilson.

Scott tagged behind three older sisters when attending their swim squad sessions in Lower Hutt (New Zealand) during the 1960s. Simple play and water discovery in cold outdoor swimming pools became his playground each week while his siblings swam their sessions.

In his youth years he developed his own swimming under the coaching eyes of Mr Laing (Duncan Laing) at the Moana Pool in Dunedin (NZL).  A work ethic within a squad of like minded peers Scott found success in the NZL swim scene, winning national titles and representing NZL at different levels. Although not making the grade to swim at the pinnacle world meets, Scott appreciates the life lessons competitive swimming provided.

Unsure with what to do after a single year of university, with uncertainty and zero swim teaching experience, Scott moved to Canberra working with Australian swim coach Bill Robertson learning ‘the trade’ of swim coaching, swim teaching and swim school business.

Burley Griffin Swim Club and the Deakin Health Spa Swim School created Scott’s passion for the swimming industry. The sight of the red and yellow team uniform of BG became recognised throughout NSW and Australia as one of the leading clubs in this era.

Scott’s professional swimming pathway has now spanned 40 years embracing the scope of teacher, coach, swim school leader, swim school owner, private, council, industry presenter, mentor, program developer, single sites, multi sites, and everything in between.

He has always been a learner from both within and from outside our industry.

As the Teacher / Coach - how to improve, how to obtain results.

As the business owner – he is a considered risk taker, a decision maker, with a strong belief in staff and customer focus to drive growth and retention.

For a decade Scott held the role Head of Operations for multi-centre swim school organisations, Aquatic Achievers (Brisbane) and Carlile Swimming (Sydney)

These days Scott has his own swim school business helping schools and other swimming professionals find success. “I now have a strong desire to give back to the wider industry which has been so good to me and so good for me.”

To connect with Scott, jump on his website www.swimpeople.com.au.

Through today’s episode Scott shares some insights into his work as well as his thoughts on swimming in Australia and where he see’s swimming moving to in the future.

Please share the hidden gems you find in Scott’s interview on our Facebook page, Aquatic Mentors and you will find all his contact details listed at the end of the show notes.

If you want to share your aquatic story, please contact me via my email: [email protected]

Check out our website aquaticmentors.com.au for our Season 1 Ebook.

So, let’s jump in and find out more about Scott’s journey in swimming.

Scott Wilson’s Contact Information:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-wilson-625615a5/

Website: www.swimpeople.com.au

Email: [email protected]

Katrina van Eyk's Contact Information:

Aquatic Mentors - https://www.aquaticmentors.com.au/

Facebook - Aquatic Mentors

Regional Swim Clinics - www.regionalswimclinics.com.au

Email – [email protected]

Facebook - Regional Swim Clinics

Aquatic Mentors Ebook Link: https://www.regionalswimclinics.com.au/top-10-tips-for-aquatic-professionals/

Podcast Episode – Wayne Goldsmith

Welcome to another episode of the Aquatic Mentors podcast. I am your host, Katrina van Eyk.

In this episode I interview an industry professional who has had years of experience in the aquatics field as a coach, thought leader and global expert so, please extend a big welcome to the podcast for Wayne Goldsmith.

Wayne has worked with coaches, athletes, teams, and sporting organisations from 30 countries offering training on coaching development, peak performance, and leadership.

After graduating from the University of Canberra with a Bachelor of Applied Science, Sports Science, Coaching and Sports Management Wayne went to work with Swimming Australia in 1993 as the Manager of Sports Science Sports Medicine. Wayne was able to connect with those in the sports science field and understand the advances they could offer sport and then convert those findings into easy-to-understand information for coaches on pool deck.

Through his business, Moregold Performance Consulting Wayne has worked with many sporting organisations including Swimming Australia, Triathlon Australia, Australian Rugby Union, AFL Teams, British Swimming, KartSport New Zealand, N.R.L Teams and many more.

Wayne is called on to audit and improve sporting organisations across the globe and has noticed a worldwide trend which is affecting the future of participation numbers in several sports.

Through today’s episode Wayne shares insights into his work as well as his thoughts on swimming and where he see’s swimming moving to in the future.

Please share the hidden gems you find in Wayne’s interview on our Facebook page, Aquatic Mentors and you will find all his contact details listed at the end of the show notes.

If you want to share your aquatic story, please contact me via my email: [email protected]

Check out our website aquaticmentors.com.au for our Season 1 Ebook.

So, let’s jump in and find out more about Wayne’s journey in swimming.

Wayne Goldsmith’s Contact Information:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-goldsmith-coaching/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sports-thoughts/id1451687616

Website: https://wgcoaching.com/

Email: [email protected]

Katrina van Eyk's Contact Information:

Aquatic Mentors - https://www.aquaticmentors.com.au/

Facebook - Aquatic Mentors

Regional Swim Clinics - www.regionalswimclinics.com.au

Email – [email protected]

Facebook - Regional Swim Clinics

Aquatic Mentors Ebook Link: https://www.regionalswimclinics.com.au/top-10-tips-for-aquatic-professionals/

Podcast Episode – Josh Barila

Welcome to another episode of the Aquatic Mentors podcast. I am your host, Katrina van Eyk.

In this episode I interview an industry professional who is relatively fresh into the industry but is already making a big impact for swimming in country Victoria. So, please extend a big welcome to the podcast for Josh Barila.

Josh began his swimming career in the learn to swim environment where his parents helped him make the change into competitive swimming. His achievements to date in the pool include state level swims.

At the young age of 13 Josh took on a coaching role with his local club in Mildura under the watchful eye of his learn to swim teacher and club coach Ben Talent. He has now moved to head coach and has dedicated his time to developing and expanding the club.

Josh has now continued his strong relationship with his old coach and now works with him as a swim teacher for First Strokes Swim School in Mildura.

In 2020 Josh took on the role as Manager of Programs with Sunraysia Academy of Sport allowing him to continue his role developing the Mildura Swimming Club and a number of other junior sporting clubs in the Mildura area by offering opportunities for their athletes to expand their knowledge and skills in their chosen sport.

Josh has achieved a Diploma in Sport and his Development level coaching qualification through ASCTA and I believe he will make a massive impact on the world of swimming both here in Victoria and Australia wide as he grows and matures in the amazing sport.

Through today’s episode Josh shares some insights into his work as well as his thoughts on swimming in Australia and where he see’s swimming moving to in the future.

Please share the hidden gems you find in Josh’s interview on our Facebook page, Aquatic Mentors and you will find all his contact details listed at the end of the show notes.

If you want to share your aquatic story, please contact me via my email: [email protected]

Check out our website aquaticmentors.com.au for the Aquatic Mentors Season 1 Ebook.

So, let’s jump in and find out more about Josh’s journey in swimming.

Josh Barila’s Contact Information:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-barila-3966161a7/

Work Email: [email protected]

Personal Email: [email protected]

Katrina van Eyk's Contact Information:

Aquatic Mentors - https://www.aquaticmentors.com.au/

Facebook - Aquatic Mentors

Regional Swim Clinics - www.regionalswimclinics.com.au

Email – [email protected]

Facebook - Regional Swim Clinics

Aquatic Mentors Ebook Link: https://www.regionalswimclinics.com.au/top-10-tips-for-aquatic-professionals/

Podcast Episode – Brendan Keogh

Welcome to another episode of the Aquatic Mentors podcast. I am your host, Katrina van Eyk.

In this episode I interview an industry professional who has had years of experience in the aquatics field as a coach and several achievements as a coach working with disabled swimmers so, please extend a big welcome to the podcast for Brendan Keogh.

Brendan began his swimming career in Vanuatu swimming laps of a popular bay with a sleeping coach and returned to Australia to be coached by his father becoming an National Age level swimmer.

He then took on a coaching role and has been part of coach teams representing Australia through Para swimming since the 2000 Summer Paralympic Games in Sydney.

In 2012 Brendan retired from international coaching after the London Paralympics and took on a management role at Genesis Christian College’s Aquatic Centre. They couldn’t keep Brendan away for long though and he returned to the international coaching team for the 2014 Para Pan Pacific Championship and the 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships and the 2016 Rio Paralympics.

Brendan has now retired again from the international coaching stage to spend more time building a work/life balance between his family, friends and his work with the Genesis Aquatic Centre.

Through today’s episode Brendan shares some insights into his work as well as his thoughts on swimming in Australia and where he see’s swimming moving to in the future.

Please share the hidden gems you find in Brendan’s interview on our Facebook page, Aquatic Mentors and you will find all his contact details listed at the end of the show notes.

If you want to share your aquatic story, please contact me via my email: [email protected]

Check out our website aquaticmentors.com.au for our Season 1 Ebook.

So, let’s jump in and find out more about Brendan’s journey in swimming.

Brendan Keogh’s Contact Information:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-keogh-6ba795133/

Katrina van Eyk's Contact Information:

Aquatic Mentors - https://www.aquaticmentors.com.au/

Facebook - Aquatic Mentors

Regional Swim Clinics - www.regionalswimclinics.com.au

Email – [email protected]

Facebook - Regional Swim Clinics

Aquatic Mentors Ebook Link: https://www.regionalswimclinics.com.au/top-10-tips-for-aquatic-professionals/

Podcast Episode – Shannon Townsend

Welcome to another episode of the Aquatic Mentors podcast. I am your host, Katrina van Eyk.

In this episode I interview an industry professional who has had years of experience in the aquatics field and brings her love for swimming and yoga together to build programs that encourage and calm young swimmers, so please extend a big welcome to the podcast for Shannon Townsend.

Shannon took the jump into teaching swimming when she was 13 years old helping the local club. She then continued this baptism of fire by taking on the role of swim teacher for the younger primary school levels at her local school pool where she built a team around her and developed her own swim school at 18 years of age.

Once graduating from school Shannon went on to study a Bachelor of Leisure Management and Applied Science in Movement and Business Management.

During her career Shannon has had many diverse roles including an Activities Manager at two health resorts. She continued to participate in aquatic sports and shared her love for swimming with others.

In 2010 she opened her own businesses called Sionna Lifestyle which is focused around facilitating team building workshops, team planning workshops and adding a spark of fun and enthusiasm to group work. Shannon also presents Swim Australia courses and Yoga.

At the same time Shannon took on the role as Glennie Aquatics and Clive Berghofer Sports Centre Manager at Glennie School in Toowoomba.

Shannon calls herself the Chief Excitement Office and has built her career around water, relaxation, adventure, and people.

Fun and music are also in store when you spend time with Shannon. Her Ukulele is never far from her side, and we enjoy watching her strum a good tune around water safety at the conferences she attends.

Through today’s episode Shannon shares some insights into his work as well as her thoughts on swimming in Australia and where she see’s swimming moving to in the future.

Please share the hidden gems you find in Shannon’s interview on our Facebook page, Aquatic Mentors and you will find all her contact details listed at the end of the show notes.

If you want to share your aquatic story, please contact me via my email: [email protected]

Check out our website aquaticmentors.com.au for our Season 1 Ebook.

So, let’s jump in and find out more about Shannon’s journey in swimming.

Shannon Townsend’s Contact Information:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-townsend-539819142/

Katrina van Eyk's Contact Information:

Aquatic Mentors - https://www.aquaticmentors.com.au/

Facebook - Aquatic Mentors

Regional Swim Clinics - www.regionalswimclinics.com.au

Email – [email protected]

Facebook - Regional Swim Clinics

Ebook: https://www.regionalswimclinics.com.au/top-10-tips-for-aquatic-professionals/

Welcome to another episode of the Aquatic Mentors podcast. I am your host, Katrina van Eyk.

In this episode I interview an industry professional who has had years of experience in the aquatics field as both a Para Swimmer and a diversity and inclusion expert so please extend a big welcome to the podcast for Matthew Haanappel.

Matthew has had an amazing career in swimming representing Australia since 2010 collecting Paralympic Gold and Bronze at London 2012 Paralympic Games, World Championship Bronze at IPC World Championships in Montreal, Canada, 2013, 3x Gold, 2x Silver and Bronze at Paralympic Pan Pacific Championships, Los Angeles, USA, 2014 and competed at the Rio Paralympics 2016 and Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018.

During his time in swimming Matthew has taken many paid and volunteer roles in management centring around diversity and inclusion. In his current role as Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator for the City of Monash Sports and Recreation Department Matthew has been one of the key players in developing a new program called ‘Integrated Practical Placement’ for the purpose of giving people with a disability a place to develop workplace skills.

Matthew has also used his skills to in conjunction with Swimmer Victoria put together the Diversity and Inclusion committee of which he is Chairperson.

He dedicates his life to increasing the profile of Paralympic sport in Australia and the advocacy of people with disabilities and developing an environment where everyone has a fair go in sport.

Matthew’s interview was recorded some months back so please be aware that conversations in the interview will include topics that may have changed or be currently happening.

Through today’s episode Matt shares some insights into his work as well as his thoughts on swimming in Australia and where he see’s swimming moving to in the future.

Please share the hidden gems you find in Matt’s interview on our Facebook page, Aquatic Mentors and you will find all his contact details listed at the end of the show notes.

If you want to share your aquatic story, please contact me via my email: [email protected]

So, let’s jump in and find out more about Matt’s journey in swimming.

Matthew Haanappel’s Contact Information:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-haanappel-oam-596093b8/

Email: [email protected]

Katrina van Eyk's Contact Information:

Aquatic Mentors - https://www.aquaticmentors.com.au/

Facebook - Aquatic Mentors

Regional Swim Clinics - www.regionalswimclinics.com.au

Email – [email protected]

Facebook - Regional Swim Clinics