Aquatic Mentors

Hello everyone,

Welcome back to the Aquatic Mentors Podcast for season 2.

I am so excited to be back and sharing many more wonderful interviews with aquatic professionals across Australia and the world.

Keep a look out for my new E book - Season 1 - Top 10 Tips for Aquatic Professionals. You can download your copy at the websites listed below.

Please share your thoughts on the podcast episodes on the Aquatic Mentors Facebook page.

If you want to share your aquatic story, please contact me via my 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

Podcast Episode – Nancy and Tony Shaw

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

In this episode I interview a husband and wife team who have touched ever part of the wonderful aquatic industry. So please welcome Nancy and Tony Shaw to the podcast.

Nancy began her career in swimming after marrying Tony. She brought her customer service skills to Tony’s swim schools and together they built a fantastic carer in swimming.

Her amazing list of achievements in the industry are:

· Raised 3 lovely children who all took part in swimming

· Owner operator of Tony Shaw’s Swim School for 22 years

· She has attended all Swim Australia conferences presenting at 6

· Organised and presented at, NSW ASCTA teaching stream conference in 2000

· Presented Swim Australia Courses on behalf of ASCTA (SAT & B&T)

· Presented at International Swim Schools Conference Phuket, 2014

· Member of Swim Australia ACE (Aquatic Community Experts) since 2014

· Swim Australia Advisory Committee member since 2016

· Representative to National Swimming and Water Safety Forum, May 2017

· Representative NSW Government Water Safety Forum, May 2017

· Represented ASCTA/Swim Australia to ATO re GST Free Swimming Lessons

· Represented ASCTA/Swim Australia to FWA re Fitness Industry Award update

· Attended International Swim School Conference – Hamilton Island 2018

Tony began swimming when he was young and achieved medals at National level competitions. He than took his swimming success and expanded into the coaching field helping other swimmers reach major senior and junior swimming teams including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and World Championships.

Tony’s inspiration list of achievements are:

§ Performance accredited Coach

§ President Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association: Nov 2013 to Nov 2020

§ Life Member ASCTA

§ Board member: Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association: 39 years

§ ASCTA Australian representative Coaching ring #93

§ Board member: ASCTA NSW (former Chairman), former Board Member Swimming NSW

§ Coaching experience: 41 years (since 1978)

§ Have placed swimmers on all major Senior (Olympics, Commonwealth Games, World Championships {Long and Short}, Pan Pacific Championships and Junior Teams

§ Australian Sports Medal Sydney 2000

§ Member SOPAC Swimming Club and former Head Coach

§ Private Swim School owner since 1978 (Tony Shaw’s Swim School, Toongabbie NSW).

§ Director of Holsworthy Aquatic Centre (NSW).

Nancy and Tony offer so much experience and wisdom to the industry and this podcast episode. They are a delightful couple who have dedicated their life to the aquatic industry helping to shape and expand the industry.

Through today’s episode Nancy and Tony share some insights into their work as well as their thoughts on swimming in Australia and where they see swimming moving to in the future.

Please share your thoughts on Nancy and Tony’s interview on our Facebook page, Aquatic Mentors and you will find their 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 Nancy and Tony’s journey in swimming.

Nancy and Tony Shaw’s Contact Information:

Website: www.holsworthyswimming.com.au

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-shaw-2879b213/

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

Podcast Episode – Paul Fernee

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 been involved in implementing aquatics, recreation, sports facility management and community engagement within Local Government for the past twelve years. So please extend a big welcome to the podcast for Paul Fernee.

After finishing his studies in applied science Paul found it hard to find work which complemented his so he took on a lifeguarding position and worked his way to a duty manager position for aquatic facilities in Melbourne.

During the interview Paul shares the struggles he found in acquiring higher level roles in aquatics management during his early years and the advice he would give to young people these days looking to break into that level of employment.

Paul came across an advertisement for a aquatic’s role in rural Victoria with the Buloke Shire where he spent 10 years running the Shires 7 outdoor facilities. During these 10 years Paul continued to enhance his skills through future study and taking on additional roles I the Shire.

In 2019 Paul moved to his new role as manager of Community Engagement at the neighbouring shire of Gannawarra in Northern Victoria. His roles now include overseeing the management of the shire’s outdoor aquatic facilities as well as an indoor therapy pool and assisting other community owned aquatic facilities.

The Kerang Amateur Swimming and Lifesaving Club of which I am president of is situated in one of the Gannawarra Shires outdoor facilities. I am excited to be able to share Paul’s journey in aquatics and to highlight another profession involved with swimming and the diversity the aquatic industry brings across Australia.

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

Please share what inspiration you draw from Paul’s interview on our Facebook page, Aquatic Mentors.

If you want to share your aquatic story then please contact me via my email: [email protected] as I know we can all learn from your experience.

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

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

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-van-eyk-261851124/

Paul Fernee’s Contact Information:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-fernee-731a65a0/

Email: [email protected]

Podcast Episode – Tanya Allan

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 brought her knowledge from teaching studies to her swim teaching and her swim school. So please extend a big welcome to the podcast for Tanya Allan.

While completing her teaching degree Tanya realised the standard classroom teaching was not for her. After speaking with the swim school owner where her children learnt to swim, she found her calling and jumped headfirst into the swim school business when she purchased the swim school after teaching there for a short time.

Tanya developed her skills for helping anxious swimmers and designed a program which focused on recognising the fear and then taking small steps of bravery to overcome the anxiety. Her daughter enjoyed mixing with the swimmers during these programs and when she was diagnosed with Leukaemia Tanya was amazed how her daughter could articulate her feelings about the treatment so well. Tanya’s daughter showed levels of bravery not commonly seen in children during her treatments and this inspired Tanya to start a children’s cancer charity called, Bravery Box. Through her charity Tanya inspires children and teenagers going through cancer to find joy and laughter and help them celebrate their courage.

During our chat Tanya shares that her biggest inspiration is her staff at the Little Big Swim School. She enjoys watching their passion and love for the industry and share’s a recent moment when working together on the swim schools video library.

Through today’s episode Tanya shares insights into her journey, as well as her thoughts on swimming in Australia and where she see’s swimming moving to in the future.

Please share what inspiration you draw from Tanya’s interview on our Facebook page, Aquatic Mentors.

If you want to share your aquatic story then please contact me via my email: [email protected] as I know we can all learn from your experience.

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

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

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-van-eyk-261851124/

Tanya Allan’s Contact Information:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-allan-54891b171/

Website - https://www.littlebigswim.com.au/

Email: [email protected]

Podcast Episode – Peter Tonkin

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 dedicated his life to giving back to the sport that gave him so much. So please extend a big welcome to the podcast for Peter Tonkin.

Peter began his journey in swimming as a youngster and showed promise as a Breaststroke swimmer. Under the watchful eye of coach, Harry Gallagher, Peter swam with well-known swimmers of the time including Olympic swimmer, Dawn Fraser.

In 1964 Peter qualified to swim at the Tokyo Olympics winning a Bronze medal with his teammates for the medley relay. Peter also swam at the trails for the Mexico Olympics beating his rival in his pet event. The joy was short lived though as Peter’s was called up for National Service the following day.

After moving to Tasmania in 1979 Peter founded the Northern Suburbs Swimming Club at the Mowbray pool. After growing the club to be one of the largest swimming club in Tasmania Peter headed off to the Northern Territory where he spent 10 years teaching children of the indigenous communities to ‘Swim Fast’. Peter enjoyed getting the community involved in the children’s swimming and using the older teenagers of the community as role models and teachers for the younger kids. His work in the indigenous communities resulted in him receiving an Order of Australia Medal in 2019.

Peter is now back in Tasmania coaching and presenting aquatic courses as well as holding the role of President for ASCTA Tasmania. He still dedicates his time to swimming and building the industry.  

Through today’s episode Peter shares some great stories of his swimming journey, his career highlight of attending the Tokyo Olympics as well as his thoughts on swimming in Australia and where he see’s swimming moving to in the future.

Please share what inspiration you draw from Peter’s interview on our Facebook page, Aquatic Mentors.

I am on the lookout for more aquatic journeys to share. No matter how big or small you think your story is we can all learn something from your experience so contact me via my email: [email protected] to book a interview.

Keep a look out for a special episode on ASCTA trainers across Australia. With Summer on the way and Covid restrictions lifting, now is the best time to train your staff and have them Summer ready.

I have also developed a short survey to help us understand the needs of swim schools when it comes to training your staff and new recruits. Check out the Facebook page – Aquatic Mentors to complete the survey and help us build a better service around your swim schools training needs.

Now, let’s jump in and find out more about Peter’s journey in swimming.   

Peter Tonkin

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ptonkin/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-van-eyk-261851124/

Podcast Episode – Ian Pope

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 both learn to swim and coaching and has reached the heights of Platinum level swimming coach with swimmers medaling at the Olympics. So please extend a big welcome to the podcast for Ian Pope.

While working as a professional musician Ian began his aquatic journey as a learn to swim teacher at the Harold Holt pool and then moved into a coaching role for the Surrey Park club in the early 80’s developing both the clubs learn to swim and squad programs.

Ian then moved on to Melbourne Vicentre Swimming Club building a name for himself in coaching. He made his first Olympic Swim Team as coach in 2000 for the Sydney Olympics and continues to place athletes on Olympic and Australian Teams.

Over his career Ian has received the award for Victorian Coach of the year and ASCTA Coach of the year numerous times and has coached 50 plus Olympic and World team swimmers. These include swimming greats like Michael Klim, Matt Welsh, Giaan Rooney, Brett Hawke and Grant Hacket.

Through today’s episode Ian shares some insights into his journey, sharing thoughts on his career highlight of attending the Sydney Olympics as well as his thoughts on swimming in Australia and where he see’s swimming moving to in the future.

Please share what inspiration you draw from Ian’s interview on our Facebook page, Aquatic Mentors.

If you want to share your aquatic story then please contact me via my email: [email protected] as I know we can all learn from your experience.

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

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

Podcast Episode – Lane Harrison

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

In this episode I interview a tech specialist who with his team has developed software which is focused on customer retention in leisure centres and swim schools. So, please give a big welcome to the podcast to Lane Harrison.

In 2014 when the company expanded its software to swim schools Lane and his team surveyed clients and developed a 7-step framework on how to grow and optimise a swim school on which he shares details about in his interview.

Swim Desk is now running in swim school across Australia, New Zealand and has just been introduced to Hong Kong.

Lane and his team surveyed their clients and the swim school customers to pinpoint the areas which influence customer retention. This research help locate points of interest where customers would generally fall through the cracks and drop out of a normal swim school system.

Lane has also developed a podcast which focuses on the business side of swim schools and the strategies needed to grow swim schools. He interviews swim school managers, owners and industry leaders. Check out his podcast at Swim School Business podcast.

In today’s episode Lane shares some great insights into his work as well as his thoughts on swimming in Australia and where he see’s technology advancing swimming in the future.

Please share the point’s in Lane’s interview which resonated with you on our Facebook page, Aquatic Mentors and you will find 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 dive in and find out more about Lane’s journey in swimming.

Lane Harrison’s Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: Lane Harrison | LinkedIn

Swim School Business Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/swim-school-business-podcast/id1507866852

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

Podcast Episode – Rohan Taylor

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 been involved with swimming in some way since his childhood covering many roles from swimmer, swim teacher, swim school owner, coach, state coach and now the acclaimed role of the Australia Dolphins Head Coach. So, please extend a big welcome to the podcast for Rohan Taylor.

Rohan has experienced the life of swimming in many different countries including Hong Kong, USA and Australia and while competing in a local swim meet in San Jose, California Rohan completed against the 1984 Australian Olympic Swim Team. During this meet Rohan’s father introduced him to the coaching staff of the Australian Swim team who noticed his swimming talent and invited him to train at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra where he made several great connections with other swimmers.

After returning to the USA to finish school Rohan took on a coaching role with a local swim team. He enjoyed coaching and wanted to continue to coach after finishing school but realised to be able to support himself he needed to work in the learn to swim environment. This time in learn to swim and coaching consecutively showed Rohan the importance learn to swim has on making a great competitive swimmer. This is a value he still believes now and he shares inspiration on this topic during his interview.

With this knowledge Rohan moved back to Australia where he took on a few jobs in swim schools and clubs in both NSW and Victoria. He moved into the high-performance role with Nunawading Swimming Club in Victoria where he coached several Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games swimmers.

Rohan’s experience being involved with state and nation teams gave him the opportunity to take on the role as head state coach for Victoria and Tasmanian. While working in this role Rohan took the opportunity to work with Australia’s than head coach Jacco Verhaeren as his 2IC.

Earlier this year Jacco made the decision to move back to Holland with is family and Rohan accepted the role of head coach for the Australian Dolphins Swimming Team and is now working towards the team’s success at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

In today’s episode Rohan shares some great insights into his work as well as his thoughts on swimming in Australia and where he see’s swimming moving to in the future. He also offers his inspiring thoughts for those swim schools and clubs still effected by Covid.

Please share the point’s in Rohan’s interview which resonated with you on our Facebook page, Aquatic Mentors and you will find 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 dive in and find out more about Rohan’s journey in swimming.

Rohan Taylor’s Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohan-taylor-b3705454/

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

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 more than 25 years of experience in the aquatics field so please extend a big welcome to the podcast for Debby Tattoli.

Debby is an Advanced Level Coach, Swim Australia Course Presenter, Swim Australia Advisory Committee member and asctaNSW board member.

An accomplished and driven professional, Debby has a passion for all things swimming. As a business owner, head coach, active teacher and course presenter, Debby has expertise across a broad range of aquatic industry issues.

She oversees 5 Swim Schools and over 100 staff and is dedicated to providing rewarding career opportunities and professional development to continually up skill her team and the broader swimming community.

Debby is also the Head Coach of Kincumber Pacific Dolphins Swim Team and has produced multiple State and National Representatives, medalists, and record holders.

Through today’s episode Debby shares some insights into her 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 Debby’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]

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

Debby Tattoli’s Contact Information:

5 Start Swim Schools: https://5starswimschools.com.au/

Swim School Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5StarSwimSchools/?rf=154981997963411

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debby-tattoli-33b9b897/

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

Podcast Episode – Joanne Love

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

In this episode I interview an industry professional with 25 years of experience as a high-performance expert both in and out of swimming who knows what it takes to succeed in any environment. So please extend a big welcome to the podcast for Joanne Love.

Joanne is passionate about helping others realise their full potential through the implementation of psychology and neuroscience.

She has worked with Schools, Athletes and Business Executives to achieve impressive outcomes; including Olympic potentials who have gone on to achieve high-level success, including Olympic Gold and World Championship titles. Joanne has successfully delivered her ground-breaking programs and educational seminars in Australia and overseas working for the Australian High Commission, numerous private schools, international sporting organisations and individual Olympic champions.

Joanne Love is an Australian Gold Performance Swim Coach holding many qualifications including Bachelor of Psychology with Advanced Graduate Diploma.

She has been an elite swimming coach for many years, being included on many State, National and International teams. Joanne represented Australia at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics as a swimming coach and has also coached several Olympic Medallists and World Record Holders.

Joanne also owns a successful Swim School, Learn to Swim Victoria, which operates from two locations.

In addition to her swimming career, Joanne works with elite sporting organisations imparting a wealth of information on how psychology and neuroscience can create successful outcomes, both within Australia and internationally.

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

Please share the inspiration you draw from Joanne’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]

So, let’s dive in and find out more about Joanne’s journey in swimming.

Joanne Love’s Contact Information:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannelove/

Email: [email protected]

Proactive Performance Website: https://www.proactiveperformanceaustralia.com/

Learn to Swim Victoria Website: https://www.learntoswimvic.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoanneLoveProactivePerformanceAustralia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LearnToSwimVictoria

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