By Mara Pattison-Sowden
HEALESVILLE Swimming Club celebrated its 50th anniversary this month with a look back at the last 50 years.
About 150 past and present members and their families attended the celebration at Healesville Senior Football Clubrooms on Friday 8 April.
There were past swimmers from each decade, a slide show on how the club started and a large display of historic memorabilia.
Along with the celebrations were the award presentations for 2010/2011, with Cindy Mills and Travis Groves announced as the club champions.
Healesville Swimming Club president Mark Melville said it was a terrific night that was well attended.
“We looked back at past club memorabilia, scorecards, trophies, awards and old club uniforms,” he said.
“There was also the history of the Healesville pools, with part of the funds raised by the swimming club and photos of their constructions and various club functions.”
There are currently about 30 members in the club, and Mr Melville said they were always looking for more members of all ages, recreational and competitive swimmers.
“We’ve had some good swimmers over the years who’ve represented the club at state level,” he said.
And what do the swimmers have to look forward to in the next 50 years? “We’d like to see a 50-metre pool,” Mr Melville said.
Former club member Beverley Oliver said it was fantastic to celebrate “50 years young”.
“This club has brought out the best in the community, every second person was at some point associated with the pool, the club, or the development of these community facilities,” she said.
Ms Oliver said the club was well supported with the help of Healesville Rotary and Healesville High School.
“We’ve got swimmers headed for the Olympics, hitting state times as well – just because we’re in a country town doesn’t mean the kids don’t have those opportunities.”
Healesville Swimming Club began in 1961, with an active group of swimmers who saw many exciting weekend carnivals in the Warangah District.
The club ceased operation in 1975 after interest declined, but it was reformed with another group of enthusiastic people in 1981.
Healesville eventually became a part of District 5, which gave swimmers the opportunity to swim in Melbourne.
Coaches were employed from 1989, and the club changed its training venue in 1990 to become established at the Healesville Indoor Heated Community Pool, renamed as the Jack Hort Memorial Pool.
Awards
Female 12 and Under: Champion Nikki Davis, runner-up Kirra Tacey.
Male 12 and Under: Champion Jack Jones, runner-up Michael McGuire.
Female 14 and Under (one point the difference): Champion Cindy Mills, runner-up Sam Davis.
Male 14 and Under: Champion Travis Groves, runner-up Lochie Oliver.
Female 16 and Under: Champion Georgia Murty, runner-up Cassie Oliver.
Male 16 and Under: Champion Jay Tacey. Female Open: Champion Georgia Murty.
Male Open: Champion Travis Groves.
Club champions: Female Cindy Mills, Male Travis Groves.
Coaches’ awards: Tadpoles – Rachel Powell, Dolphins – Ally Melville, Sharks – Cassie Oliver.
Most improved: Female: Joint winners – Emma Howson and Tara Cosson. Male: Michael Rafferty.
Sportsmanship award: Jay Tacey.
Outstanding Achievement Award: Travis Groves.
Encouragement Awards: Caitlin Cosson, Brooke Anthony, Bradley Christie, Casey Young, Jamie Curtis, Sylvia Marshall, and Kelly Wallace.
