Violet Town Austswim teacher the State's Best
click image. Robbie Rae, with Kirk Marks (AUSTSWIM National), receives award
Violet Town's Robbie Rae has been awarded the Victorian Austswim Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety Award by the Victorian Aquatic & Recreation Industry(ARV). Robbie received her award at the Presentation Dinner at ZINC at Federation Square on Friday 29 May.
Robbie is the only rural winner of these prestigious awards and came up against strong competition from nominations in this category of General Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety. She is very deserving of this award as anyone who has been taught to swim by her will testify. Violet Town is very fortunate to have such an outstanding, enthusiastic and dedicated swimming teacher.
"I couldn't believe it when they read my name out. There were about 7 other nominees all from Melbourne Metropolitan pools and I thought someone from a small rural town with only just over a 12 week a year swimming season compared to a 12 month swimming season had no hope. I can't tell you how thrilled I am" Robbie said following her award
.Her award citation reads:
"Robbie has great influence within this rural community in her position as a swimming teacher having taught local children to swim over the past two decades and working with parents, students and teachers to ensure a real awareness of the importance of water safety in and around the rural community."
"This has included highlighting the need for farm children to learn to swim so that they can cope with safety issues around local dams, rivers and creeks near or on their properties. She has also formed a squad for children and adults to improve their fitness levels and encouraged local children who have been successful at regional swimming sports events."
"Always one to take hold of new opportunities, Robbie has undertaken additional training such as 'People with a Disability' to meet market demands for children with disabilities ensuring their needs are also met."
"She is also a founding member of the Violet Town Friends of the Pool, seeks grants and funds to buy equipment, encourages families to enjoy the pool by instigating Family Fun nights each week and uses swimming to maintain the social fabric of her local community. Robbie is seen as a worthy recipient of this Victorian AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety Award for 2009."
She has now been nominated for the AUSTSWIM National Awards later this year as the Victorian representative.
Austswim classes will re-commence at Violet Town Seasonal Pool in January 2010.