In a momentous celebration of exceptional contributions, Dr George Galvin (always known as Mike) has been honoured with a Member of the Order (AM) in the prestigious King's Birthday Honours. Dr Galvin's commendable service to military history, governance in sport and emergency medicine has earned him this distinguished honour.
Dr George Galvin's influence extends to the realm of governance in sport. As a former board member of Swimming WA from 1985 to 1989, he played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the organisation. Dr Galvin's dedication to the sport led to his appointment as Vice-President in 1988-89, where he contributed to the growth and development of swimming in Western Australia.
Beyond governance, Dr George Galvin's commitment to the swimming community is truly commendable. His extensive involvement in the sport spans several significant events and roles. Notably, he served as the Chairman of the Medical Committee at the World Swimming Championships held in Perth in 1991, further solidifying Western Australia's reputation as a premier swimming destination.
Dr Galvin's involvement in swimming goes beyond administrative and advisory roles. He has also actively participated as a swimming referee and competition starter, demonstrating his passion for the sport firsthand. He was a key member of the Planning Organising Committee for the World Swimming Championships and lent his expertise as a drug control adviser during the Sydney Olympics. His extensive experience and expertise have made him an invaluable asset to the swimming community, both locally and internationally.
Reflecting on this achievement, Dr George Galvin shared his thoughts:
“Having entered my 8th Decade and received an honour in the King's Birthday list I would now like to take a personal look back as well as forward at swimming in WA.
My swimming began at Crawley Baths, one of the 'Baths' along the Swan River. The water was, naturally the Swan River. The baths were 99% wood and in poor shape when I first swam there in 1951.
Crawley Baths were the venue for championships and by current standards, a dreadful place to race. I always wondered how people like the late Percy Oliver was able to achieve Olympic standards (he represented Australia in the 'Hitler Olympics' of 1936).
It was the drive of the British Empire and Commonwealth Games of 1962 that stimulated the move away from Crawely to modern standards at Beatty Park. This was not before a vicious debate about building the pool in Kings Park. That proposal failed to the delight of myself and thousands of other people.
Beatty Park pool was built to the standard of 'yards' the competitive distance used at that time. In due course, it was modified to 'metre' racing.
The Beatty Park Centre slowly aged without any plans for a replacement. From the medical point of view, it was somewhat unique in that a group of divers, using SCUBA stayed at the bottom of the diving pool for an excessive time and on surfacing developed 'the bends’. A somewhat unique event.
Perth was to host the World Championships of swimming in 1991. To stage this event a new pool was needed. This was the pool, known as Claremont Superdrome [HBF Stadium]. It was an excellent pool for its time and World Championship times were set there. Later a second championships was conducted at the venue.
The pool now does not meet the standards for either national or international meets. It was high level competition that led us from the Baths to Beatty Park to Claremont Superdrome.
Perth needs another International event to drive the state to a new centre of the standards of the 2020s. Failure to move along this pathway may inhibit the growth of the sport.
My own concern is that Perth is expanding rapidly, mainly along the North and South corridors and pools are not keeping pace with population children denied pool access will drift to other sports. Potential championships may miss swimming altogether in the far outer suburbs. The drain on the time and finances of parents may be intolerable and other sports will benefit. Open Water Swimming over the past 30 years have been a huge WA success. The event is now known worldwide and attracts international visitors and competitors. WA swimming is very healthy but from where I sit planning needs to be advanced to replace our present stadiums before we sink to the level of the period at the end of Crawely Baths. Top facilities attract top coaches who in turn draw in the cream of Australian Swimmers.”
As Dr George Galvin adds the title of Member of the Order (AM) to his name, the Swimming WA community congratulates Dr George Galvin on this well-deserved honour. His remarkable legacy will continue to inspire and shape the future of swimming in Western Australia and beyond.
