The Western Australian Swimming Association Inc (Swimming WA) held their Annual General Meeting on Saturday, October 12, in the Leadership Centre at AIM (WA).
Elected Director Barry Cook had indicated that he would not stand for re-election and Appointed Director Mr Tim Andrew resigned due to increased work commitments. Four candidates nominated for the two vacancies. Swimming WA President Mr Louis van Aardt announced the outcome of the election to the crowded AGM.
Long term servant of the sport Mrs Dorothy Harris was returned for a three-year term. Mrs Harris joined the Swimming WA Board in 2002 serving a ten (10) year term, before standing down for a year. Residing in Waroona, this will be her third and final term as Director on the Board.
Former Riverton Aquanauts Swimming Club President, Mr Ben Loffler was elected for a three-year term. Mr Loffler has strong Project and Operational Management background having worked as Technical Director at Aurecon, Business Development Manager with Jacobs and Project Director at SKM. This blend of corporate experience together with having led the transformation of the Riverton Swimming Club will be invaluable as Swimming WA moves to decentralise operations and grow membership in the next few years.
Then Swimming WA Board appointed champion swimmer Tomasso D’Orsogna. Mr D’Orsogna was a member of the Australian Swimming Team from 2009 to 2016 and a Bronze Medalist from the London Olympic Games. He has previous Board experience having served on the Australian Swimmers Association Board from 2011 to 2016. He also became a member of the Swim 365 Advisory Panel in 2017 and remains in that role today. He holds a Bachelor of Science majoring in Neuroscience and is currently studying medicine at the University of Notre Dame.
Mr van Aardt welcomed the new look Swimming WA Board; “The Association acknowledges the fine work of Mr Tim Andrew and Barry Cook and thanks them for their service. We are pleased with the outcome of the election and welcome back the hard-working Dot Harris to the Board. I also welcome Ben Loffler and Tomasso D’Orsogna to the Board. Both new members will bring a fresh perspective and ensure that the views of our Clubs and athletes will be foremost in mind as we continue to deliver on the SWA Strategic Plan 2019 – 2024” he said.
