Australind Swimming Club President Kate Pfoeffer won an Appreciation Award at the 2025 Shire of Harvey Homegrown Heroes ceremony, recognising five years of leadership and transformative impact on the club and community.
Described as “a quiet achiever, inspiring leader, a welcoming face, and the backbone of the club,” Pfoeffer has filled almost every role at Australind - from parent and committee member to coach and President - guiding the club through a period of immense growth and resilience.
In 2020, Pfoeffer and Head Coach Taarna Cam stepped in to rebuild a fractured club in the wake of COVID-19. While Cam focused on the swimming program, Pfoeffer led the committee and administration, navigating volunteer shortages, a dwindling membership base, and the aftermath of pool closures.
Under her leadership, club membership has more than doubled. She introduced systems, created role descriptions, secured partnerships, and helped establish a strong, inclusive environment for swimmers to thrive.
When the club faced a coaching shortage, Pfoeffer completed her coaching qualifications and covered sessions for two years. When long-term pool closures threatened the season, she secured alternative training venues, arranged transport for families, and adapted as needed - all while running the committee.
“It’s been a wild ride,” said Pfoeffer. “Jay (Pfoeffer) was first spotted by Coach T in the Junior Dolphins program and invited to join the club - but then COVID hit. With a 9-year-old desperate to train, I became the Club’s COVID Officer.
“As things reopened, we realised many long-term members weren’t coming back. The committee was decimated. I stepped into the Secretary and Coaching Coordinator roles just to keep things going.
“When the President stepped down, I was asked to take it on. Despite my fear of public speaking and being the centre of attention, I agreed.
“Within a year, I went from new swim parent to Club President - something I never imagined. But I did it for the greater good: for the swimmers, the club, and the community.”
“The kids are thriving. The coaching program is thriving. But the committee, the backbone of the club, is stretched thin.”
“It’s time to stand up, get involved, and help make our great little club even greater.”
With more than 50 club nights, 30 fundraising events, and 45 regional meetings under her belt, Pfoeffer’s contribution has been nothing short of transformational.
Get involved and find out more here.
