Volunteering is a vital part of Swimming WA. Volunteers handle multiple tasks, including timekeeping, event support, fundraising, running club operations, providing support to athletes and much more.
This week, as we celebrate National Volunteer Week (20-26 May), Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, it is time to shine a spotlight on these heroes. This year’s theme, ‘Something for Everyone,’ highlights the inclusive nature of volunteering and invites new faces to join in.
“As a swim mum, I started volunteering at club nights and Swimming WA meets, taking on roles like timekeeping and working the medals desk at our City of Perth Classics", explained Swimming WA’s 2023 Volunteer of the Year, Ingrid Iaschi.
"In 2017, I joined the committee as a newsletter assistant after Heidi Gan's call for help. Now, seven years later, I am in my third year as Club President, leading an enthusiastic team.
“Volunteering has been incredibly rewarding. Beyond supporting the club and its athletes, I cherish being part of a tight-knit community and it’s fulfilling to see the swimmers grow and achieve, knowing my efforts contribute to their journey. Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and satisfaction that complements my career and family life.
“I've learned the importance of community and teamwork and have discovered how a collective effort can achieve great things. With the help of my committee, I have helped the club overcome challenges, especially when our club faced uncertainty after unexpectedly losing our training provider in 2022. The most important lesson learnt in this journey is the importance of building strong, mutually beneficial relationships with stakeholders which has been crucial in rebuilding the club.”
Swimming WA would like to thank the dedication of over 5,000 members who volunteered their time, including 400 committee members and 4,400 parents. These volunteers are the backbone of the sport.
Iaschi's advice to those who are interested in volunteering is, “Jump in! You don’t need to be an expert in swimming. Start with small roles like timekeeping, where you can contribute to athletes’ personal bests while connecting with other supportive parents. Committees are full of hardworking parents and club members who have come together to apply their life and work skills to the club’s daily operations.
"Even if you don’t think you have the direct skills or knowledge, your opinion as a new member is invaluable as it often brings a fresh perspective that can be of benefit to the club and can help shape its future!”
For more information on how you can get involved and volunteer your time, click here.
