24 May 2026

Last week the Portland Sporting Group came together to celebrate the unity of the sporting clubs and the collaboration of resources including volunteer sharing and equipment for events. The Portland Sporting Group combines the Portland Swimming Club, the Portland Cycling Club , the Portland Runners Club, and the future Portland Triathlon Club (formally Portland Y-Tri) sharing clubrooms, volunteers and equipment. 

6 April 2026

Portland Coaches Kristy and Matilda Andrews were announced as award finalists at the South West Sport Community Sports Awards earlier this month.

Kristy Andrews who was nominated to the Women’s Leader in Sport has been recognised for more than a decade of commitment, stepping into her first paid position with the club after years of tireless volunteer service. Under Kristys leadership, the Portland Swimming Club has seen many advancements and initiatives. 

Kristy's journey with the Portland Swimming Club began over ten years ago as a parent helper before progressing to a committee role. In recent years, she has become a key figure as President of the Portland Swimming Club and also on pool deck as a coach, contributing significantly to the development of young swimmers and the broader success of the club.

While the move into a paid role marks an important milestone, the achievement represents far more than professional recognition. Central to her journey has been the opportunity to share the experience alongside her daughter Matilda, with both progressing through the sport together. Watching Matilda develop a strong passion for mentoring and motivating younger swimmers has been a source of immense pride and inspiration, further strengthening her own commitment to growing the sport.

Club representatives say Kristy's progression reflects a strong investment in coaching excellence and long-term development, benefiting not only current athletes but also the future of swimming within the local community.

Looking ahead, Kristy is eager to continue building on this momentum. She will work alongside fellow coaches while mentoring emerging junior coaches and supporting swimmers at all levels of development. She also plans to play an active role in delivering Swimming Victoria’s Fun Swim Program, helping to build foundational skills and inspire the next generation of athletes.

Widely respected within the club, Kristy is known for her humility and strong drive to create positive change. Her ability to turn ideas into action has made a lasting impact and continues to shape the club’s direction.

The club has expressed pride in her recognition as an award finalist, describing it as a well-deserved acknowledgement of her dedication, influence, and ongoing contribution to the sport.

Matilda Andrews, 17 years of age, nominated for an award in the Emerging Leader in Sport category, was elated and grateful for the opportunity to be shortlisted as an award finalist. 

Matildas dedication to the sport of swimming began at the age of seven, and by the age of ten she had already set her sights on becoming a coach. Inspired by her own swim coach, who also began as a young swimmer at the same club before progressing into a successful teaching career, Matilda developed a clear vision of how she could give back to the sport and her community.

Having competed in Melbourne at the State Sports Centre, Matilda brings both experience and technical expertise to her coaching. More importantly, she generously shares her knowledge with younger swimmers, always offering guidance, encouragement, and support. She leads by example in the pool, demonstrating discipline, sportsmanship, and commitment at every session.

Beyond Matildas impressive achievements, she radiates genuine joy and positivity in every environment she is part of. Her presence lifts those around her, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm, confidence, and belonging within the club. Younger swimmers are naturally drawn to her energy, and she inspires not only through instruction, but through the warmth and encouragement she consistently provides. 

Despite achieving at a high level, Matilda remains humble and grounded. She is a quiet achiever whose actions speak louder than words. Her leadership is evident not through loud recognition, but through the respect she earns, the confidence she builds in others, and the positive culture she helps foster within the club.

Matilda is a wonderful mentor, a role model to aspiring swimmers, and a shining example of what an emerging community sports leader is. Her dedication, humility, and commitment to developing others make her truly deserving of this recognition.

Earlier this year, both coaches successfully earned a Swimming Australia coaching licence after months of intense training and years of learning and development; along with fellow coach Claire Ward and previous club coach Michelle Beddows, strengthening the club’s commitment to high quality athlete development.