13 February 2026
Coaches Kristy Andrews, Claire Ward and Matilda Andrews at the Portland Swimming Club have successfully completed an intensive training and development program, earning a Swimming Australia coaching licence that strengthens the club’s commitment to high quality athlete development.
Kristy said she felt challenged by the course but rewarded for all the hard effort. “Through the process, the connections that we have been able to create with other coaches and clubs within our region, the support from Swimming Victoria and in particular Jess O'Brien has been amazing. We all want the best for swimming in Australia and want to provide opportunities for kids to swim, compete, socialise and achieve their personal goals.”
The accreditation process involved rigorous coursework, practical assessments, and ongoing professional development, ensuring coaches meet national standards in child safety, duty of care, supporting athlete wellbeing, stroke techniques, progression of skills and coaching practice, performance planning, and inclusive coaching practices. The newly accredited coaches are fully equipped to support swimmers at all levels, from grassroots participation to competitive pathways.
This will be Kristy’s first paid role with the club after volunteering her time for more than ten years as a parent helper, then committee member and in more recent years a coach. Her personal journey with this achievement has been much more than the certificate and any paid position. “The most rewarding part for me, and the thing that I am most grateful for through the whole process, is being able to complete the journey with my daughter Matilda. Standing alongside her and being part of her journey as well as my own and seeing her drive and passion to mentor and motivate the next group of up and coming swimmers within our club from such a young age, has been something I am so, so proud of, and motivates me to give everything I can to get the sport of swimming out there.”
Club representatives say the achievement reflects a strong investment in coaching excellence and long-term growth for the club, its swimmers and swimming as a sport in the local community.
“I’m looking forward to this year. It’s going to be great coaching alongside Claire, Matilda and Gwyneth, mentoring new and upcoming junior coaches, and continuing to develop with our swimmers. I’m also excited to take on the opportunity to develop the skills of the new generation through Swimming Victoria’s Fun Swim Program.” said Kristy.
Claire expressed her excitement for future swimmers who are curious about trying squad swimming in a club environment. “I’m very proud that the Portland Swimming Club's coaching team are now fully accredited with their Australian Swim Coach licences. This achievement means a lot to us, especially with the challenges of juggling time commitments and travelling from rural areas.” added Claire. “We’re excited to bring these skills back to our community and continue supporting the young swimmers of our region as they grow, learn, and chase their potential.”
Matilda who is now 17, looked back on herself as a new starter all those years ago when those who were coaching her back then gave her the inspiration to now want to coach others. “For me, getting the qualification makes me feel very proud of myself because since I was 10 all I really wanted to do was be a coach. Now being qualified is so exciting and I get to share my knowledge with people that are as passionate about swimming as I am and for that I am very grateful.” said Matilda
The three coaches expressed gratitude for this opportunity. “A heartfelt thank‑you to Swimming Victoria and the Portland Swim Club Committee for their ongoing support. Their guidance and encouragement played a major role in helping us reach this goal. Their support helped overcome some of the barriers commonly faced by rural swim club coaches.” said Claire.
The club plans to continue supporting ongoing education and development, reinforcing its role as a leader in swimmer development within the community and supports sustained growth and quality coaching across the sport.
18 December 2025
Tonight we said goodbye to long time swimmers Emre and Ava as they head off into adulthood.
Emre has been swimming with the Portland Swimming Club for over 6 years and coaching for the past 3 years.
Ava has been swimming with the Portland Swimming Club for 8 years!
We will miss them both very much and we know they will go on to do great things!
We also bid goodbye to Kiran as he and his family move away from Portland.
Great friendships made at the Portland Swimming Club 💙
This week, club held a Triathle End of 2025 fun session combining running, swimming & obstacles. ENJOY! Thanks Kim Ferguson-Thomas. Fun week finished off on Friday with Matilda for a "coach the coach session". Laughs were had as Matilda was put through her paces!
6 December 2025
The 2025 Portland Swim meet was a success with a total of 121 swimmers competing on the day equating to 453 splashes. The annual club meet was shown much support again this year building on the momentum gained from the past 3 consecutive years. From the sponsorships to the volunteers and the competitor entries, it was an amazing turn out.
Portland Swim Club President, Kristy Andrews was proud of the Portland swimmers and loved the opportunity to coach alongside Claire on the day. "These are amazing young people who show confidence, resilience and courage every time they step up on the blocks to swim".
This year, the very popular encouragement events were offered again to non-registered and less experienced swimmers to have a go at competitive swimming. This attracted many from all over the district and is a great way to see what competitive swimming is all about. "Thank you to our unattached swimmers for having a go on the day and answering the call to join our relay teams when we were in need." Kristy said. "I think the relays are becoming a favourite to witness as you all rally together and put on a great swim." The club congratulates the following local competitors who were first time meet encouragement entrants - Evelyn Millard, 8 years; Declan Jenkin, 8 years; and Louise Oats, 10 years.
The weather was less than favourable, but the show went on. Coach Claire Ward said “The resilience shown by our swimmers in challenging weather conditions was admirable. We were incredibly proud of their determination not only to compete but to come away with some fantastic results.”
Kristy expressed gratitude to all who assisted in ensuring the meet was a success. "So much effort went into the preparation of this meet. We could not have done it without the overwhelming and tireless support of our committee and volunteers who put their hand up. Special shout out to Rachael and Matt who have spent hours upon hours making sure all the boxes are ticked, liaising with officials and Matt mastering the timing system so we could run the meet effectively. To all the parents we chased and answered the call I thank you. This would not go ahead without you. Tania Matters and Emma Rudge thank you for answering when we need you, showing up even when your swimmers have moved on you still support our club and we appreciate this."
Portland club kids attained 22 gold, 11 silver and 10 bronze. There were many personal best times (PBs) achieved on the day.
Congratulations to the following Portland Swimming Club members who competed for the first time at a meet for the Portland Swimming Club - Georgia Harrison, 9 years; Conan Jenkin, 10 years; Celeste Lyszczarz, 11 years; Arlo Ward, 11 years; Felix Meister, 15 years and Essie Mibus, 12 years.
Matilda Andrews 17 years, dropped 3.99 seconds in her 200m Individual Medley and a whopping 58.11 seconds in her 1500 Freestyle.
Emily Carr 13 years, swam 3 of her first ever events including Individual Medley and attained PB's in all other events including a massive 18.45 second improvement on her 100m breaststroke.
Gwenyth Homer 15 years, and Laurens Vosloo 12 years, both achieved huge PBs in their 400m Freestyle events knocking off 11.69 seconds and 34.54 seconds respectively.
Many others attained multiple PBS or swam in first time events and showed great resilience even through disappointment.
A star stand out within the Portland Swimming Club was Riley Healy taking home the 'Best SV Registered Junior 13/U Male' trophy.
"I'm so proud of our swimmers both as President and a club coach. You all showed an amazing amount of sportsmanship and a sense of team that it great to witness. Your support for one another and the way you take new and younger swimmers under your wings is a credit to our club.
Some fantastic first swims today and lots of PB's. " Kristy said.
The Portland Swimming Club are gearing up for Term 1 and welcome any new member enquiries to
The club wishes to thank their meet sponsors - Port of Portland, Glenelg Shire Council, Axis Employment, Quest Apartments, BH Building Services, Portland Signworks, Compleat Angler, Gordon Hotel, Davis Print, St Johns Primary School and Sanderson's Bus Lines.
RESULTS
First Meet
Georgia Harrison 9 years
First Meet swimming as a Portland Swim Club Member
4th Women's 50m Breaststroke 1:25.96
Conan Jenkin 10years
First Meet swimming for the Portland Swimming club
3rd Men's 50m Free 42.76
Declan Jenkin 8 years
First Meet Encouragement event
Boys 50m Free Encouragement 51.34
Eyelyn Millard 8 years
First Meet unattached Encouragement swimmer
5th Girls 50m Back Encouragement 1:09.40
5th Girls 50m Free Encouragement 59.28
4th Girls 50m Breast Encouragement 1:30.89
Louis Oats 10 years
First Meet Encouragement Swimmer
3rd Boys 50m Free Encouragement 46.89
Celeste Lyszczarz 11 years
First Swim Meet
14th Women's 50m Back 1:07.50
12th Women's 50m Free 49.63
DQ Women's 50m Breast - showed great resilience through disappointment.
Arlo Ward 11 years
First Meet swimming for the Portland Swim Club
4th Men's 50m Back 59.32
6th Men's 50m Free 57.47
Felix Meister 15 years
First Swim Meet
3rd Men's 100m Free 1:23.40 (First Time)
3rd Men's 50m Back 43.93 (First Time)
2nd Men's 100m Breast 1:55.92 (First Time)
4th Men's 50m Breast 53.87
Essie Mibus 12 years
First swim meet for the Portland Swim Club
10th Women's 100m Free 1:34.61
8th Women's 50m Back 50.03
15th Women's 5om Free 40.30
Elora Cleary 16 Years
3rd Women's 100m Free 1:27.17
1st Women's 50m Back 42.98 PB -2.11
1st Women's 100m Back 1:45.48 PB -4.05
1st Women's 50m Breast 54.82 PB -2.65
Zeke Cleary 13 Years
5th Men's 100m Free 1:37.05
3rd Men's 50m Back 44.08 PB -5.38
3rd Men's 50m Free 38.69 PB -4.09
4th Men's 100 Back 1:53.79 PB -2.93
4th Men's 50m Breast 55.48 PB -3.18
Makaylee Cox 14 Years
6th Women's 100m Free 1:27.64 PB -2.43
3rd Women's 50m Back 44.71 PB -4.82
2nd Women's 400m Free 6:49.92
7th Women's 50m Free 40.10 PB -1.58
1st Women's 100m Back 1:38.75 PB -11.41
2nd Mixed 200m Free 3:17.75 PB -3.09
Emily Carr 13 Years
4th Mixed 200m IM 4:09.36 (First time )
7th Women's 50m Fly 1:04.51
6th Women's 50m Back 48.10 PB -5.30
5th Women's 100m Breast 1:56.73 PB -18.45
12th Women's 50m Free 39.87 PB -9.02
7th Women's 50m Breast 54.74
Rebecca Deocampo 11 Years
1st Mixed 200m IM 3:37.69 (first time)
1st Women's 100m Free 1:28.24 PB-6.35
3rd Women's 50m Back 48.87
1st Women's 50m Free 39.44
1st Women's 50m Breast 53.23 PB-0.98
Ivy Donovan 12 Years
4th Women's 100m Breast 1:54.84 (First Time)
22nd Women's 50m Free 51.72
10th Women's 50m Breast 55.62 PB-1.19
Adelean Harrison 12years
14th Women's 50 Breast 1:08.60 PB-1.39
Leo Healy 9 years
2nd Men's 100m Free 1:52.78
1st Men's 100m Breast 2:10.78 PB- 2.08
2nd Men's 50m Free 48.75
1st Men's 100m Back 2:04.36
1st Men's 50m Breast 1:01.53
Riley Healy 11 years
2nd Men's 50m Fly 51.92 PB-1.97
1st Men's 100m Free 1:35.28
2nd Men's 50m Back 46.67
1st Men's 100m Breast 1:59.46 PB-1.05
2nd Men's 50m Free 41.20 PB-1.39
1st Men's 50m Breast 55.96
Gwyneth Homer 15years
2nd Women's 100m Free 1:13.74
1st Mixed 400m Free 6.01.48 PB-11.69
1st Women's 50m Free 34.08
1st Mixed 200m Free 2:55.33
Oliver Homer 17 years
1st Men's 100m Free 1:06.70
3rd Mixed 400m Free 5:58.40 PB-5.91
1st Men's 50m Free 29.65
1st Mixed 200m Free 2:47.75
Althea Howman 12 years
11th Women's 100m Free 1:36.09 PB-5.42
11th Women's 50m Back 51.62 PB-6.50
20th Women's 50m Free 43.72 PB-2.20
Laurens Vosloo 12 years
-3rd Men's 100m Free 1:21.37 PB-4.99
4th Men's 50m Back 53.30 PB-5.42
2nd Mixed 400m Free 6:06.62 PB- 34.54
4th Men's 50m free 38.76
Emma Rudge 54 years
Mixed 400m Free 6:52.19 PB-1:07.81
Women's 50m Free 39.60 PB-20.40
Ruby Rudge 14 years
5th Women's 50m Fly 49.79
5th women's 100m Free 1:24.85
5th Women's 50m Back 49.99
3rd Women's 100m Breast 1:54.93
5th Women's 50m Free 37.51
3rd Women's 50m Breast 53.24
Tim Rudge 54 years
1st Mixed 1500m Free 28:35.95
Matilda Andrews 17 years
1st Mixed 200m Medley IM 3:05.67 PB-3.99
2nd Women's 50m Fly 37.93
1st Mixed 1500m Free 23:11.49 PB -58.11
15 November 2025
Portland Swimming Club coaches, Kristy Andrews, Claire Ward, Matilda Andrews, and Michelle Beddows participated in a huge weekend in Geelong for the Barwon South West Development Coaching course weekend. Delivered by Swimming Victoria, it was the largest development coaching accreditation course in the state, with 30 coaches in attendance at last Saturday's workshop. Another feature to the weekend, swimming and diving coaches were brought together in a focus group, collaborating and providing valuable insights for participation and inclusion.
Our coaches who are soon to be fully accredited as Swimming Australia Development Coaches as a result of the weekends activities, spoke about the benefits of the training. 'This is a fantastic milestone for our small club and a huge step forward for our swimmers. This accreditation recognises that our coaches meet the national standard to lead competitive squads and support athlete development.' Claire said.
During the program, coaches had the privilege of learning alongside past Olympians, being assessed by an Olympic coach, and providing direct feedback to Swimming Victoria on challenges faced by swimmers, coaches, and clubs.
Matilda who is the club's youngest qualified coach said 'I've wanted to be a coach since I was 10 years old, so really little... and it's important to me that I get to share my knowledge with others because they're passionate about what they do.'
Michelle said coaching doesn't have to be about high performance, it is focusing on the grass roots 'It's working with our kids to accomplish their goals, whether that's having fun, making friends, competing in school swimming meets or aiming for Countries or Nationals. As coaches if our kids are having fun and smashing their goals, getting PB's, we are winning. By doing these courses we are keeping up to date and gaining the confidence to help our kids get to where they want to be.' Although Michelle has now moved to Warrnambool with her family and is no longer coaching in Portland, she hasn't ruled out coming back 'Also a huge thankyou to Portland Swimming Club in supporting me to complete this course, I look forward to running a pop-up session one day.'
Club President and coach Kristy Andrews was pleased with the weekend and proud of the Portland coaching team 'It was great being connected with other coaches and developing those connections. The course was a great opportunity to learn and develop new skills and knowledge but also recognise how far we have come.'
Coaches thanked the club for assisting them to achieve this important goal. 'A big thank you to our amazing committee for their ongoing support in helping us reach this achievement, which will bring lasting benefits to our swimmers and the future of our club.' Claire said.
