The Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) Industry Awards are held annually, to recognise the hard work and success of the Aquatic and Recreation Industry. 

After many rescheduled award nights, this night was one to remember - the industry was finally reunited for a night of joy, laughs and celebration of the hard work throughout 2020 and 2021. 

Belgravia Foundation was honoured to be included in the prestigious award ceremony, presenting the ARV Swim Teacher for Person’s with a Disability Award, awarded to Louise Tilley from Knox Leisureworks.  

Similarly, the 2021 National and State AUSTSWIM awards were presented early this month. The AUSTSWIM award is presented to individuals in Australia that achieve the highest standards of aquatic education excellence and is seen as an opportunity to recognise and congratulate swim teachers and swim centres for their contribution to the aquatic education industry. 

Taking out the AUSTSWIM Teacher of Aquatics – Access and Inclusion award for 2021 was none other than, Louise Tilley.  

Louise is a valuable member of Belgravia Leisure’s Knox Leisureworks team. The team at Knox adore Louise, exclaiming Louise always has a beaming smile, gentle nature and can-do attitude. Louise is known by her upbeat tone, cheerful outlook, engaged body language, commitment and passion for quality and inclusive teaching. Louise has played an influential part in guiding, supporting, and providing generous time mentoring teachers at Knox, particularly in the access and inclusion space.  

Louise’s passion for creating opportunities for people with a disability was apparent well before her swim teaching career began. Louise worked with one of Australia’s largest disability services providers, Scope, for 12 years before transitioning into the aquatic space.  

Louise thrives teaching people with a disability the life skill of swimming. “I wish there were more swim teachers taking this up because it is very rewarding,” Louise says. “It’s nice to be recognised in an area that I love and am passionate about.” 

The Belgravia Foundation would like to congratulate Louise for winning the 2021 ARV Swim Teacher for Person’s with a Disability Award and AUSTSWIM Teacher of Aquatics – Access and Inclusion award, a very worthy recipient of two prestigious awards.