Canning makes a splash with seven industry awards

The City of Canning’s Leisureplex and Swim School teams are celebrating an extraordinary week of success, taking home seven awards across two major aquatic industry award programs in two nights.

The remarkable run began at the 2026 Australian Swim Schools Association Awards on Wednesday 26 August, where Canning Swim School was named the Western Australian winner of both the Community Service Award and Employer of Choice Award.
The celebrations continued the following night at the 2026 WA Aquatic & Recreation Industry Awards, where Canning Swim School was crowned Swim School of the Year and four City of Canning Leisureplex employees received individual honours.

Taya Downing was named Customer Experience Officer of the Year, Thalia Cappeluti received Aquatic Technical Operator of the Year, Ashton Cridge was named Lifeguard of the Year and Ebony King took home Emerging Leader of the Year.

Presented by the Leisure Institute of Western Australia Aquatics, the peak body for Western Australia’s aquatic and recreation industry, the WA Aquatic & Recreation Industry Awards recognise outstanding individuals, teams and facilities driving excellence, innovation and best practice across the sector.

The latest achievements continue an impressive period of industry recognition for the City’s aquatic services.

In 2025, Canning Swim School received five honours at the Australian Swim Schools Association Awards, including WA Swim School of the Year, National Highly Commended Swim School of the Year and National Swim School Manager of the Year.

Now, with another three organisational awards for Canning Swim School and four individual staff awards in 2026, the latest results demonstrate the team’s continued commitment to delivering outstanding aquatic services for the Canning community.

City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall said the depth of recognition was an outstanding achievement for the City.

“What an incredible week for our Leisureplex and Swim School teams, and what a wonderful reflection of the people who make our aquatic facilities such welcoming and supportive places for our community,” Mayor Hall said.

“To receive seven awards across two nights is an exceptional achievement, particularly following the major industry recognition our Swim School received last year.

“We have been recognised for the quality of our Swim School, our contribution to the community, the workplace we have created for our people and the outstanding performance of individual team members across customer service, aquatic operations, lifeguarding and leadership.

“Every week, thousands of swimmers, families and community members come through our Leisureplexes, and these awards recognise the passion and commitment of the people working behind the scenes to make those experiences safe, welcoming and enjoyable.

“Following last year’s success, these latest achievements show that Canning continues to be recognised as a leader within the aquatic and learn to swim industry.” he said.

Canning Swim School’s Community Service Award recognises its work to extend access to swimming and water safety beyond its everyday operations, including initiatives and partnerships supporting disadvantaged, underrepresented and at-risk members of the community.

The Employer of Choice Award recognises the workplace behind that work, celebrating the Swim School’s investment in its people through workplace culture, professional development, staff support and retention.

Together with being named WA Aquatic & Recreation Industry Swim School of the Year, the three organisational awards recognise both the quality of the service being delivered and the people and culture behind it.

For families considering swimming lessons, Canning Swim School offers programs for a range of ages and abilities at Cannington and Riverton Leisureplexes. Whether learning to swim for the first time, building confidence in the water or developing stronger swimming skills, families can learn with an award-winning team committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment.

To learn more and enrol in swimming lessons visit canning.wa.gov.au/swimschool