- MSA Life Membership
- Volunteer of the Year
- Coaching Excellence Award 2023
- Coach of the Year (1989-2022)
- Official of the Year
- National Championship Awards
- MSA Swimmer of the Year
MSA Life Membership
Masters Swimming Australia has honoured a number of volunteer members who have contributed to the management of the organisation since its inception in 1975.
The person's contribution must be of sustained excellence to the furtherance of the Association's ideals and each and everyone of them have been instrumental in the development of this great organisation.
| Year | Name | State | Awards | Photo's |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Gary Stutsel OAM | NSW | * Life Member MSA 1985 * Life Member MSNSW * Honoree ISMHOF * Australian Sports Medal, 2000 * Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) 1987 |  |
| 1989 | Glenys McDonald AM | WA | * Life Member MSA 1989 * Australian Sports Medal, 2000 * Member of the Order of Australia (AM) 2001 |  |
| 1991 | Peter Gillett (dec) | SA | * Life Member MSA 1991 * Australian Sports Medal, 2000 |  |
| 1999 | Kay Cox OAM | WA | * Life Member MSA 1999 * Life Member MSWA 1983 * Life Member Carine MSWA 2020 * AUSSI Coach of the Year 1990 * Eunice Gill Award for services to coaching 1993 * Official of the Year, 1996, 2009 * Australian Sports Medal, 2000 * Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) 2012 |  |
| 2002 | Ivan Wingate | WA | * Life Member MSA 2002 * Australian Sports Medal, 2000 |  |
| 2005 | Darryl Hawkes | SA | * Life Member MSA 2005 * Life Member MSSA 1999 * Australian Sports Medal, 2000 |  |
| 2006 | Pauline Samson OAM | TAS | * Life Member MSA 2006 * Life Member MSTas * Australian Sports Medal 2000 * Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) 2021 |  |
| 2006 | Mary Sweeney | QLD | * Life Member MSA 2006 * Life Member MSQ * 10 Years Continuous Service MSA 2005 * Australian Sports Medal 2000 |  |
| 2007 | David Cummins | WA | * Life Member MSA 2007 * 10 Years Continuous Service MSA 2005 * Australian Centenary Medal 2003 * Australian Sports Medal 2000 |  |
| 2011 | John Pugh | TAS | * Life Member MSA 2011 |  |
| 2016 | Gerry Tucker OAM | VIC | * Life Member MSA 2016 * Life Member Malvern Marlins MSV 2007 * Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) 2024 |  |
| 2020 | John Pollock | NT | * Life Member MSA 2020 |  |
| 2024 | Jane Noake | NSW | * Life Member MSA 2024 * Life Member MSNSW 2010 * Gary Stutsel Award 1999 * MSNSW Official of the Year 2005,2008,2009 * Life Member Seaside Pirates 2017 |  |
Volunteer of the Year
Masters Swimming Australia (MSA) has identified that there are many members who make wonderful contributions to Masters Swimming in Australia at club, state, national and/or international levels.
In December 2016, the Branch Delegates agreed to establish a new award to recognise and reward an individual who has been an outstanding volunteer at the National level.
This new award is for the National level only. Nominations are welcome from Branches and the NBM who wish to recognise a member who has made a valuable contribution to our sport at the national level in any given year. This could have been as a National Championship organising committee member, National Committee Chairperson or member, National Board member, National Director, National Delegate, etc.
The award recipient will be selected by the National Board of Management and be presented with their award at the annual National Championships Presentation Function.
The MSA Volunteer of the Year will not be selected from Branch award winners.
The MSA Volunteer of the Year does not have to be a member of MSA.
| Year | Name | Accomplishments | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 |  | Phil Tyrell | Phil was the Chair of Organising Committee and Meet Director for the 2023 Masters Swimming Australia National Championships. There is no doubt that the organisers – led by Philip Tyrell as Committee Chair and Meet Director - put together an event that ran smoothly, was swimmer-friendly, provided excellent competition in a quality venue, with a healthy mix of rivalry and camaraderie. The success of the event was due largely to the meticulous planning undertaken. In addition, during 2023, Philip made important contributions to two National sub-committees. His efforts and involvement have been recognised by the Chairs of those two committees – Di Coxon-Ellis and Dr Shayne Baker with testimonials supporting his nomination. |
| 2022 |  | Kim Tyler | Kim, a member of the Freemantle Masters in WA is the winner of the 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award. Kim is a qualified Masters Swimming Club Coach is a MSWA and National Coach Educator and member of the National Coaching Committee and her constant support in 2022 to evolve and monitor the MSA Online Coaching Course as a National asset is felt across the country with over 400 coaches registering online since its launch in March 2021. |
| 2021 |  | Andrea McNeil (OAM) | Andrea from the Malvern Marlins, has been an extraordinary MSA Board member and Finance Director during 2021, providing various financial reports to the monthly NBM meetings. Andrea also provided additional support to the National Office, whether sourcing grant opportunities, sharing news articles or calling for a chat, Andrea was always in contact especially during the difficult times of lockdown in Victoria. Andrea has been a valued liaison between the NCC and NBM since taking on the role as an observer on the NCC to assist with better communication throughout the organisation. |
| 2020 |  | Pauline Samson (OAM) | Pauline from Talays, is a MSA Life Member and the National Recorder. During 2020, Pauline worked on, and finished, updating, organising and correcting records in the National results portal. This was a herculean effort. She has since turned her eye for detail on updating all the world records in the records/results portal since the Fina Masters website revamp meant the historical Masters World Records have not been available for viewing. This impacted MSA’s ability to import the current records into our records/results portal as the link to do this no longer existed. |
| 2019 | Not Awarded | ||
| 2018 |  | Mark Hepple | Mark, from Hills AUSSI (MSNSW) went above and well beyond the call of duty over many days, weeks and months in guiding the MSA Administration teams from each of our Branches to assist them with the creation our new National and Branch websites. His patience, informative help sheets, persuasive techniques and above all good humour enabled us to complete the majority of the new websites in 2018. He often spotted and sourced solutions to any problems before we even knew we had them. He was fantastic, caring and nothing was too hard. Well done Mark. |
| 2017 |  | Bruce Allender | Bruce, from the Malvern Marlins (MSV) is a champion for masters swimming coaches and won the inaugural MSA 2017 Volunteer of the Year Award. During 2017 as Chair of the National Coaching Committee, Bruce presented reports to the MSA Board meeting, attending in person the 2017 MSA Spring General Meeting to present the NCC Report, he successfully petitioned for 2018 to be the Year of the Coach – to promote the role of coaches in the Club network, and for financial support from MSA for training of Club Coaches. He also coordinated the updates of the Club Coaching course in 2017 and the By Laws that pertain to the NCC. Bruce assesses Club Coach applications and if required tutors prospective Coaches through the process for accreditation. Bruce received a Meritorious Service award from MSA in 2015 and MSV in 2017. Congratulations Bruce! |
| COACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD (new for 2023) |
| In 2023 Masters Swimming Australia and the National Coaching Committee introduced a new award category, the Coaching Excellence Awards which are intended to recognise coaches at the national level who demonstrate excellence in delivering positive outcomes for Masters swimmers. |
| In the first year of this Award the National Office received 11 Individual nominations and 1 Coaching group nomination. We thank the members of the NCC for their fair and thorough adjudication. We are excited to announce that we have 3 inaugural recipients of the Coaching Excellence Award in 2023.
Congratulations to: |
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Kevin Duffy (MSSA) – Henley Beach Masters Swimming Club Kevin has provided a quality program for over 10 years catering for all levels at Henly club in a positive and inclusive environment. He has demonstrated technical expertise in his coaching and promoted swimmers’ health and well-being. He is innovative – filming swimmers and using IT equipment such as GoPro/phone video stroke correction and Aquanex to enhance swimmers’ experiences. |
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Donna Gadsby (MSV) – Mornington Peninsular Masters Swimming Club Donna is passionate and dedicated. Innovative in enhancing coaching at the Mornington club – establishing monthly stroke improvement clinics and using video filming to improve swimmers. She has also led Coach development through running workshops for another club – the Malvern MarlinsShe has developed her coaching knowledge through attending national and state conferences and clinics and has been involved in the wider swimming community promoting the values of swimming as the Victorian representative for the Alliance Learn to swim program. |
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Neroli Nixon (MSV) – Doncaster Dolphins Masters Swimming Club Neroli is to be commended for her ability to lead in promotion of Master swimmer through the swim for life program and her promotion of the values of inclusivity, wellness and respect. She is also commended for mentoring coaches to gain qualification. |
Coach of the Year
Until 2023 the MSA Coach of the Year Award provided the opportunity for members to recognise the very valuable contribution that coaching makes to Masters Swimming. This Award was announced at the MSA National Championship Presentation Dinner each year, with the winner receiving a trophy in recognition of their achievement. The winner is also noted at the ASCTA National Conference.
In 2023 Masters Swimming Australia and the National Coaching Committee introduced a new award category, the Coaching Excellence Awards which are intended to recognise coaches at the national level who demonstrate excellence in delivering positive outcomes for Masters swimmers.
| Year | Coach of the Year | Masters Club |
| 2022 | Kerry-Anne Michels | Blacktown Masters (NSW) |
| 2021 | Eleanor Parsons | Claremont Masters (WA) |
| 2020 | Greg Gourley | Tuggeranong (NSW) |
| 2019 | Greg Gourley | Tuggeranong (NSW) |
| 2018 | Greg Lewin | Ryde AUSSI (NSW) |
| 2017 | Peter Johnston | Merrylands (NSW) |
| 2016 | Sari Galsworthy | Fremantle Finns (WA) |
| 2015 | Katya Anderson | Superfins (WA) |
| 2014 | Anne Smyth | Tuggeranong (NSW) |
| 2013 | Peter Johnston | Merrylands (NSW ) |
| 2012 | Brenton Ford | Powerpoints (VIC) |
| 2011 | Danny Crowe | Wett Ones (NSW) |
| 2010 | Francis Godden | Doncaster Dolphins (VIC) |
| 2009 | Vicky Watson | Ryde AUSSI Masters (NSW) |
| 2008 | Patrick Devine | Malvern Marlins (VIC) |
| 2007 | Francis Godden | Doncaster Dolphins (VIC) |
| 2006 | not awarded | |
| 2005 | Nicole Badani | Armadale (WA) |
| 2004 | Louise Stovin-Bradford | Seaside Pirates (NSW) |
| 2003 | Caryn Kiellor | West Coast (WA) |
| 2002 | Vanessa Smith | Wett Ones (NSW) |
| 2001 | Jeff Price | Seaside Pirates (NSW) |
| 2000 | Louise Stovin-Bradford | Seaside Pirates (NSW) |
| 1999 | Rod Porteous | Gladstone (QLD) |
| 1998 | Alina Graham | NW United Sharx (QLD) |
| 1997 | Rod Porteous | Gladstone (QLD) |
| 1996 | Peter Jackson | Warringah (NSW) |
| 1995 | Susette Pow | Osborne Park (WA) |
| 1994 | Elly Fleig | Adelaide Masters (SA) |
| 1993 | Ed Peters | Leeming (WA) |
| 1992 | Neroli Nixon | Doncaster Dolphins (VIC) |
| 1991 | Anita Killmier | Powerpoints (VIC) |
| 1990 | Anita Killmier | Powerpoints (VIC) |
| 1989 | Kay Cox | Carine (WA) |
Official of the Year |
| This award provides the opportunity for members to recognise the very valuable contribution that Officials make to Masters Swimming. Masters Swimming Australia announces the Official of the Year winner at the National Championship Presentation Dinner each year, with the winner receiving a trophy in recognition of their achievement. |
| Congratulations to Ray Brien for being awarded the MSA 2023 OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR |
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Ray is a member of Launceston Masters Swimming Club (Masters Swimming Tasmania) Ray conducted courses for MST trainee officials prior to meets. He mentored trainee officials at all meets conducted by MST throughout 2023. Ray is currently a member of the National Technical Committee (term expires 2025) and represented the National Technical Committee to provide direct advice and comment on the new OWS Rules and accompanying OWS Guidelines. . |
| Year | Official of the Year | Branch |
| 2023 | Ray Brien | TAS |
| 2022 | Di Partridge | NSW |
| 2021 | Lynne Duncan | WA |
| 2020 | Not Awarded | |
| 2019 | Neil Mitchell | VIC |
| 2018 | Sue Pow | WA |
| 2017 | Pamela Walter | WA |
| 2016 | Phillip Beames | SA |
| 2015 | Ken Phillips | WA |
| 2014 | Ron Gray | WA |
| 2013 | Jodie Burke | NSW |
| 2012 | Diane Partridge | NSW |
| 2011 | Karen Patrick | QLD |
| 2010 | Noel Partridge | NSW |
| 2009 | Deryn Thomas | VIC |
| 2008 | Kay Cox | WA |
| 2007 | Sue Johnstone | NSW |
| 2006 | Peter Maloney | WA |
| 2005 | Jane Noake | NSW |
| 2004 | Ken Liddy | QLD |
| 2003 | not awarded | |
| 2002 | not awarded | |
| 2001 | not awarded | |
| 2000 | Stan Pearson | QLD |
| 1999 | not awarded | |
| 1998 | Ivan Wingate | SA |
| 1997 | Robin Sweeney | QLD |
| 1996 | Kay Cox | WA |
| 1995 | Pauline Samson | TAS |
National Championship Awards
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Founder's CupAwarded to the National Champion Club with the highest point score at the conclusion of the National Championships. The original trophy was donated by Frank Sykes but when it was damaged it was replaced in 1982 by Mary Connolly (National Treasurer 1976-84) to commemorate Jack Brownjohn's contribution to establish Masters Swimming in Australia.
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Runners Up TrophyAwarded to the club with the second highest point score at the conclusion of the National Championships. The original trophy was donated by A.C.T. A.U.S.S.I. and replaced in 2005.
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Visitor's TrophyThe Visitors Trophy is awarded to the club with highest point score at the conclusion of the National Championships that is a member of a Branch other than the Host Branch. Up to the 2005 National Swim, the award was given to the top scoring Club whose regular swim venue is more than 100km from the National Championships venue by the most direct road route. From the 2006 National Swim onwards the award has been given to the top scoring visitors club, i.e. the club that is a member of a Branch other than the Host Branch. The original trophy was donated by St. Leonard's Travel.
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President's TrophyNew in 2014, the Presidents Trophy is for Clubs with 21-50 members. Rewards performance & participation. Number of points gained at the meet divided by membership.
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Life Member's TrophyNew in 2014, the Life Members Trophy is for Clubs with 5-20 members. Rewards performance & participation. No of points gained at the Meet divided by membership at end of previous year.
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Swimmer of the Meet - MaleThe Vorgee Male Swimmer of the Meet Trophy is awarded to the swimmer with the highest points at the conclusion of the National Championships
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Swimmer of the Meet - FemaleThe Vorgee female Swimmer of the Meet Trophy is awarded to the swimmer with the highest points at the conclusion of the National Championships
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National Heart Foundation TrophyThe National Heart Foundation Trophy was introduced by the ACT Branch for their first National Swim in 1985 in recognition of the Heart Foundation’s support for the office services they gave to the Branch. The National Heart Foundation Trophy is awarded by the host Branch to a National swim participant who has shown steady progress over the past 12 months, diligent attendance at training sessions and an interest in helping others improve their fitness. discontinued in 2014 |
| Masters Swimmer of the Year is for the swimmer gaining the highest number of points over a calendar year in competition in FINA recognised meets, with the points to be the sum of those for the best five swims, calculated using the current FINA points system. | |
Year |
Name |
| 2023 | Tony Goodwin |
| This is the 3rd time Tony has won the Masters Swimmer of the Year and is his second year in a row. Tony broke 5 Individual World Aquatics World Records in 2023 – 2 in Australia and 3 over in Japan at the World Aquatics Masters Championships. Tony also broke National Records. | |
| 2022 | Tony Goodwin |
| The Masters Swimmer of 2022 winner is Tony Goodwin from Manly Masters Swimming Club in NSW. Tony’s determination and dedication to swimming was outstanding in 2022 winning 9 FINA World Records and 20 National Records. | |
| 2021 | John Cocks |
| Coming from Victoria in a year impacted again by Covid, John’s determination and dedication to swimming was outstanding winning 4 Fina World Records competing at Championships held in 2 different Branches when travelling was restricted. | |
| 2019 | Clary Munns |
| In 2019 Clary won an amazing 14 Fina World Records. Clary is constantly seen on pool deck giving tips to other swimmers and encouraging their swims. It is always special for a Masters swimmer to receive encouragement from one of our World Record holders let alone a multiple world record holder with Clary's history in the sport. | |
| 2018 | Jenny Whiteley |
| In 2018 Jenny broke an incredible 11 Fina World Records, swam in all 62 E-1000 swims and broke nearly 40 National Records. | |
| 2017 | Tony Goodwin |
| Tony (Manly Masters) broke an amazing 9 Fina World Records in 2017, as well as 30 National Records. At the 2017 FINA Masters World Championships in Budapest, he claimed gold in the 200m breaststroke, silver in the 100m breaststroke, 50 m Butterfly and 200 m individual medley and bronze in the 50 m breaststroke. | |
| 2016 | Clary Munns |
| Clary Munns (Blacktown) - more details to come | |
