The Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC) has made a splash at the 2025 Aquatic & Recreation Industry (ARI) NSW Awards of Excellence, bringing home three major awards and being named as a finalist in six categories – a big achievement for the two-year-old community facility.
PAC was recognised for its excellence, innovation and community impact, winning the following:
- Social Impact Award;
- Swim Teacher of the Year – Tara Berry;
- Award of Excellence – Sue Raven.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor, Martin Zaiter said the awards reflect the City’s commitment to health, inclusion and community wellbeing.
“These awards are a testament to the incredible work being done at our state-of-the-art Aquatic Centre,” Lord Mayor Zaiter said.
“From water safety to inclusive fitness programs, our team is setting the standard for what it means to truly serve and connect with the community.
“To have six finalists at a state-wide level shows the depth of talent and heart within our team and the recognition shines a spotlight on how we are building a healthier and more connected community.”
PAC was also a finalist in the categories of Swim School of the Year, Aqua Instructor of the Year – Ing Ong and Marketing and Communications – ‘Find Your PAC’ campaign.
Tara Berry (pictured, left), named Swim Teacher of the Year, was praised for her work with children and adults of all abilities including her ground-breaking research into supporting people on the autism spectrum in aquatic environments.
Sue Raven (pictured, right), who received the coveted Award of Excellence, was recognised for her lifelong dedication to water safety education, particularly her focus on safer swimming in inland waterways and her mentorship of hundreds of aquatic professionals over a 30-year career.
The Social Impact Award acknowledged PAC’s work in building social cohesion and wellbeing across Parramatta’s diverse communities, from running seniors’ events and refugee swimming programs to inclusive youth fitness and trauma-informed water safety education.
PAC’s innovative and inclusive programs, from refugee swim initiatives to youth wellness programs and senior fitness clubs, have made a tangible difference to thousands across the Parramatta LGA including seniors, youth, CALD and people with disabilities.
To learn more about the programs, visit PAC.
