Legendary swim coach named Westfield Local Hero

“The award brings recognition to the program and an increased awareness within the community we operate in,” Mr Tobin said.

“It brings athletes with a disability more into the mainstream. The more we can showcase the achievements of these athletes to the wider community the more acceptance we get. I have had several people from overseas contact me for specific advice on how to implement a similar program, something I’m also happy to assist with.”

The award also recognises Belgravia Leisure’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“From a Belgravia perspective it shows my staff, contract partners and the community that at all levels of the business we are enacting the CLEAR values,” Mr Tobin said.

“We are actually connecting all communities to Leisure, they are not just slogans. Many staff were unaware of the voluntary work that I do in this space. So I have been asked to mentor many staff with specialty areas within the area of disability swimming. I believe it has added another layer of respect within what we are trying to achieve in inclusion within the Moreton Bay Region.”

With such a vast amount of experience, Mr Tobin also shared his three takeaways curated over a lifetime of teaching swimming. They are:

• Lesson 1: We can all learn new skills no matter how long it takes us, lifelong learning is the key to success
• Lesson 2: Work with the ability that you have been given
• Lesson 3: As a coach, teacher or mentor we must be aware of how every training session has a different effect on the person’s life.

Belgravia Leisure CEO Nick Cox congratulated Mr Tobin on his award and his contribution to swimming.

“Craig demonstrates the leadership and commitment we need to ensure disadvantaged and disabled people are given greater access to our centres and the important life skills swimming provides,” Mr Cox said.

“We are very proud of him and his continuing success, and the number of people who benefit directly from his hard work and commitment. He’s an inspiration to many people at Belgravia Leisure, he inspires many others through his work and this award is much deserved.”