A Macedon Ranges swim teacher has been recognised for her dedication to her students at the 2023 Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) Industry Gala Awards.
Teacher Marie Noonan was presented with the Swim Teacher Award For Persons with a Disability on Friday, June 23.
The annual awards recognise outstanding achievement and commitment to the aquatics and leisure industry, and is Ms Noonan’s second career award, following her award for Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety in 2014.
Ms Noonan said she is excited she received the award and is very passionate about the children she works with.
“I’ve been at this for 25 years, and have worked with kids with a disability for seven years,” she said.
“I’m pretty passionate about the little kids I work with and also the teenages… I’ve done first aid mental health [and] I’m a bit of an advocate for youth mental health, it entwines itself.”
Ms Noonan said she wants to make sure all kids have fun at the lessons but importantly learn about water safety.
“I visit the schools prior to the lessons and do a water safety talk, and I meet the children [with a disability] so I can match them up with the right teacher,” she said.
“[They are] fun sessions but safety orientated… [kids] need to know the minute they feel unsafe, how to get back to safety [and] how to get help.
“Even if they are non verbal, they need to have a way to communicate [if they are in trouble].”
Mayor Annette Death congratulated Ms Noonan on her award and said the shire’s facilities, services and staff have a great reputation within the industry.
Zoe Moffatt
