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PARC Swim’s very own Shannon Gardner wins Swim Teacher of the Year Award

We’re thrilled to announce that our very own Shannon Gardner has been awarded the prestigious Swim Teacher of the Year Award at the annual ARV Awards! The ARV Industry Awards recognise and reward outstanding achievement and commitment to the industry.

After receiving a Highly Commended last year, Shannon’s dedication and excellence in swim teaching have earned her the top prize in 2024. In celebration of this incredible achievement, we sat down with Shannon for a Q&A session to gain insights into her journey, and to get to know her better.

Join us as we dive into Shannon’s story and discover what makes her an exceptional swim teacher. Read on to learn more about the outstanding individual who has brought pride and recognition to our team.

Q: Shannon, congratulations on winning the Swim Teacher of the Year Award! Can you share with us what this recognition means to you and how it feels to be acknowledged for your hard work?

Honestly, right now it’s pretty overwhelming in the best way possible. Being nominated, having the immense support of the PARC Swim management team, was enough to make me feel thrilled. However, to actually win the state award was surreal. I genuinely love swim teaching and am passionate about guiding students of all ages to achieve goals and milestones, even beyond the pool.

Q: Can you tell us about a memorable moment in your teaching career that you love?

Throughout my years of teaching, I have taught a range of different ages of students; from 6 months to over 60 years. One specific instance that sticks with me was after one of my adult students was concluding her swimming lesson journey. She, at 63 years old, had just decided to ‘bite the bullet’ and take lessons, though, admittedly, was nervous about the process. After one lesson she turned and told me how she felt silly for ‘taking so long’ to learn to swim. She was incredibly grateful for all that she had learnt, however stated that she felt she missed out on so many opportunities to enjoy the water, especially while she travelled around the world, whether that was sitting in a pool or wading in the beach. Whilst I was there as her teacher, a mentor guiding her, I reminded her that she made all her own progress, showing up to lessons, facing fears and giving things a go. She should be so proud of herself and her achievements. I have this some outlook with all of my students, regardless of age.

Q: How do you stay motivated to provide the best experience for your students?

Most of my motivation honestly comes from genuinely loving what I do! Swimming and water safety skills are so important, especially living around water, but I love seeing the process and the confidence my students develop, not just specific to water skills but within themselves.

Q: Last year you took home the ‘Highly Commended’ and this year you won! What is something you have done this year to learn more and improve?

I’ve taken every opportunity to learn and develop my own skills, even if that means stepping out of my comfort zone or thinking outside of the box. Throughout the past year I also completed 3 swim teaching extension courses; teacher of infants, adults and access and inclusion. I have applied the skills and knowledge I gained from these courses throughout all of my lessons. Building rapport with my students is also super important to me, so I’ve watched A LOT of Bluey (although I admit that’s probably more for myself than my younger students).

Q: If you could have any superpower to help you in your swim classes, what would it be and why?

I would love the ability to instill the confidence I have in my students in themselves!

Q: What’s the funniest thing a student has ever said during a swim lesson?

Once a student told me they weren’t able to do their kicking that day because their legs ran out of power at school and had to be “plugged in” to recharge!

Q: What’s your favourite way to relax and unwind when you’re not at work?

In the warmer weather I love going paddleboarding down at the beach and I’ve recently started gardening. However, during the colder months, being cozy on the couch with a good book (or episode of Bluey) gives me a great recharge!

Q: What’s your favourite food, to keep you going during a busy day of teaching?

I love a good chicken and salad wrap!

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about being swim teacher, or an aspiring swim teacher just starting out in their careers?

Never be afraid to ask for assistance or for ideas, but also don’t be afraid to think a little outside the box when teaching! Regardless of the number of years of experience, we are constantly learning and gaining further knowledge and ideas for lessons. I love the swim teaching community because I’ve found that we are all open to sharing ideas on how to provide the best lessons to our students. It’s such an important job, and I love it.

Congratulations Shannon, we are immensely proud of you and love having you as part of our PARC Swim Team.

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We’re excited to welcome Exercise Physiologist Jesse Murphy and his team, Compass Allied Health, to PARC! 
 
Compass Allied Health offers:
✅ Exercise Physiology
✅ Physiotherapy
✅ Therapy assistance (AHA) 
✅ Support workers (NDIS)
 
Jesse has proudly brought his expertise in exercise prescription to Frankston and surrounds for over 8 years. He is passionate about supporting people achieve their goals through exercise intervention. Jesse has extensive experience in screening/assessments and prescribing personalised exercise programs for all ages and various needs including athletes, injury and post-operative rehabilitation, chronic diseases, and a range of physical and neurological conditions both within private practice and under the NDIS. 

What’s available? 
Services are available for both Private and NDIS: 
Private health insurance rebates available
GP referral NOT required.

·  Gym based - 1:1, Group/buddy training, Programs
·  Specialised groups - ACL Rehab
·  Hydrotherapy
·  Home visits
·  Online Telehealth via zoom 

Other/Compensable: 
(GP referral required) 

·  Medicare - EPC 
·  WorkCover 
·  TAC
·  DVA

Introductory offer: (T&C’s apply) 

Discounts for multiple services are available to both CURRENT and NON members for:

- Kickstart Packs 
- Initial Assessments 
- Running assessments 
- Lower back pain assessments + stability program
- Maximal strength testing 
- Program modification 

Head over to @compass.alliedhealth socials on Instagram to find out more! 

#parcfrankston #alliedhealth #exercisephysiology #exercisephysiologist
Our popular Small Group Training Come & Try session is back! 🏋️‍♀️

Join us for a fun, complimentary Saturday morning workout where you can experience a Small Group Training session. Meet the team, workout with a group of like minded people and learn how our Small Group Training can help you meet your health and wellbeing goals at your pace. 

These sessions are open to our Full Access members, and can be booked via our Customer Portal - link in bio. 

📅 When: Saturday 22 February 
🕘 Time: 8.00m and 9.00am 

Want to learn more about Small Group Training membership? Visit our website or chat to one of our trainers! 

#PARCfrankston #smallgrouptraining #smallgrouptrainingsessions #personaltraining #personaltrainingsession #frankstoncity #trainingbuddies
Skate Park Leagues is coming to Frankston Skate Park on 22 Febraury!

Locals will battle it out to claim the crown and gain points towards the Victorian Melbourne Metro Series League Ladders. Skate, scoot or BMX - there are heat times for each category. 🛴🛹🚲

Everyone is welcome to compete, so come on down and enjoy the show! We hope to see you there.

Visit Skate Park Leagues website for more info: https://peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/2025-skate-park-leagues-at-frankston-skate-park/

#FrankstonSkatepark #PARCFrankston #SkateLeagues #Competition #SkateScootBMX
⚡️Supercharge your day with our new Superfood Salad ⚡️

Exclusive for the month of February, energise your body with our nutritious yet delicious superfood salad! Packed with a selection of roast veggies mixed with Arugula, Feta & topped with Pomegranates, it will fuel your day the right way.

Be sure to stop by the Cafe on you next visit and grab your Superfood Salad

#PARCFrankston #PARCCafe #Monthlyspecial #Superfoodsalad #delicious
🚨 DON'T MISS OUT 🚨

The Infant Can Swim, expression of interests close soon

Participate together with your child, and learn the fundamentals of water familiarisation. This program equips parents with the skills and knowledge to practise in their own time and build essential, foundational skills with their little loved ones. 

WHERE & WHEN: 3 day program 24, 26, 28 February at PARC

COST: Fully subsidised, thanks to the support of our partner Frankston City Council.

Expressions of Interest close on Wednesday 12 February. Dont miss out, complete an Expressions of Interest on our website here. Link in bio 

#PARCFrankston #CanSwim #Infantcanswim #Watersafety #watersafe
Extended hours at PINES this February 🎉

We are very excited to announce that in partnership with Frankston City Council, PINES opening hours will be extended for the month of February. 
 
The updated hours are: 
- Monday – Friday, 6am – 8pm 
- Weekends and public holidays, 8am – 7pm 
 
This change in hours has been made for February 2025 only.
 
For more information on our extended hours, please visit our blog via the link in bio.

We look forward to seeing our PINES passionates in the pool soon!

#PARCFrankston #PINESFrankston
Frankston’s Iconic Waterfront Festival returns on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 February. 🎉
 
Enjoy two jam-packed days of entertainment for the entire family. 
 
- Live Music from Sneaky Sound System, Peirce Brothers and more 
- Rides and Amusements 
- Global Eats 
- Rotary Duck race 
- Basketball with Hoop city 
- Glitter Gypsy’s 
- Fireworks and more... 
 
The Peninsula Leisure and PARC team will be there with the Frankston Skate Park crew on Saturday 8 February from 12pm - 7pm, for free learn to skate sessions. Keep your eyes peeled for the Peninsula Leisure team! 
 
Learn more via link in bio

#PARCFrankston #WaterfrontFestival #Frankston #FamilyFun #LiveMusic

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