The City of Kwinana is thrilled to announce the Kwinana Recquatic secured three State awards at the recent WA Aquatic Recreation Industry Awards, organised by peak body Leisure Institute of Western Australia (LIWA).
The Kwinana Recquatic secured Swim School of the Year; Community Impact Award for the Good Thanks Café social enterprise initiative with Good Sammy’s; and the Emerging Leader of the Year was awarded to Gordon Cheok.
Mayor Peter Feasey said accolades reflected the hard work and dedication of the Kwinana Recquatic team and its positive influence in the community.
“The Swim School team was recognised for excelling in programming, customer service, risk management and community involvement, with an unwavering commitment to participants,” Mayor Feasey said.
“Since July 2023, the Good Thanks Café has been a beacon of inclusion in our community by creating meaningful employment opportunities for people living with a disability, using a social enterprise model championed by iconic Western Australian charity Good Sammy Enterprises.
“I congratulate Kwinana Recquatic Duty Officer Gordon Cheok who stepped into various team leader roles recently, particularly excelling at the Sport and Programs Team Leader.
“I also acknowledge Kirra Russell who was a finalist for Lifeguard of the Year, and Melissa McCabe who was a finalist for Swim Teacher of the Year, and I am proud of the three staff who were invited to share their wisdom and insights from Kwinana at the LIWA conference as speakers,” he said.
Good Sammy Enterprises Chief Executive Officer Kane Blackman congratulated the City on its award successes and applauded their approach to social procurement, inclusion and community impact.
“Good Thanks cafe is a social enterprise created by Good Sammy and extends the hospitality job opportunities and pathways it offers, in addition to its retail, logistics, recycling and property care enterprises,” Mr Blackman said.
“Given WA has 100,000 people with disability of working age not in employment, it is case studies like this that show what is possible.”