Members dive into 50-year milestone

When 245 swimmers joined together in 1967 to form a local club, they could not have predicted the success it would have over the next 50 years.

Swimming Club captains, Annabelle Woodbury and Aaron Wartmann, and Life Saving Clubcaptains, Sarah Osborne and Jordan Hodgers, cut the birthday cake at The Hills Swimming and Life Saving Club's 50th anniversary celebrations on February 12. Pictures: Supplied

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When 245 swimmers joined together in 1967 to form a local club, they could not have predicted the success it would have over the next 50 years.

The Hills Swimming and Life Saving Club celebrated its 50th anniversary last Sunday, exactly half a century to the day after the first meeting of the club took place at Roxborough Park Memorial Pool – now known as Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre.

The Hills Amateur Swimming Club, as it was known then, was formed with 245 swimmers who each paid 50 cents in membership fees per year.

Paralympian and club member Timothy Hodge presents Jasper Road students Kanako Delaney and Joel Thomas with the Primary School Shields at The Hills Swimming and Life Saving Club's 50th anniversary celebrations on February 12.

The Hills Swimming and Life Saving Club's longest serving active member, Graham Taylor, and its youngest, Rebecca Hogan, placed a time capsule into the ground at the club's 50th anniversary celebrations on February 12.

The 50th anniversary celebrations began on Sunday, February 12, with a swimming carnival for all local primary school children aged 12 and under.

Jasper Road Public School emerged victorious on the day, winning both the boys and girls shields.

Rio Paralympian and club member Timothy Hodge, who currently holds the Australian and world records for the 400m Individual Medley, presented medals and the Primary School Shields.

Following the carnival, a time capsule was buried by the club’s longest serving active member Graham Taylor and the club’s youngest active member Rebecca Hogan.

Almost 5900 members have passed through the doors of the club over the past 50 years, including Paralympian Alicia Aberley and World Championship swimmer Grant Cleland.

The club also holds 36 national lifesaving records, with member Jenny Whiteley claiming 13 of those.