Harper Sercombe
Craigieburn swim school makes a Splash at Victoria’s Aquatic and Recreation awards.
The centre took out swim school of the year, as well as being home to the most valuable employee.
While swim teacher and aquatic service officer Christine Meek, was highly commended for her work with disabled people.
In 2022 Mrs Meek led the development and implementation of the Aqua Inclusion Program at Splash ensuring an end goal of inclusion, normality, and celebration of achievements for students with a disability.
Mrs Meek is a special needs mother and said she wanted to create a place for families like hers to feel accepted.
“My 12-year-old son has autism and ADHD so I understand the challenging aspects from a parenting perspective,” she said.
“There’s been so many places where I’ve felt like I’ve had to adjust who we are to feel welcome.
“[I wanted] Splash to become a centre where those families felt welcome, included and understood… feel that they didn’t have to apologise.”
The program was initially introduced to address gaps within private lessons for disabled children.
“They have never had the opportunity to level up or be celebrated for their progress or success,” she said.
“Part of the program is a student profile, it has information about the child, their disabilities and the triggers and aspects that may impact them in a swim lesson.”
The program has been a hit at the swim centre, with parents being “extremely happy” with the results.
“One family in particular, I recently assessed their child and progressed him and the look on his face and his mothers face when I gave them a certificate was amazing,” she said.
“That’s the epitome, it’s what keeps me motivated to continue.
“The recognition for me, tells me to continue on that path.”
