Chris Blankley was presented with a long overdue award for his contribution to the aquatic industry at the Department of Sport and Recreation 2011 Industry Awards. The award recognised Chris's longevity in the industry as well as the influence he has had on shaping LIWA Aquatics development. This is the citation read by the MC Simon Beaumont on the night.

This year's winner came into the industry at a very young age and enjoyed the diversity of the shift work, the challenges in the plant room and opportunity of not being shackled to a desk. He enjoyed the country air and found a niche in a workplace and has seen to no reason to move on since starting there 1981. That is over 30 years in the one workplace which is almost unheard of in today's work environment.

Our award winner tonight is passionate about the mentoring and training of young people coming into the aquatic industry and often this individual is one of the first contacts new industry personnel have with LIWA Aquatics when they undertake their initial training. This person has an incredible wealth of knowledge that is freely shared and has a great passion in working with regional managers and understands their problems and issues.

Some of the highlights of this individual's career include:

1. Employed as an Assistant Pool Manager at the Bilgoman Aquatic Centre 1981 on a seasonal basis and was made a permanent staff member in 1982
2. He obtained his Swimming Pool Managers Certificate from the National Safety Council in January 1983
3. In October 1993 he was appointed as the Pool Manager of the Bilgoman Aquatic Centre after a long apprenticeship under the previous manager and LIWA Aquatics Life Member Merv Millar
4. This individual was himself presented with Life Membership of LIWA Aquatics in 2003 for his outstanding contribution to the industry.
5. In November 2007 he was recognised for 25 years service to the Shire of Mundaring.
6. He has been the Vice President of LIWA Aquatics for 12 years which in itself is an incredible testament to this individual
7. In 2009 he was presented with only the second LIWA Aquatics Lifetime Achievement Award for his Outstanding Contribution to the Institute. This award speaks volumes for this persons commitment but also the contribution of the Shire of Mundaring in recognising the need for the growth and development of the industry.
8. Each year our award winner tonight trains pool operators; pool lifeguards, conducts the very successful LIWA Aquatics regional seminars and manages the largest peak body aquatic trade exhibition in Australia.

What a great effort by this individual and the Western Australian Sport and Recreation Industry benefits greatly from his contribution.

Ladies and gentleman the 2011 LIWA Aquatics Peak Body Achievement Award Winner

Mr Chris Blankley

Chris with President Jeff Fondacaro

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