Goonellabah Sports & Aquatic Centre (GSAC) has been selected as the filming location for Australia’s 2026 SWIMSAFER campaign, placing Lismore’s premier aquatic facility and its local swim community in front of a national audience when SWIMSAFER Week runs from 16 to 21 November.
The campaign shoot brought Olympic gold medallist and SWIMSAFER Ambassador Giaan Rooney OAM OLY to GSAC alongside local SwimSations instructors, children and families, with photography and video captured for the nationwide water safety campaign.
Delivered by SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia, SWIMSAFER Week promotes the message “Skills Save Lives”, encouraging Australians to build lifelong swimming and water safety skills.
Lismore City Council Leisure Facilities Manager Natasha Everett said it was a proud moment for the facility.
“For GSAC to be chosen as the location for a national campaign is fantastic recognition of the quality of our facility, our programs and, most importantly, our people,” she said.
“Every day our Swimsations instructors help local children develop confidence and lifelong skills in the water. Seeing those same instructors and local families become the faces of a campaign that will reach communities across Australia is incredibly special.”
“The campaign reinforces the important role aquatic centres play in regional communities. Living in the Northern Rivers means we’re surrounded by rivers, beaches and pools. Learning to swim and understanding water safety isn’t just recreation; it’s an essential life skill that can save lives.”
Olympic gold medallist Giaan Rooney said swimming is one of the greatest gifts adults can give children.
“Swimming gives children confidence, independence and the skills to enjoy the water safely. Programs like SWIMSAFER remind us that water safety starts with each of us.”
SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia Executive Officer Gary Toner said the campaign celebrates the thousands of teachers and instructors helping Australians become safer around water every day.
“SWIMSAFER is about empowering people with practical skills that save lives. We wanted to showcase a facility that reflects excellence in swim education, and GSAC was a wonderful example of that.”
With SWIMSAFER Week approaching from 16 to 21 November, GSAC is set to feature nationally across promotional video, photography and digital campaign material, showcasing Lismore’s local swim community and the importance of lifelong water safety skills.
To view the campaign video featuring our very own GSAC facility and local swim community, visit swimsafer.org.au .
PHOTO: SWIMSAFER Ambassador Giaan Rooney OAM OLY with kids eager to learn at the Goonellabah Sports & Aquatic Centre.
