2025 Rainbow Connect and Aqua Awardsl
On Saturday 12 July, the Rainbow Club community came together for our annual professional development conference, Rainbow Connect. Teachers, staff, volunteers, board members and special guests gathered for a day filled with learning, collaboration and celebration.
We were honoured to welcome two outstanding speakers from Autism Swim. Occupational Therapist Paige Leishman shared practical, evidence-based strategies to make swimming lessons more accessible and enjoyable for children with a range of abilities. She highlighted the importance of building skills and confidence, and the role swimming can play in safety, inclusion and joy for children and their families.
General Manager Antoinette Spear led a hands-on workshop focused on creating safer, more engaging lessons for children with autism and other abilities. She explored how combining specialist knowledge with the passion and care of our teachers can create a powerful impact for children and their families.
The event also marked the launch of the Jenour Foundation – Autism Swim Scholarship Program. This new initiative will sponsor Autism Swim Aquatics Certification for selected Rainbow Club teachers, ensuring our members continue to benefit from highly skilled and specialised instruction.
“We are thrilled to partner with Autism Swim and the Jenour Foundation to make this possible,” said Rainbow Club CEO Graeme Houston. “Investing in our teachers means better outcomes for every child who comes through our doors.”
Parents and teachers across our network see the difference this passion and training make. As one Hunter Region parent shared,
“From the moment we joined, we were welcomed by friendly and understanding faces. The environment is warm, inclusive, and completely free of judgment. One of the most meaningful aspects for us has been the opportunity to connect with other parents who truly understand what it’s like to raise a child with a disability.”
A Cherrybrook RCA parent echoed this sentiment:
“The great thing about Rainbow Club is that each individual involved in running it is focused on providing the best possible outcome for children with differences.”
Rainbow Connect concluded with the presentation of the Aqua Awards, which recognise the dedication, passion and excellence of our teachers and staff. Congratulations to all finalists and winners – your contribution makes a lasting difference to the lives of our members.
Thank you to everyone who attended, to our guest speakers for their inspiration, and to our supporters for making this event possible. Rainbow Connect is more than a conference; it is a celebration of the people and passion that make Rainbow Club what it is. We look forward to welcoming everyone again at Rainbow Connect 2026.
