Rainbow Connect
Rainbow Connect is our annual conference designed for Rainbow Club teachers, staff, volunteers, and board members from across Australia to come together, connect, and grow. Held every year, it’s a unique opportunity to share ideas, hear from expert speakers, learn new skills, and feel part of our vibrant Rainbow Club community. See About us
This is a paid professional development conference unique to Rainbow Club and Teachers can claim PD points.
In 2025, Rainbow Connect will be held on Saturday, 12 July at the Novotel Sydney Olympic Park. This is a face-to-face event only – there’s no online option this year as we hope to welcome even more of you in person.
As part of this year’s program, we are excited to host the Aqua Awards – a biennial celebration of the incredible contributions made by our teachers, volunteers, and staff. The awards presentation will take place over a sit-down lunch, recognising outstanding achievements and dedication within our Rainbow Club community.
Staff travelling from interstate or regional NSW, you may be eligible for travel and accommodation support under our Events Travel and Accommodation Policy.
2025 Rainbow Connect – Saturday 12th July 2025
Location: Novotel Sydney Olympic Park
Registrations Are Now Closed
What happens at Rainbow Connect:
Agenda:
7.30am CPR (Optional Training)
9.00am
Rainbow Connect Welcome
9.30am
Guest Speaker – Autism Swim
10.30am Morning Tea
10.45am
Guest Speaker – Autism Swim – Round Table Workshop
12.15pm
Rainbow Club Operations and Q&A – Taylor, Angelique and Michelle
1.15pm Coffee/Tea Break
1.30pm Seated Lunch
2.45pm
Aqua Awards Ceremony
4.00pm Wrap up with CEO Graeme Houston
4.30pm
Event ends
Aqua Awards
Every two years, Rainbow Club presents the prestigious Aqua Awards. Rainbow Club members reach their potential in the water with the support and encouragement of teachers, families, committee members and supporters, and many individuals devote a lot of time and energy to this goal. For many, feedback and appreciation from members is its own reward but at Rainbow Club we believe outstanding people should be recognised and promoted.
Rainbow Club Aqua Awards Teacher Categories:
- Aqua Teacher Recognises a Rainbow Club Teacher who has excelled in their role.
- Aqua Lead Teacher This award recognises a Rainbow Club Lead Teacher who has contributed above and beyond their duties and hours, leading their team and supporting the running of their club.
- Aqua Assistant Lead Teacher Recognises a Rainbow Club Assistant Lead Teacher who has contributed above and beyond their duties and hours, supporting their club’s and the program’s success.
- Rookie of the Year Award Celebrates a newcomer to Rainbow Club who has gone above and beyond in their role to support the club’s success.
New in 2025: Expanded Awards for Teachers and Head Office Staff
And the 2023 Winners were….
Lead Teacher: Erin Dobinson (Mt Annan), Teacher: Carol James (Toronto), Most Improved Teacher: Sophie Osbourne (Warringah), Assistant Lead Teacher: Caitlin Barnes (Sutherland), Inpool Volunteer: Natesha Shalliker (Cherrybrook), Committee Volunteers: Silva Tang (Newington)
And the 2021 Winners were….
Lead Teacher: Taylor Dawson (Hurstville), Teacher: Jolanda Jarman (Penrith), Inpool Volunteer: Zoe Casey, Committee Volunteers: Michelle Greening (Cherrybrook) & Michael Lamb (Bondi)
See our calendar
Our calendar features exciting swim, training, and social events for the whole Rainbow Club community. Check out our calendar and add events to your personal calendar!
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Inpool volunteering
Rainbow Club lessons are individualised for children with a disability aged between 3 – 18 years and our unique Swim the Rainbow program is delivered by dedicated and qualified swim teachers. Rainbow Club welcomes inpool volunteers to shadow our swim teachers and help deliver the lessons.