See more: Fears for future of Northam pool
Northam woman Shirley Stephen was recognised for her contribution to swimming on Saturday, when she became the first person to be presented with a Swimming WA Life Membership.
The Northam woman first became involved with Swimming in Western Australia in 1967.
She joined the Northam Swimming Club as the role of club secretary in her first year and went on to become a coach and hold other responsibilities.
She had never once left the committee in this time. Furthermore, Shirley held the position of club executive director for 18 years.
Due to her dedication, she was made a life member of the club in 1977.
Shirley was president of the Country Swimming Association from 1984-86 and in 1993.
After 50 years of continuous service to swimming in WA, it was terrific to see Shirley recognised with a swimming wa membership
- Swimming WA chief executive officer Darren Beazley
Remarkably, she was the first female in the State to represent Swimming WA in 1969 as a technical official and received her certification as judge of stroke, timekeeper and check starter.
Shirley has received multiple awards including the Australian Sports Medal in 2000.
Already a life member of the Country Swimming Association, in 2010 she received the Country swimming Service Award, bestowed on her for 40 years of continuous service to swimming in country WA.
Swimming WA chief executive officer Darren Beazley said Shirley is very deserving of the award.
“After 50 years of continuous service to swimming in WA, it was terrific to see Shirley recognised with a swimming wa membership,” Mr Beazley said.
“Her contribution to swimming across the state is remarkable and provides a strong platform for swimming to build upon in years ahead.
“Congratulations Shirley.”
She currently runs Bingo fundraiser on Saturday nights from 7.30pm at the Northam Swimming Club, still doing her part for swimming in WA.
Shirley was recently in an article in the Avon Valley and Wheatbelt Advocate because she did not want to see the old Northam Swimming pool building demolished, when the new pool is built.