The Nepean Aquatic Centre Swim Club (NACSC), Penrith's largest and most successful swimming club, has received a significant $20,000 grant to support the purchase of competitive racing blocks, further strengthening the club's ability to develop swimmers from grassroots through to national competition.
I was delighted to attend the presentation evening with NACSC members, families, coaches and supporters on Sunday evening to celebrate the club's outstanding achievements over the past 12 months and present the club with a $20,000 cheque through the NSW Government Local Sport Grant Program.
Since its formation in 2011, NACSC has grown to more than 250 members, providing local swimmers with access to competitive swimming opportunities and a pathway to achieve success at all levels of the sport. Under the leadership of Head Coach Sarah-Jane Weir, the club offers a comprehensive coaching and strength program, supported by the Nepean Aquatic Centre, and provides regular opportunities for swimmers to compete through club nights and swim meets throughout the year.
The club's recent achievements highlight its status as one of the strongest swimming programs in New South Wales and the leading program in Western Sydney.
Recent successes include being recognised as the Premier Club in the Metro South West Area after winning club point scores at both the Short Course and Long Course Championships. NACSC also finished fourth-ranked in Sydney Metropolitan and eighth overall in NSW during the 2025 Short Course season, while achieving fourth in Sydney Metropolitan and 13th in NSW during the 2025/26 Long Course season.
The club has also excelled in open water swimming, finishing second on the NSW State Open Water Club Point Score and fifth overall at the Australian Open Water Championships. At the Australian National Championships, NACSC sent its largest-ever national team, with 19 individual qualifiers, including 12 first-time national qualifiers, recording more than 60 swims across the championships.
The grant will fund the club's "Swim Start Performance Enhancement" project, enabling the purchase of competitive-level racing blocks. The new equipment will improve training, race preparation and performance, while also allowing the club to conduct specialised dive clinics and enhance competition opportunities during short course club nights.
Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown OAM said:
"The Nepean Aquatic Centre Swim Club continues to set the benchmark for swimming excellence in Penrith and Western Sydney and is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through dedication, strong leadership and community support.
"This funding will provide the club with high-quality racing equipment that will help swimmers further develop their skills and prepare for competition at the highest levels.
"I congratulate all swimmers, coaches, volunteers and families on their remarkable achievements over the past year and look forward to seeing the club continue to thrive and inspire the next generation of Penrith athletes."
