The Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club has proudly awarded Life Membership to Leanne Tovkach, recognising her outstanding and long-standing service to the club. Leanne was formally presented with her Life Membership at the club’s presentation evening on Saturday night, marking a special recognition of her many years of dedication.
Leanne has been a committed member for 13 seasons, during which she has made a significant and lasting contribution through her leadership, volunteer work, and dedication to the club’s development. A cornerstone of her service has been her role as Club Secretary, a position she has held for 10 consecutive seasons from 2016 to 2026.
In this vital executive role, she has overseen key administrative and governance functions, including managing correspondence, maintaining records, and supporting the organisation and operation of the club. Her sustained commitment in such a critical leadership position reflects both her reliability and her strong sense of responsibility to the club and its members.
Beyond her role as Secretary, Leanne has contributed across a wide range of areas within the club. She has served as a Management Committee Member, contributed to the Social Committee, and undertaken the role of Assistant Member Protection Information Officer, demonstrating her willingness to support the club wherever needed.
Leanne has also played a significant role in the club’s Learn to Swim program, contributing to the Learn to Swim Committee for a total of 11 seasons. Through this involvement, she has supported the development of junior swimmers and helped create a strong pathway for new participants entering the sport, strengthening the club’s community focus.
Her contribution to the club extends beyond her formal responsibilities. Leanne is widely recognised for the time and effort she dedicates behind the scenes, ensuring the smooth running of club activities across administration, event delivery, and broader operations.
Over more than a decade of service, she has had a meaningful and lasting impact on the club’s operations, culture, and member experience, helping to shape and support the club across many seasons.
Life Membership is awarded to individuals who have provided long and meritorious service, and Leanne’s decade of leadership as Secretary, together with her sustained involvement across the club, clearly meets and exceeds this standard.
Leanne now joins an honoured group of Life Members, recognised for their exceptional service and dedication to the continued success of the Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club.
Service Excellence Awards
In addition to the Life Membership award, the club also recognised a number of long-serving members with Service Excellence Awards, acknowledging their outstanding contributions over many years.
These awards recognise individuals who have provided at least ten years of exceptional service and whose contribution extends beyond the normal duties of their roles.
This year, five members were honoured: Ian Johnston, Margaret Edwards, Christine Liepens, Graham Edwards, and Peter Johnston, each recognised for their significant and ongoing contribution to the club.
Ian Johnston was recognised for his long-standing leadership and service. A member since 1986 and a Life Member of the club, Ian has served in a range of key roles including President, Secretary and long-term Treasurer. In recent years, he has continued to play a vital role in the club’s operations, supporting financial management, contributing to improvements in accounting systems and processes, and playing an active role on club mornings. His contribution spans both leadership and hands-on involvement, helping to ensure the club operates effectively and remains financially strong.
Margaret Edwards was also recognised for her outstanding and long-standing contribution, having been a member since 1969. A Life Member of the club, Margaret has dedicated decades of service across a wide range of roles, including Junior Vice President, Property Officer and Area Delegate. She has also played an important role in the club’s day-to-day activities, contributing to club morning setup, organising uniforms, and supporting presentation events. Her reliability and practical support over many years have been essential to the smooth running of club activities.
Christine Liepens was recognised for her enduring contribution to the club, having been involved since 1970. A Life Member, Christine is a familiar and valued presence at club mornings, where she has consistently supported operations as a timekeeper over many seasons. Her ongoing involvement highlights the importance of consistent, hands-on support in the delivery of club activities.
Graham Edwards was recognised for his significant leadership and ongoing service to the club. A Life Member and current Club President, Graham has contributed extensively across governance, administration and operational areas. His involvement includes attending club mornings, representing the club at meetings, liaising with external organisations, engaging with sponsors, and supporting the development of officials and club initiatives. He is widely respected for his commitment and leadership, often going above and beyond to ensure the club continues to operate successfully.
Peter Johnston was also recognised for his outstanding and sustained contribution to the club. A Life Member who joined in 1986, Peter has continued to play a central role in recent years through his involvement in coaching, administration and technical support. His work includes supporting the delivery of club mornings, managing and improving technical systems, and ensuring the professional operation of club activities. He is also widely recognised for mentoring swimmers, assisting families, and providing guidance to volunteers and committee members. His ongoing willingness to contribute across all areas of the club continues to have a strong and positive impact.
The club congratulates all six recipients on their well-deserved recognition. Their dedication, commitment, and contribution—whether through leadership, hands-on support, or behind-the-scenes work—have played a vital role in the success and ongoing strength of the Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club.
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