Firbank Aquastars was established in 1997 following the completion of the Firbank Grammar Aquatic centre and gymnasium. Alwyn Barrett (the Head Swimming Coach at that time), a group of parents and the Firbank Administration decided there was a need to establish a dedicated swimming club to utilise the new facilities and drive swimming performance at the school and within the wider Brighton community.
Firbank Aquastar Inc. was incorporated in May 1997, with an initial membership of approximately 40 girls and boys who loved swimming. By the end of 2001, the Club’s membership had grown to 220 members swimming and competing at a State and National level.
In May 2006, Alwyn Barrett retired as Head Coach of the Firbank Aquastars and was awarded Life Membership in recognition of her success and commitment to the Club, its swimmers and their families.
From June 2006 to early 2010, Angus Barnes took over as Head Coach of the Aquastars. Having come from the Knox Pymble Club in Sydney, Angus’ appointment signaled a new era for the club with the use of modern technology and training methods. By the end of 2009, the club’s membership had grown to xxx members.
In April 2010 Firbank Aquastars was delighted to appointed former Australian swimmer, Jason Cooper as Head Coach. Jason’s appointment as Head Coach brought much excitement and anticipation to the Club. Jason braved the cold, coming down from TSS Aquatic on the Gold Coast in Queensland, but brought a host of new ideas and coaching techniques with the mindset to heat up the Victorian club competition. Nine years later, and the swimming community at Firbank Aquastars continues under the guidance and watchful eye of Jason Cooper.
Jason’s impressive reputation and experience working in schools and with club based swimming programs has yielded spectacular results for the Club and its swimmers to date. Jason’s ability to relate to the life of a modern swimmer coupled with his extensive national and international coaching experience gives Firbank Aquastars, its coaches, swimmers and families the perfect environment to succeed in their goals.