Awards 2019

Donna Maree Rousham

From: Jingili

Nominated by Paul Rousharn 

Seconded by: Suesan Peta Jones

Donna was seen as a role model for mothers of children with disabilities when her daughter Tahnee became a world champion Down Syndrome swimmer who has represented Australia at 4 World Championships and holds many world records.

Donna came to realise that local Swim School instructors lacked the skills needed in dealing with children who have an intellectual or physical disability. She soon realized that a cost-free program with qualified accredited teachers was essential in order to provide an opportunity for families who have children with special needs.

So, in 2007, Donna initiated the Starfish Swim Group Program with 10 children and one swim teacher experienced in instructing children with disabilities, two days a week. The Starfish Swim Group Program provides children with disabilities, the opportunity to learn, to swim to survive and to engage in a physical activity. A multitude of special needs are catered to through one on one instruction on water safety, learning to swim with confidence and healthy water exercises. The instructors are accredited Austswim Teachers who are also accredited to teach children with disabilities.

Donna continued to grow the program and today, is constantly sourcing funding to pay for this service. She still voluntarily coordinates this program that now caters for 74 children and runs 5 days a week.