Bidding farewell to the finest in Bidyadanga

After 10 years of commitment and service to the Bidyadanga community, beloved Remote Pool Manager, Bernie, is retiring.  

The community sent Bernie out with a bang, calling for help from the WA Police and a local band to celebrate.  

WA Police presented Bernie with a certificate of appreciation and Darkside provided a live rock music performance.  

Greg Tate, Community Development General Manager at Royal Life Saving WA said, “It was a pleasure to attend the going away party for Bernie Egan. Her commitment to the Remote Aboriginal Swimming Pool Program, Royal Life Saving and the Bidyadanga community has been incredible and the difference she has made will be generational.” 

Whilst Bernie moved to work in remote communities, the experiences she shared and people she met over the years made her work much more than just a job to her.   

“10 years allows you to watch babies become 10-year-olds and able to come to the pool on their own. The teens who swam at the pool when I arrived are now bringing their babies to the pool. Being the swim teacher allows you to see kids progress through the different stages of learning to swim and become competent swimmers,” Bernie said. 

But mastering the art of swim teaching wasn't the only thing Bernie learnt in her tenure. This role enabled Bernie to develop her creativity, problem solving and behaviour management skills to name a few.  

As Bernie puts it lightly, “everything just takes a bit more time and patience in a remote community, but it can also be a good thing to teach you how to slow down and build relationships with others.” 

In Bernie’s humble nature, she recognises that all Bidyadanga’s success isn’t just down to her hard work, but it’s the collaboration among the people in and outside the community that made her job that much easier. 

Although she won’t be a Remote Pool Manager anymore, we’re excited that she’ll still be helping others to learn to Swim and Survive.

So, what are Bernie’s final words before she dives into semi-retirement?  

Bernie said, “It has been a privilege to work in and serve the Bidyadanga community as their Pool Manager. The rewards and job satisfaction from being a Remote Pool Manager far outweigh any challenges that the job presents. The challenges are really just an opportunity to grow and learn something about yourself, or ask for help.” 

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. To learn more about our Remote Pools program, follow the link below.