Award recipients Heather Preston, Bill Johnson, Chris Blankley, Ian Hayes and Isabel Franzoni
Five outstanding trainers awarded at annual seminar
What do Chris Blankley, Ian Hayes, Heather Preston, Isabel Franzoni and Bill Johnson all have in common?
These five amazing individuals are Community Trainers with Royal Life Saving WA, and have been for many years. Their services for Royal Life Saving WA have been providing lifesaving skills to the WA community for a total of 60 years between them!
The group were honoured in front of their peers at the 2021 Community Trainer Seminar, an event held annually for trainers. After an intense day of professional development, awards were presented to the five for their achievements to date.
Each year, Royal Life Saving WA’s Board of Directors collect and approve nominations for honours awards. These awards recognise volunteers, members and staff who have made an important contribution to the work of Royal Life Saving.
Chris Blankley has been a First Aid trainer since 2005, a Bronze Examiner since 2006 and a Pool Lifeguard trainer since 2007! This multi-talented fellow has been delivering lifesaving courses in both metro and regional areas of WA. His main focus during the last few years has been teaching Pool Operations courses. A dedicated and passionate trainer for over 15 years, Chris was awarded the WA Meritorious Service Order.
Ian Hayes became a Royal Life Saving Resuscitation Trainer in 2009 and has since been delivering resuscitation courses in the Busselton area, mainly volunteering his time. Ian was awarded the WA Long Service Order, acknowledging his commitment and passion in delivering lifesaving skills for over 10 years.
Heather Preston first achieved her Bronze Medallion through Royal Life Saving in 1997, followed by her Pool Lifeguard certificate. Ten years later, in 2007, she started delivering First Aid courses for Royal Life Saving WA and she now travels all over the state delivering an average of 150 courses per year! Heather teaches CPR, Pool Lifeguard, Bronze Medallion and Pool Operations. Heather was awarded the WA Long Service Order for her hard work and commitment in teaching these courses for over 10 years – congratulations to Heather for her amazing efforts.
Isabel Franzoni obtained her first Bronze Medallion in 2004 and Pool Lifeguard in 2006 before becoming an Aquatic Trainer. She has been teaching and assessing aquatic, first aid and pool lifeguard courses since 2015 and is also an outstanding advocate of Royal Life Saving programs. Isabel often volunteers her time to deliver our Heart Beat Club and Grey Medallion courses! Isabel received the WA Service Order for her outstanding work and commitment over the past years.
Bill Johnson became a resuscitation trainer in 2009 and has since been delivering CPR courses in the Perth metro area, volunteering his time for the community. Bill was awarded the WA Long Service Order, acknowledging his commitment and dedication in teaching lifesaving skills for over 10 years.
Well done to these deserving trainers for their years of service to the community!
Interested in becoming a Community Trainer yourself? Learn more at the link below!
