Background on Kerre

About 40 years ago, Kerre witnessed first hand the inherent danger of water to young children. At the tender age of six, she watched helplessly as her younger brother, Shane was successfully resuscitated in a near drowning whilst they were on holidays.

“Even as a child, I remember how quick it was, one minute Shane was there the next minute he was gone. We were so luck to get him back.” “Mum and dad were only meters away” says Kerre. It still something that Kerre today, stresses to parent the absolute need for vigilance but just as important is the urgency for children to also develop swimming skills for all children from a young age.

Kerre has been teaching swimming for 36 years and presently owns “Giggles Swim Schools” where they oversee thousands of children every year undertaking life saving swimming program and skills. Kerre is also a part owner of “Ace Aquatics training & consultancy services. Australia’s only premier training and consultancy organization for the aquatic industry. As a platform speaker, kerre tours the world presenting and coaching her business innovations and accelerated learning practices

Last year Kerre was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in recognition for her 30 years of dedicated services to the community.

“It was indeed and honor says Kerre, but not a reason for me to rest on my laurels. Children under the age of five are a risk and recent studies and statistics confirm we here in Australia still have a major problem with toddler drowning”

For every drowning death there are up to fourteen presentations to Emergency Departments A total of 102 children, aged 0 – 14, drowned in non-swimming pool incidents in Queensland between 1992 and 2000. Rivers and creeks are associated with 20 drowning fatalities. Nine children drowned in the rural water hazards including irrigation channels and cattle dips.20 children drowned in the bath.”

Kerre has worked very hard with many organizations within Australia however has great respect for the Western Australian branch of the Royal Life Saving Society work in promoting water safety practices& initiatives. Everyone within the aquatic industry has a moral obligation particularly here in Queensland to do more within the local community and if that means, I have to lead by example, then so be it. Our kids are so worth it.

Albert & Logan News (Wed)

Albert & Logan News (Wed), Edition 1 - WED 07 JAN 2004, Page 004
Last lap for pool

AS the curtain starts to come down on Logan Gardens Swim Centre, patrons and staff are gearing up for what promises to be a busy summer.
Thousands of swimmers have filed through the Jacaranda Ave gates during the pool's 28-year history and hundreds are expected to tread the same path this summer.
Centre manager Kerre White has planned a hectic final season for the pool with recreational events planned throughout January. The ever-popular Australia Day pool party will be the highlight of the program.
The pool is scheduled to close at the end of March, 2004.
News photographer Ric Frearson snapped some of the action at the pool during a recent visit.

Caption: RF42145 Someone has to put all the noodles away.
RF42145 Kerre White-Burley at Logan Gardens Swim Centre.
RF42145 Follow the leader.
RF42145 Checking the list at Logan
RF42145 Waiting for instructions.
RF42145 Not all toys are wanted at Logan Gardens Swim Centre.
RF42145 Swim's over, time to go home.
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Logan West Leader &

Albert & Logan News (Fri)

Albert & Logan News (Fri), Edition 1 - FRI 19 DEC 2003, Page 009
End of era for pool

This is the last summer for Logan Gardens Aquatic Centre but the memories will live on, as Natalie Newell reports.

THERE has been much laughter and many lessons learnt in the lanes of Logan Gardens Swim Centre.
Since it opened in April 1975, the pool has been the focal point for thousands of children and adults' recreational and sporting pursuits.
But now the pool is about to close.
The pool is scheduled to be decommissioned in March next year and pool manager Kerre White is hell-bent on going out in style, scheduling a host of activities throughout the popular pool's final summer.
Every Sunday in December is family fun day with pool users entitled to free use of the pool's extensive inflatable toys. The fun will continue in January with the ever-popular Australia Day Pool Party which Ms White promised would be ``bigger than ever''.
``We will of course be having the bellyflop competition again -- we would be in trouble if we didn't, and the meat pie eating competition will be held,'' she said.
Admitting it would be sad to see the gates close on the Jacaranda Ave pool, Ms White said the Gould Adams Aquatic Centre held much promise.
``I would love to see every single person in Logan come and use this facility before it goes,'' she said.
``It is looking tired and is out-dated now but it has been such an asset to the community for so many years.''
Manager for the past four years, Ms White will take over the management lease of Gould Adams Aquatic Centre when it opens.
``I remember coming here before I had the lease and it was just two pools, there was no toddler pool, no landscaping, no barbecues -- it was very plain and boring,'' she said. ``Council did well to transform it and putting in the baby pool in the mid 1990s was certainly the secret weapon -- it got a lot of people through the gates.''
Logan Gardens Swim Centre is open Monday to Friday from 5.30am to 7pm, 7am to 6pm on Saturdays and 9am to 6pm on Sundays. Entry is $3.30 per person and $1.70 for pensioners. Entry entitles users to all barbecue facilities. Food is allowed to be taken into the centre.


Photo courtesy Logan City Council.

Caption: XCA happy bunch of children photographed at the height of the pool's popularity.
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Logan West Leader

Logan West Leader, Edition 1 - WED 17 DEC 2003, Page 005
Final summer fun

By: Natalie Newell


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Albert & Logan News (Wed)

Albert & Logan News (Wed), Edition 1 - WED 07 MAY 2003, Page 005
Centre open for business

REALITY and public perception aren't always the same, and that is certainly the case with Logan Gardens Swim Centre.
Reports last month of Logan City Council's decision to decommission the pool once the planned Gould Adams Aquatic and Community Centre opens at the end of the year appear to have unsettled many, with centre marketing manager Kerre White inundated with calls from concerned residents.
Ms White said many residents were under the misconception the centre had already closed or was at least scaling down its operation which she stressed was far from the truth.
``The opposite is the truth we are going full steam ahead into winter and beyond with a variety of programs aimed at all age groups. The learn-to-swim program which we run all year round will continue, we will still hold our regular aqua aerobics classes, and the gym is powering at the moment. We aren't looking at closing the gates here until at least January or February next year.''
Ms White said she wanted to reassure schools the pool would be available all year. It will also build on its successful Vietnam Vets Healthy Hearts program and Jumping in the Deep End for young migrants.
``The outdoor pool will not be emptied this winter,''
The centre is open Monday to Friday from 6am-7pm and on Saturdays from 7am-4pm.

Caption: ST29636 Business as usual ... marketing manager Kerre White at the Logan Gardens Swim Centre.PHOTO: Sue Terry
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Albert & Logan News (Wed)

Albert & Logan News (Wed), Edition 1 - WED 19 MAR 2003, Page 003
Centre meets needs

FAR from being an inferior facility, the proposed Gould Adams Park Aquatic and Community Centre is a major step up from Logan Gardens Swim Centre, pool manager Kerre White says.
Ms White has held the lease of Logan Gardens Swim Centre for four years and is a member of the Gould Adams Park and Aquatic and Community Centre design committee. She is expected to take over the lease of the new centre when it opens its doors at the end of the year.
Ms White said despite the proposed centre not having a 50m outdoor pool, she was confident it would meet the demands of recreational and competitive swimmers in Logan City.
``We are tickled pink about the new pool -- it is certainly going to cater to the leisure side of things and give competitive swimmers the opportunity to train year-round which is a huge bonus,'' she said.
Ms White praised Logan City Council for its ``exhaustive'' community consultation and its attempt to satisfy all elements of the community.
She said she was confident the adventure park, additional pool and additional car parking would satisfy the pool's critics.
``The whole atmosphere is going to be absolutely wonderful. The whole sides of the pool complex can be opened up which will be great for the summer months -- it will give it a really relaxed atmosphere,'' Ms White said.
``A lot of thought has gone into making sure this is a quality facility.''
Ms White admitted the proposed complex would have limited space and was supportive of major high school carnivals shifting to Springwood Aquatic Centre.
``We are very supportive of primary school swimming programs, and the new facility will allow them to space their programs over the full four terms instead of cramming them into term four and term one, this will take away a lot of headaches,'' she said.
``The pool will have eight lanes and so will be suitable for short course championships.''

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Albert & Logan News (Fri)

Albert & Logan News (Fri), Edition 1 - FRI 14 MAR 2003, Page 001
Future of pool in deep water

THE future of Logan Gardens Swim Centre will be decided within weeks.
The 30-year-old pool has found itself in deep water with plans to close the facility to make way for the $3 million Gould Adams Park Aquatic and Community Centre which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Word of the possible closure of the popular pool follows Logan City Council's comment last August that ``there was no intention to close the pool'' in response to an Albert and Logan News report on the possible closure.
Council deputy mayor and Logan Gardens Swim Centre patron Councillor Graham Able (Division 5) said the 50m pool had had a leak for a few years and was costing council a lot of money in maintenance and excess water. He said the pool's possible closure had gone through council's community services committee and was currently with the Community Renewal Program. It is likely to be voted on by council within two months.

Caption: DT27861 Swimming club member Peta Smith (left) and centre marketing manager Kerre White discuss plans.
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Albert & Logan News (Wed)

Albert & Logan News (Wed), Edition 1 - WED 19 FEB 2003, Page 057

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Albert & Logan News (Wed)

Albert & Logan News (Wed), Edition 1 - WED 29 JAN 2003, Page 051
Search for a star

LOGAN Gardens Swimming Centre is looking for the next Ian Thorpe or Suzie O'Neil with three male and three female scholarships up for grabs.
The centre's Kerre White said the scholarships included full training expenses, club membership and training equipment for 12 months.
``It's an ideal way for kids to become involved in the sport of swimming,'' she said.
``Both myself and the new manager of Logan Gardens, Paula Keough, are ex-swimmers and it's nice to be able to be in a position to offer these children a fantastic opportunity.
``Children do not necessarily have to possess ideal swimming skills. We are looking for children eight years and up with passion, energy, focus and goals.
``Everyone can apply. Selections and trials are being held early February, with the scholarships announced on February 15.''
Phone 3290 2725 for an appointment.

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Albert & Logan News (Wed)

Albert & Logan News (Wed), Edition 1 - WED 04 DEC 2002, Page 033
Water baby safety

LOGAN Gardens Swim Centre has called on all parents to support a new program which encourages and educates parents on the importance of water safety.
The free Water Safety Workshop was designed by staff at the centre after they learned the number of baby drownings had increased significantly over the past year.
The New Workshop Wednesdays will be held at the Logan Central swim centre and will involve free demonstrations, guest speakers and a hands-on lesson for babies and parents.
Logan Gardens employee Paula Keough said the program was an attempt to educate parents about the importance of introducing babies to the water.
``The parents will actually get in the water with the babies and get an idea of how the babies can be taught about water safety,'' she said.
``What people have to understand is that children are never too young to be taught.
``Although they won't be doing laps, they will be able to get to the side of the pool and they will be familiar with the water and know how to breathe when their head goes under.''
Proprietor of Logan Gardens Kerre White said it was vital to introduce babies to the water.
Book by phoning Logan Gardens on 3290 2725.

Caption: RF23613Kerre White and Paula Keough with Sean Burley, 15 months.
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ALW-20021204-1-033-4052836V14

Albert & Logan News (Fri)

Albert & Logan News (Fri), Edition 1 - FRI 16 AUG 2002, Page 005
Swim centre stays

THE Logan Gardens Swim Centre is not closing.
Recent media reports indicating the Logan Gardens Swim Centre would close if plans for a $3m aquatic and community centre at Kingston were approved are premature.
Deputy Mayor and Division 5 Councillor Graham Able said that while Council was considering the Kingston proposal -- which was reliant on funding from the State Government and Community Renewal Programs -- there was no intention of closing the Logan Gardens Swim Centre in the near future.
``If the proposal for Gould Adams Park in Kingston goes ahead -- and that's a big if because the whole thing is still only in the proposal phase -- then the Logan Gardens Swim Centre may ultimately close,'' Cr Able said.
``But that would be a long, long way down the track, and council will give locals plenty of notice. As it stands right now, there is no intention to close the pool. It will remain open until any new facility is fully operational.''
Councillor Able said council would continue to consider the project, and liaise with the other potential funding bodies.
The proposal involves funding from the State Government through Sport and Recreation Queensland ($1m), council ($1m) and additional funding through the Community Renewal Program.
Community consultation is also being undertaken through public meetings.
``The centre will definitely be open through those hot summer months when it is most popular,'' Cr Able said.
The centre is open for business as normal and Logan Gardens Swim Centre Manager Kerre White is still taking bookings for school carnivals and other events this year and next year, and all bookings will be honoured. For information, phone 3290 2725.

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Albert & Logan News (Fri)

Albert & Logan News (Fri), Edition 1 - FRI 15 JUN 2001, Page 034
Bubbles
blows in

LOGAN Gardens Swim Centre is doing its bit to educate children on the importance of water safety, courtesy of a 180cm koala.
Bubbles the Bear swims and dances with the children at the pool and, with his assistant, talks to the children about water safety and the importance of sun protection and stranger danger.
Learn-to-swim instruction is also provided.
Centre manager Kerre White said the concept had been well-received with childcare centres in the area inviting Bubbles to visit their centre and talk to the children.
Bubbles the Bear visited Loganholme's Camelot Child Care Centre yesterday.
The centre will host an open day on water safety on August 6 from noon to 2pm.
For further details phone the centre on 3290 2725.

ALF-20010615-1-034-4003476V8

Albert & Logan News (Wed)

Albert & Logan News (Wed), Edition 1 - WED 14 FEB 2001, Page 027
Snapshots of Logan

WELCOME to the very first Logan Chamber of Commerce Our Town column.
We hope that with your help this column will offer amusing anecdotes, informative stories and generally present a pleasant picture of Our Town.
If you have any stories you would like published, post them to PO Box 214, Springwood 4127, fax to 3841 8836 or email to admin@loganchamber.com.au
KERRE White, of Kerre White Aquatic was elected unopposed to fill a vacancy on the Chamber's executive committee at the December members breakfast. Welcome, Kerre. All the executives offer their time and expertise on a volunteer basis. The job they do is invaluable to the business community.
AT the December breakfast Mayor Freeman and Peter Scanlon met with the Arndale Traders Association and Chamber members to discuss the Springwood Local Area Plan.
The Business Achievers Awards will be held on July 21. Nomination forms will be available soon. The Business Achievers Awards were established in 1988 the Awards aim to celebrate business in Our Town and to reward our business people with recognition for a job well done.
101FM, Logan's own radio station, called for public support in December, to to help buy a new transmitter. The response was phenomenal, and the goal of $17,000 was reached through the generosity of the wonderful people of Logan. The new transmitter is due for installation this month.
RADIO Lollipop, broadcasting at Logan Hospital for the benefit of sick children, is well on its way to reaching its goals, but still needs some funds and volunteers to broadcast. Phone Robyn at Logan Hospital.
THE Logan Chamber of Commerce needs sub-committee members to ensure that all the activities and events on this years calendar are planned and executed professionally. If you are interested in assisting, phone executive officer Lyn on 3841 8835. 2001 is the International Year of the Volunteer. The Chamber would be interested in hearing about your volunteers. Let's celebrate and honor these very special people.
DID you know that there are 6792 businesses in Logan? Here's a breakdown: retailers 1340, wholesalers 667, manufactures 691, service providers 2279, transport 405, agricultural and mines 90, construction 1200, accommodation 120.
Proof that Logan is a great place to do business.
LOGAN Chamber of Commerce Activities 2001: Breakfast Meetings -- third Wednesday of the month; Business Women's Luncheon - first Wednesday in February, April, June; Network Evening -- first Wednesday in March, May, July; Business Achievers Awards -- June; Fun Run (Logan's Run) - September; Black Tie Bridge Dinner -- October; Business Community Christmas Party -- November.
LOGAN Chamber of Commerce Golf Day on Wednesday March 14 at Riverlakes will be the first in a series of which will culminate in the inaugural Chambers of Commerce Golf Challenge. Phone Lyn for registration details on 3841 8835.

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Albert & Logan News (Fri)

Albert & Logan News (Fri), Edition 1 - FRI 02 FEB 2001, Page 010
Work recognised

.

SIXTEEN community volunteers and six sports supporters were recognised at an early Australia Day ceremony in the Federal seat of Rankin last Thursday.
The presentation was a combined ceremony to recognise recipients of Rankin Australia Day Awards and Australian Sports Medals -- a commemorative award under the Australian honors system. Federal Member for Rankin Craig Emerson initiated the Rankin awards.
The 2001 Rankin Australia Day Awards were presented to Margaret Burley, Fanita Clark, Anne Goodwin, Roger Hall, June Langton, Valerie Leach, Dorothy Lenz, Eric Nielsen, Sue Ricks, Juan Santa Cruz, Jessie Scott, Connie Sikkens, Carol Steley, Orlando Vargas, Helga Waaga and Stewart Williams.
Australian Sports Medals were awarded in 2000 to commemorate Australian sporting achievement, recognise the contributions of current and former sportsmen and women and those who have provided support services to sport.
Medals were awarded in Rankin to Wendy Barron, Barry Dowling, Mal Higlett, Bill Mahoney, Barry Read, Tony Stephens, Wayne Smith and Kerre White.

Caption: PG529116 Award recipients Wayne Smith, from Logan Brothers, and Carol Steley, from Girl Guides, with Federal Member for Rankin Craig Emerson.
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ALF-20010202-1-010-4018344V19

Albert & Logan News (Fri)

Albert & Logan News (Fri), Edition 1 - FRI 03 NOV 2000, Page 007
Poolsafe in Logan

LOGAN parents are being urged to be more vigilant around backyard pools following a Bethania toddler's tragic drowning last month.
Royal Life Saving Society executive director Les Mole said 350 Australians drowned in 1999 and a third of these deaths were children aged under 5.
Mr Mole said half of the child drownings were in backyard pools.
The society runs a free home pool safety program where officers conduct a safety audit of the pool, give advice on how children get into pools and discuss emergency resuscitation.
Mr Mole said the key to preventing drownings was parental supervision.
Loganholme swimming teacher Judy Watts is a strong advocate of teaching parents and children pool safety.
Ms Watts said both parents and children needed to be educated about safe pool practices and parents needed to properly supervise their children around pools.
Her recently released video, Water through the Eyes of a Child, covers safe pool practices, achieving water confidence and emergency resuscitation.
The video is available free through all Logan City Council libraries or by calling Judy Watts Swim School on 3209 9442.
Logan Gardens Swim Centre Manager Kerre White said parents should take their children to swimming lessons, be vigilant with children around the pool, and learn resuscitation.Logan Gardens runs swimming lessons for adults and children aged from 6 months old.
For details on the Royal Life Saving program phone 1300 363 353.

Caption: PG527938 Two-year-old Jake swims back to his mum Kate Wines at Judy Watts Swim School.
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Albert & Logan News (Wed)

Albert & Logan News (Wed), Edition 1 - WED 11 OCT 2000, Page 059
Strength in water

THEY are more accustomed to performing in water but Helen Frith and Noela Laggan have proved they were no slouches on land either.
The two aquaerobics instructors from Logan Gardens Swim Centre won top honors at the recent IFBB Sunshine Coast Body Building Championships.
Frith, 36, from Regents Park, won the bodyshaping division and Laggan, 44, from Sunnybank Hills, placed first in the open womens Bodybuilding Championship.
``We are so proud of Helen and Noela,'' Logan Gardens lessee Kerre White said.
``They both worked and trained so hard for the competition. I'd just like to think their aqua sessions here have had a little bit to do with it.
``It just shows what can be achieved with hard work and determination.''
Logan Gardens Swim Centre has moved into its summer timetable.

Caption: DT527606 Bodybuilders Helen Jean Frith, left, of Regents Park, and Noela Laggan, of Sunnybank Hills.
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Albert & Logan News (Wed)

Albert & Logan News (Wed), Edition 1 - WED 27 SEP 2000, Page 033
No Title

Swimming saves
KERRE White's Mobile Swim School founder Kerre White said that on average, more than 20 children drowned each year in backyard pool submersion accidents in Australia.
``Swimming for children is not a sport, its a life saving skill,'' Kerre said.
She has a fleet of instructors who cover the whole of Brisbane and are fully qualified in swimming, lifesaving and other aquatic areas.
Phone Kerre on 3290 2725.

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Albert & Logan News (Fri)

Albert & Logan News (Fri), Edition 1 - FRI 22 SEP 2000, Page 004
Splash into swimming

YOU can never be too young to learn to swim -- it can save a child's life.
That is the thinking from Logan swimming coach and Logan Gardens Swim Centre operator,