Emma Pritchard

Members of the Grafton District Services Club (GDSC) Swimming Club made a splash at the Grafton Lifestyle Centre on June 26 as they celebrated the clubs 50th anniversary with some friendly competition in the pool.

Swimmers from Lismore, Bellingen and Inverell swam alongside locals across a set program of short course freestyle events, with participants diving into the occasion with plenty of enthusiasm.

Formed in 1972, the club has a long and proud history, and has had upwards of 1000 members through the years.

Vice-president of the GDSC Swimming Club Steve Donnelly said the organisation, which currently boasts 25 members, is honoured to celebrate a significant milestone in 2022.

“It’s a special occasion,” he said.

“A lot of locals have been involved with the club through the years, and we had some members who have been a part of the club since its early days jump in the pool on the weekend which was amazing to see.

“The club provides its members with the opportunity to have a bit of fun and make new friends in the pool, and our members meet each Tuesday night at 6pm to swim together.

“They enjoy the company of like-minded people, and the anniversary celebrations on June 26 gave everyone the chance to get together for a catchup, share the history of the club, and have some fun in the water.

“We had around 40 swimmers participate, and everyone enjoyed themselves.” 

Terry Barnes has been a member of the GDSC Swimming Club since the early 1970’s.

A keen swimmer, he said he was more than happy to celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary by jumping in the pool on the weekend.

“It was a great day, and it was great to see swimmers from Lismore, Inverell and Bellingen all come together and join us as well,” he said.

“I joined the club because I love swimming, and I saw it as a chance to meet new people.

“It’s a great community club to be a part of.”

While he was unable to swim on the weekend, inaugural member of the GDSC Swimming Club Don Tomlinson said being a part of the celebrations by the pool was the next best thing.

“The club has swimmers of all abilities, and it makes everyone feel welcome and proud to be associated with it,” he said.

“It was a great way to celebrate 50 years.”

The friendly rivalry in the pool concluded with a mixed team’s relay race, followed by a celebratory barbecue at the GDSC at 1pm.

The GDSC Swimming Club is open to all members of the GDSC.