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Everyday Heros - Shirley Bernoth - 29.04.18

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY FOR?
A: Since 1976

Q: WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB IN THE AQUATICS AND LEISURE INDUSTRY?
A: Working for the department of Sport and Recreation teaching swimming in outdoor pools at Fairfield, Cabramatta, Liverpool and Prariewood

Q: WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
A: The Industry and the satisfaction of teaching people to learn to swim knowing that it will help to save lives. Also working with a multi cultural Local Government Association , we have over 76 (may be more now) different nationalities in our local government area

Q: TELL ME ABOUT YOUR MOST CHALLENGING DAY?
A: Getting to a swimming lesson and finding that I had 5 people with disabilities. This was very difficult and was soon changed so that classes were smaller and the customers got the attention they needed and I felt satisfied with the service I provided.

Q: WHAT CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT IN YOUR JOB / WHAT IS IT THAT YOU VALUE IN YOUR JOB THE MOST?
A: My TEAM! I have a fantastic team of very supportive knowledgeable individuals that are very tech savy.

Q: WHAT SKILL WOULD YOU LIKE TO MASTER? (PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY)
A: I would love to master golf. I have always been very active competitive sport through my life.

Q: WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING IN THE INDUSTRY?
A: You need to be passionate about what you are doing. This is not the job you do to get money. With the passion comes job satisfaction and rewards through your career.

Q: WHAT COULD YOU GIVE A 40-MINUTE PRESENTATION ON WITH ABSOLUTELY NO PREPARATION?
A: First answer – I couldn’t. I have all the ideas and have helped write and implement 3 inhouse water safety programmes that we run. I could talk about water safety for 40 mins.

Q: WHAT WOULD MAKE YOUR JOB EASIER?
A: Having the computer system accessed in amongst the swim school on pool deck. This would allow customers to enrol or re enrol and log participant progressions. This would ease congestion at reception and make everyone’s experience much happier.

Q: WHO HAS BEEN AN INDUSTRY / AQUATICS INSPIRATION TO YOU?
A: Ross Wilson has been a real inspiration to me. He is the manager of Leisure Centres, Show Grounds and Golf Courses for the Council. He is so supportive of all of us and respectful of our experience and knowledge. The communication between Ross and my Team is fantastic.

A: IF YOU COULD TRAVEL WHERE WOULD YOU GO?
Q: I have always wanted to go to Hawaii and then take a cruise.