Our People

Melinda is CEO of Junior Adventures Group (JAG), an international provider of out-of-school-hours care. She previously served as National CEO of YMCA Australia from 2016 to 2024, following senior leadership roles including Executive Manager, Licensing and Development. With extensive experience in strategic planning, governance, risk, financial management and people leadership, Melinda brings strong national not-for-profit expertise to AUSTSWIM. She is a Graduate and Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds qualifications in biotechnology, management and social science.

Ian has served on government, commercial and not-for-profit boards as both director and company secretary. With qualifications in Arts and Law and a Master of Law, he has lectured in sports law and governance at several universities. Ian is a founding member and Life Member of the Australian and New Zealand Sports Law Association (ANZSLA), where he previously served as National Secretary. A Vincent Fairfax Fellow, Ian contributes deep expertise in governance, risk management, compliance and sport governance to the AUSTSWIM Board.

Justin is Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia and Chair of the Australian Water Safety Council. A recognised leader in drowning prevention, he has contributed to policy and practice across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region for more than 15 years. Justin has convened multiple International Life Saving World Conferences on Drowning Prevention and served as a technical advisor to SwimSafe initiatives in Bangladesh, Thailand and Vietnam. His expertise in water safety, policy advocacy and international leadership strengthens AUSTSWIM’s role in sector collaboration and national safety outcomes.

Steve is Executive General Manager – Operations at Swimming Australia and brings extensive experience across sport and corporate sectors. A Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) and CPA-qualified, he began his career in finance before moving into senior operational leadership roles. Steve has worked internationally in property and financial services, including Big Four roles in London and Singapore, before transitioning into sport with leadership roles at the NRL, Netball NSW and Swimming Australia. His expertise in finance, technology integration and operational governance supports strong financial oversight and performance at AUSTSWIM.

Nick is an accomplished Chief Executive Officer with over 25 years’ experience leading complex organisations across aquatics, leisure, education, community and government sectors. He has overseen major organisational transformations, centralisation programs, acquisitions and operational turnarounds across Australia. With deep expertise in governance, financial management, compliance and strategic planning, Nick has led national audit and compliance functions and served on multiple boards. A values-driven leader, he is committed to strengthening organisational performance through strong fiduciary oversight, culture alignment and transparent decision-making to support safe and inclusive aquatic participation.

Michelle is a senior leader at Surf Life Saving Australia, where she leads government relations, governance, communications, marketing, research and strategic projects. With extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector and public policy environments, she has developed strong government partnerships and secured revenue to support community outcomes. Michelle holds qualifications in Politics, Social Work and Counselling, bringing a people-centred and policy-informed perspective to Board decision-making. She is committed to strengthening community safety, wellbeing and water safety outcomes across Australia.

AUSTSWIM was established through a collaboration between leading aquatic, water safety and community organisations from Australia and New Zealand, united by a shared commitment to improving swimming and water safety education.

Our founding members bring deep and varied expertise across swimming, water safety, community health and education, and continue to underpin AUSTSWIM’s strong sector alignment and credibility.

AUSTSWIM Founding Members
The Y (YMCA Australia) | Water Safety New Zealand | Royal Life Saving Australia | Surf Life Saving Australia | Swimming Australia