On Saturday 26^th October, Jo Furness led her last Diving WA Annual General Meeting having served her maximum term of 9 years on the Board of Diving WA.  Even though four years ago, her daughter stepped away from the diving athlete and coaching activities to pursue her nursing career, Jo remained on the Board and continued to give her time, passion, and knowledge to Diving WA. 

Upon reflection Jo said  “When I was elected to be Chair back in 2016, the Association had just undergone a complete change in its structure, moving from a club model to the model we have now with each member being a direct member of DWA. We had less than 150 members, minimal growth, and a dryland facility that consisted of carpet sitting directly on bare dirt open to the elements.  While there have been many ups and downs, fast forward to today, and you will find an Association that this year is anticipating to attract over 500 members. We have a World Aquatics standard dryland, offering a fantastic training facility for our divers.”

As Chairperson, Jo has supported the organisation through considerable growth and innovation changes, whilst she has been the leading light to the Directors, staff, and members.  On behalf of all current and past Diving WA members  - thank you Jo.

We would also like to extend our thanks and best wishes to Karen Williams who has stepped down from the Governance & Risk Committee and Director, due to personal reasons.  

We are delighted to welcome Eliza Cole as an Elected Director (casual) whom she is known to many within the Diving community of both Western Australia and Nationally.  Eliza’s passion, and historical experience as an athlete and official alongside her extensive knowledge of the sport of Diving, brings a valuable skill set to the Board.

Adam Versaci also joins the Board as an Appointed Director (casual).   Adam is a commercially minded corporate lawyer who specialises in corporate transactions, governance and commercial contracting having obtained experience in Australia and internationally.  Upon joining Adam said  “I’m excited about my appointment to the board of Diving WA and its Governance and Risk sub-committee. I look forward to making a positive contribution to Diving WA and the development of diving in Western Australia.”

Keeley Oakes joined the DWA staffing team as Trainee Development Officer (part-time) in mid-October and has already provided the team with efficient administration support.  Keeley previously worked with a charity outdoor pursuit company and is looking forward to her role with DWA and applying her Sports Management education, into practice.

Antonia (Toni) Lees steps into the new Member Protection Infomation Officer (MPIO) role, as an experienced social worker in the UK for nearly 20 years . Working in both hospital and community settings, her professional role has included working closely with people with mental health difficulties, learning disabilities, dementia, brain injury, end of life, alcohol dependency, and safeguarding.  Toni will be working closely with numerous DWA stakeholders to implementing a variety of safeguarding initiatives.

November 2024 Staff

November 2024 Board