Hi, I’m the Founder (and accidental CEO!) of Basalt Swim. With a background in marketing, events, and business management, I never expected to find myself knee-deep in the aquatic industry — but life has a funny way of throwing you into the deep end. At 44, I swapped boardrooms for pool decks, became a qualified Lifeguard, and even completed my Pool Plant Operators Certificate. All because I wanted our community to have a strong local presence caring for our aquatic facility and its people.

Since taking on the Council Lease, I’ve been learning everything from swim school operations to teaching kids their very first strokes — backed by our powerhouse Head of Swim School, Vanessa (Tess) Pemble, and an incredible local team. Our Charters Towers Swim School now bubbles with life, offering everything from distance ed swim clinics and school programs to squad training, water safety weeks, and rural outreach across a region the size of Tasmania.

That community-driven journey is what sparked Basalt Swim. I saw firsthand the need for practical, sun-safe products and swim gear that actually fit the lives of bush families — whether it’s dam swims, dusty road trips, or backyard sprinkler fun. So, we created a one-stop shop for natural, family-friendly gear designed to keep you protected and ready for adventure, wherever your water takes you.