BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT BCI 62 May 2026 | Page 21

From non-swimmer to ironman hopeful in just six months

with Matt“ Duck Man” Austin
A Western Sydney father who couldn’ t swim just a few months ago is now preparing to take on the Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney this May, after participating in the Learn to Swim program at the Sydney Gymnastic & Aquatic Centre( SGAC).
Indian-born Amit Gupta migrated to Australia eight years ago and had very little experience in the water before enrolling in adult swim lessons at SGAC, after signing up his young children.
I recently caught up with Amit, who shared what inspired him to start swimming.
“ My two kids are the reason I started.
Amit Gupta with his family. Credit SGAC.
I wanted to be able to swim with them properly, not just watch from the side,” Amit said.
“ I didn’ t really know how to swim. I could get into the water, but I didn’ t understand the technique or how to swim with my head down properly. The classes really helped me build that confidence.” Amit said he had visited beaches before but had never properly learned how to swim. Growing up in India, he didn’ t have the opportunity to develop those skills, and it wasn’ t until he saw adult swim classes at SGAC that he realised it was something he could do.
Previously a runner, Amit already had a strong fitness base, which SGAC Aquatics Manager Blake O’ Shannassy said was a significant advantage as he began his journey.
That newfound confidence inspired Amit to begin training for the Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney, to be held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre this May. The event consists of a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride and a 21.1km run.
“ A few years ago, I never would have imagined doing something like this, but the structured lessons at SGAC helped me develop both the technique and endurance to swim distances I never thought possible,” he said.
Based in Rooty Hill, SGAC offers a wide range of aquatic programs, from baby learn-to-swim classes through to adult lessons and aquatic fitness. The programs
are designed to build confidence, teach water safety, and provide fun and fitness for people of all ages.
“ That confidence is what inspired me to start training for the Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney,” Amit added.“ The kids are not only happy that we can all be in the water together, but they also think it’ s pretty cool that Dad is doing a race.”
SGAC Aquatics Manager Blake O’ Shannassy, who has more than 15 years’ experience in the swim industry, said stories like Amit’ s highlight the important role swim programs play in building confidence and improving water safety across the community.
“ Swimming is one of the most important life skills someone can develop, particularly in Australia where water is such a big part of our lifestyle,” Blake said.
He added that Amit progressed rapidly through the swim class levels, moving from beginner to a confident swimmer, with his competitive nature and fitness underpinning his success.
“ Drowning remains a serious issue in Australia, with adults aged 25 to 44 among the most represented age groups in drowning statistics. Programs such as our adult Learn to Swim classes, which cater from beginner through to advanced levels, are critical in improving confidence and water safety in the community.”
Mr O’ Shannassy said SGAC has expanded its adult swim program to meet growing demand.
Amit Gupta at SGAC. Credit SGAC.
“ To accommodate that demand, we’ ve added more classes, including additional weekend sessions, to give people greater flexibility around work and family commitments,” he said.
“ We’ re seeing increasing interest from adults wanting to learn to swim or improve their technique, particularly those who may not have had the opportunity growing up.”
Amit and Blake are encouraging adults who cannot swim, as well as children, to take the first step and learn.
“ It’ s never too late,” Amit said.“ Learning to swim gives you confidence, safety and the ability to enjoy the water with your family.”

Quakers Hill Netball Club shooting their way to the top

with Matt“ Duck Man” Austin
Quakers Hill Netball Club is on the verge of a major milestone, with plans already underway to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2028.
Founded in 1977, the club began at Quakers Hill East Public School, where founder Terrie Gregson brought together a group of girls to play. Just a year later, in 1978, the club entered its first team into the Blacktown and District Netball Association competition.
Since those early days, the club has grown and evolved into a powerhouse within the local netball community.
Club President Denise Kegg recently told me that, like many sporting organisations, Quakers Hill Netball Club has experienced its share of challenges. About a decade ago, the club had dropped to just 26 teams. However,
Quakers Hill netball club players in action. Credit Quakers Hill Netball Club. through the dedication of a hardworking committee of 12, it has rebuilt to become the largest club in the association for many years.
“ In the 2026 season there are around 14 to 16 clubs competing, and we currently have 46 teams, with the next closest club sitting at 26,” Denise said.
While the club sees a significant turnover each year with around 80 players moving on it continues to attract even more new players annually.
What truly sets Quakers Hill Netball Club apart is its strong community culture. Players come from more than 70 different schools and represent a wide range of cultural backgrounds. Despite its size, the club prides itself on remaining familyoriented and community-focused.
Committee members make a genuine effort to know their players not just by name, but often by their playing history building connections from Division 1 teams right through to the youngest sixyear-old players. This sense of belonging underpins the club’ s culture and is a key reason why so many players want to be part of it.
The club also continues to push boundaries within the sport. Over the past two years, Quakers Hill has sent a men’ s team to the State Championships something typically done at an association level rather than by individual clubs.
Looking ahead to its 50th anniversary, the club has set an ambitious goal of reaching 50 teams to mark the occasion.
It is also exploring ways to honour its founder, including the possibility of naming the training courts at Quakers Hill Park after Terrie Gregson.
More broadly, the club is passionate about raising the profile of netball. Despite the success of the Australian Diamonds who have won the World Cup 12 times from 16 tournaments- the sport often does not receive the same level of recognition or support as others. At a grassroots level, media attention remains limited.
Infrastructure is also a key issue. The Blacktown City Netball Association has long needed a dedicated home for netball in the area. Over the years, several potential sites have been proposed including during the swimming pool relocation in 1995, the former OTC site( now Bungarribee), Ashlar Golf Club, and more recently Reserve 980 in Nirimba Fields- but none have come to fruition. The club strongly believes that a purpose-built netball facility would not only support local growth but also enable Blacktown to host major events such as State Titles. This would deliver significant economic benefits, with more than 90
Quakers Hill Netball club ready for a big day of netball. Credit Quakers Hill Netball Club.
associations from across NSW travelling to compete in a three-day tournament.
On the court, Quakers Hill Netball Club has also enjoyed outstanding success. Last season, the club won eight of the 13 grand finals it contested, including victories in 11 / 1, 12 / 1, 12 / 2, 13 / 3, 15 / 1, Division 6( 48 – 38 against Wenty Leagues), Division 3( 49 – 39 against Starlights) and Division 1( 39 – 36 against St Bernadette’ s).
In addition, teams in U11 / 2, 12 / 1, 14 / 2, Division 4 and Division 5 all reached their respective grand finals, narrowly missing out on victory.
It’ s an impressive achievement for a club that continues to grow stronger- and one that is clearly building something special as it approaches its 50-year milestone.
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 62 // MAY 2026 21