Dear Northcote Swim Club Members,

It is with great excitement that I announce Ian Barr as our new Head Coach. Ian’s incredible career as a swimmer includes representing Malaysia on the international stage, holding the national long course record in the 200m IM (2:05.82), and competing at the New Dehli Commonwealth Games (in the same heat as our former Head Coach, Ash Delaney). His two bronze medals at the SEA Games and his strong finishes in major competitions highlight his talent and dedication.

Ian’s coaching experience is equally impressive, having worked with swimmers of all levels, from pre-squad to competitive athletes. His roles at Northcote Aquatics, Maccabi Aquatics, and SwimKnights Aquatics in Malaysia have shaped his coaching philosophy, which emphasises both performance and overall well-being. We were especially impressed by Ian’s vision for Northcote Swim Club’s future, focusing on inclusivity, athlete development, and fostering a strong sense of community.

Beyond the pool, Ian brings valuable professional experience from his time in marketing and project management at organisations like Havas and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, demonstrating his leadership and communication skills, which will further benefit our club.

We are incredibly grateful that Ian has chosen to lead our team, and we are excited to embark on this new chapter under his guidance. His passion for swimming and commitment to our values align perfectly with our goals.

As we begin this exciting journey together, I encourage everyone to sign up for our upcoming Club Night on Saturday, October 12th. We would love to see as many of our junior swimmers participating as possible, so please mark your calendars and join us for a fun and competitive evening.

Warm regards,
Crispin Butteriss
Club President
Northcote Swim Club