Charlie Dellafranca, Nirvair Singh and Rose Turner were star performers at the 2025 Country Regional Swimming Championships in Griffith. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Everyone in the Riverina knows that Leeton has water attraction facilities that make nearby Wagga and Griffith residents look on with envy. But it seems the state’s main swimming authority has noticed them too.
Swimming NSW has chosen the Leeton Regional Aquatic Centre as one of just three venues to host regional NSW’s top swimming talent for the 2026 Country Regional Swimming Championships, which takes place on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January.
Each year, three pools in regional towns are chosen to host the meets, which give rural athletes the chance to compete and take a first step in qualifying for regional, state, national and world championships. Goulburn and Inverell are the other two chosen for this year, while Griffith was among the three venues in 2025.
This year’s event will bring together more than 400 athletes from across regional NSW, competing for pride, personal bests and progression toward the NSW Country Championships in February.
The Leeton Regional Aquatic Centre includes a solar-heated, 10-lane, 50m Olympic pool as well as a nine-metre high twin-ring waterslide, which has been a huge hit with locals and visitors alike since it opened in October 2023. Pools in Wagga and Griffith don’t have any comparable waterslides, much to the frustration of parents who struggle to entertain their children during the long, hot summer holidays.
A waterslide at Leeton pool is hugely popular throughout the summer. Photo: Supplied.
Leeton Shire Mayor George Weston highlighted the Country Regional Swimming Championship’s broader community impact.
“We are delighted to welcome swimmers, families and supporters from across NSW to Leeton,” Mayor Weston said.
“The championships not only showcase sporting achievement but also bring people together, boost local visitation and reinforce the vibrancy of our regional community.”
Two Olympians who now work for Swimming NSW help organise the meets: CEO Kirsten Thomson, who won a medal at Sydney 2000, and chief commercial and marketing officer James Hickman, who represented Great Britain at the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympics.
“This event gives an opportunity for all of our country swimmers to go to events closer to them,” Mr Hickman said.
“They aim to make times to progress to the country swimming championship in Sydney in mid-February. From there you can go to our state championship in March and then go to the national championship in April.”
Nola Sheldrick, president of Leeton Yanco Swimming Club, expressed strong support for the event coming to Leeton.
“We’re excited to be hosting this major swimming event in our community,” Ms Sheldrick said.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for our club, local volunteers and families to be part of a premier regional sporting event, and we can’t wait to see our swimmers compete at home.”
Spectators are encouraged to attend throughout the weekend to support the swimmers and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere at the Leeton Regional Aquatic Centre. Food and event stalls will be added attractions.
