Aquatic Centre founder celebrated for his service to the community

GEELONG Aquatic Centre owner Geoff Gill has been commemorated as a “stalwart” of the city’s swimming community after the 80-year-old died on Christmas Day.

Geelong Swimming Club president Glenn Benson said Mr Gill and his wife Debbie have served their community “extremely well” through their purpose built and privately operated Newton centre they founded in 1996.

“For many, many years (they) kept up the standards of learn to swim which is vital for keeping kids out of harm’s way,” he said.

“They’re one of the longest running private learn to swim enterprises that I’m aware of in Geelong, a lot of the others have come and gone.”
Having known the couple for the length of his seven-year presidency at the club, Mr Benson said his respect for the Gill’s was partly based on their shared values and purpose.

“They were a very inclusive couple, they catered for children with disabilities as well as able bodied swimmers and that’s a very big thing for Geelong Swimming Club, because we’re a very inclusive environment ourselves,” he said.

“Deb and Geoff are stalwarts of the Geelong swimming community.”

Friends and family were asked to wear a colourful shirt when they gathered to celebrate Mr Gill’s life at the Geelong Memorial Park Chapel in Armstrong Creek last Tuesday and in lieu of flowers consider donating to Diabetes Australia, a condition he lived with for years.