About Us
Ballarat Gold Swimming Club is a competition-focused swimming club based in Ballarat, supporting athletes from junior development through to state and national-level competition.
Built on strong coaching, committed volunteers and a supportive club culture, Ballarat Gold provides structured training pathways for swimmers who are motivated to train, race and progress within the sport.
Our History
Ballarat Gold Swimming Club was founded in 1998 following the formation and growth of the Mark Stahl Swim School. As the number and capability of swimmers progressed, it became clear there was a need for a locally based competitive swimming club to support athletes who wanted to move beyond learn-to-swim and into structured training and racing.
The club was established through the efforts of Peter Pay, Pam Toom and Mark Stahl, with the support of Ballarat Grammar School. In particular, the late Rob Olston played an important role in the club’s early development and the establishment of a strong relationship with Ballarat Grammar, which became the club’s home training base.
From its beginnings, Ballarat Gold was built on the dedication of coaches, parents and volunteers who shared a commitment to competitive swimming and athlete development. Over more than two decades, the club has continued to grow and evolve, supported by generations of swimmers and families who have contributed their time, energy and passion.
Throughout its history, Ballarat Gold swimmers have progressed through the club’s programs to compete at local, regional, state and national levels, while maintaining a strong sense of club culture and community involvement.
The Club Today
Today, Ballarat Gold remains firmly focused on competitive swimming and athlete development. The club offers structured squad programs designed to support swimmers at different stages of their competitive journey, with an emphasis on skill development, performance, commitment and team culture.
Ballarat Gold continues to evolve, guided by experienced coaching, strong volunteer support and a shared commitment to developing athletes and contributing positively to the sport of swimming in the Ballarat region and beyond.
Club Culture & Values
Ballarat Gold is built on community, commitment and respect.
Ballarat Gold Swimming Club is built on a strong sense of community, shared commitment and respect for the sport of swimming. While the club’s primary focus is competitive athlete development, the environment created through training and competition plays an important role in shaping swimmers both in and out of the pool.
Friendships are formed through shared training experiences, travel, competition and teamwork. Swimmers learn to support one another, celebrate success together and develop resilience through challenge, creating connections that often extend well beyond the pool deck.
Ballarat Gold is an inclusive club that welcomes swimmers from a range of backgrounds who are willing to commit to structured training, improvement and competition. The club promotes a respectful and supportive environment where effort, sportsmanship and dedication are valued.
Community involvement is central to the club’s success, with coaches, volunteers, families and swimmers all contributing to the ongoing development of Ballarat Gold.
Learn to Swim Pathway
The Mark Stahl Swim School operates independently from Ballarat Gold Swimming Club and provides a Learn to Swim program that feeds into the club.
The Swim School offers lessons for all ages and abilities, supporting swimmers from non-swimmer through to pre-squad level.
Families seeking learn-to-swim lessons (rather than squad training with a swimming club), or wanting more information, can get in touch directly with the Mark Stahl Swim School.
Learn to Swim Enquiries
Leadership & Volunteers
Ballarat Gold Swimming Club is supported by a dedicated group of coaches, committee members and volunteers who contribute their time, expertise and leadership to the club. Their commitment ensures strong governance, athlete development and a positive club environment both in and out of the pool.