The 2026 South Australian Country Swimming Championships are coming to the Port Pirie Aquatic and Leisure Centre, running from 4–7 January 2026. This highly anticipated event, secured by the Port Pirie Regional Council, will showcase the best of regional swimming talent while bringing families, supporters, and the wider country swimming community together in the heart of the region.
The Championships are set to attract over 1,500 attendees, including 500 athletes and over 100 officials and workforce, to the Port Pirie region. This represents a fantastic opportunity for the Port Pirie region, with local businesses set to benefit from increased patronage during and around the event.
SwimmingSA President Selma Barlow shared her thoughts on the event, saying: “The South Australian Country Championships are such an important event for regional swimming. They bring together talent from all over the state and give swimmers a chance to shine while connecting with the wider swimming community. We’re grateful for the support of the Port Pirie Regional Council and look forward to the positive impact it will have for everyone involved.
SwimmingSA CEO Michelle Doyle added: “We’re thrilled to bring the Championships back to the Port Pirie Aquatic and Leisure Centre. Our goal is to run a smooth and enjoyable event for athletes, officials and supporters. The competition is always a highlight, but we’re also excited about the extra programs like clinics, development courses and come and try sessions that will help bring more people into swimming. It’s going to be a great week for the whole community.
The 2026 Championships will bring significant benefits to swimming clubs in the region and their communities. By hosting a high-level competition locally, barriers to participation are lowered for local swimmers, giving them access to a competitive environment that may have previously been out of reach. The event also aims to inspire the next generation of athletes through community clinics, nationally recognised development courses for coaches and officials, and come-and-try programs, helping to establish a lasting legacy for swimming in Port Pirie and surrounding regions.
For swimmers and supporters, it’s a chance to enjoy the unique hospitality and atmosphere that the Port Pirie region offers while being part of an event that puts country swimming in the spotlight. The decision to bring the Country Championships to Port Pirie highlights its excellent aquatic facilities and capacity to host large-scale sporting competitions. Port Pirie Regional Council’s partnership with SwimmingSA ensures the event will provide an exceptional experience for all participants and visitors while leaving a positive impact on the local community.
Mayor Leon Stephens looks forward to welcoming swimmers from around South Australia to Port Pirie for the 2026 South Australian Country Swimming Championships.
“Port Pirie is a sporting city, and we are proud of the many opportunities available to our athletes of all ages,” Mayor Stephens said.
“Port Pirie Regional Council has constructed an amazing facility at the Aquatic & Leisure Centre which will cater for all competitors and spectators. We love hosting major sporting events here in Port Pirie and warmly welcome all competitors and their families to Port Pirie in January 2026,” said Mayor Stephens.
Further details about the Championships will be released in early 2025.
