For the first time, the Upper North region will come together to host the South Australian Country Swimming Championships, with the event set to take place at the Port Pirie Aquatic and Leisure Centre from 4-7 January 2026. While the competition will be staged in Port Pirie, the Championships will be driven by the entire Upper North region, uniting the communities of Crystal Brook, Gladstone, Jamestown, Booleroo Centre, Orroroo, and Port Pirie.
This announcement marks a significant moment for country swimming in the Upper North, as the region steps up to host South Australia’s premier country swimming event. The Championships will bring together the best regional swimmers from across the state for four days of high-level competition. Beyond the racing, hosting this event will create lasting opportunities for swimmers, officials, and clubs across the region.
For decades, the Upper North has had a strong, inclusive and unique swimming culture. Every Friday night during summer, families load up the car and travel across the region for interclub time trials - a tradition that has shaped swimmers and strengthened community ties. Now, that well-established sense of community will be on full display as the region takes on the responsibility of delivering a major state event.
The Championships are expected to bring more than 1,500 people to the region, including over 500 swimmers, coaches, officials, and volunteers, as well as families and supporters who return year after year to be part of the competition. Hosting the Championships is a major commitment, and the Upper North has embraced it with enthusiasm.
An Organising Committee has been formed, with representatives from every club in the region ensuring that the event is shaped and delivered by those who understand country swimming best. Key appointments so far include:
- Brenton Hombsch (Crystal Brook) – Chair
- Shane Heness (Jamestown) – Secretary
- Deb Smart (Crystal Brook) – Treasurer
- Kerry Court (Port Pirie) – City Engagement
- Tracey Dewell (Jamestown) – Media, Marketing & Regional Engagement
Each club will also have two representatives on the committee, with further roles to be confirmed.
While the Championships will bring elite competition to the region, the impact of hosting the event will go well beyond the pool. The Upper North region will benefit from a range of programs designed to strengthen swimming at all levels, ensuring the event leaves a lasting legacy.
More local swimmers will have access to top-level competition without the need for extensive travel, making it easier for them to participate. Nationally recognised training courses for coaches and officials will provide professional development opportunities, ensuring the region continues to produce skilled volunteers and administrators. Swimmer development clinics will give athletes the chance to learn from experienced coaches and refine their skills. Come-and-try programs will introduce more young people to swimming, helping to build the next generation of country swimmers.
SwimmingSA CEO Michelle Doyle said these initiatives will have a long-term impact on the region.
“For SwimmingSA, the four days of racing is just the start. This is a chance to strengthen clubs, create new opportunities for swimmers and coaches, and make the sport more accessible. Country swimming has always been built on community, and this event will continue to bring people together in a way that benefits both the Upper North region and our sport well into the future.”
Swimmers looking to start preparing can expect the event schedule and qualification criteria to be released in Q2 of 2025.
Save the date - 4-7 January 2026 - and be part of this historic moment as the Upper North steps up to host South Australia’s biggest country swimming event.
