Behind each of your favourite stores are passionate, hardworking people who welcome you to take part in their story, every time you walk in. Today we say hello to our new local swim instructor Kristy Perkins from John Wallace Swim School, who joined the Baringa Shopping Centre last month. Learn about the history of their business, the products and services they offer and what they love about their local community.

1. Tell us about John Wallace Swim School?

For those of you who don’t know, the John Wallace Swim School has been a family-owned business in Caloundra since 1977. John and Vicki Wallace are the founders of the swim school and lived at the Caloundra Aquatic Lifestyle Centre for almost 20 years with their two daughters, Kristy & Tessa.

The Wallace family literally lived and breathed swimming seven days a week, talking swimming all day every day must have had an effect on both Kristy & Tessa. Kristy initially began to teach swimming, before eventually running the John Wallace Swim School as it is today. Tessa meanwhile has embarked on a successful career as a competitive swimmer and is still competing at an international level today.

John’s eldest daughter, Kristy Perkins is now embarking on her own path and continuing the family name by taking on her own swim school in Baringa with the support of her family.

2. What is your favourite part about teaching?

My favourite part is watching children become confident in the water, learning one of the most important skills – how to swim.

3. What sets the Baringa John Wallace Swim school apart

Our Baringa centre includes a heated 18metre x 10metre indoor pool, specifically designed for Learn to Swim and the water quality is one of the best on the coast! Not only is the system environmentally friendly, the saltwater system will feel like you are swimming in fresh water and won’t leave you smelling like an indoor chlorinated pool all day.

Although there is no access to the general public, John Wallace Swim School will endeavour to cater to all areas of the public by providing Adult Learn to Swim Classes, Private lessons, Fitness Classes and more! Kristy will also be seeking local Physiotherapy business and encourage them to utilise the beautiful heated indoor facility for rehabilitation purposes.

4. What made you want to join the Aura community?

My plan has been to always expand our family business, so when my father John Wallace and I first heard about the new development in Aura approaching we knew this was the place for us. Although we have only been open for a few weeks, I already feel a part of the community. It's so great to see so many families having the ability to walk or ride their bikes to school, local shops and of course swimming lessons!

5. How did you get into teaching swimming?

My father John Wallace founded the swim school in 1977 and we lived on site at the Caloundra Aquatic Centre since 1985 which allowed my younger sister and I to have a childhood where we were completely immersed in swimming. Both our parents were our swim coaches and growing up and I got to witness firsthand what it was like to be in the industry. I truly had the best role models when it came to learn to swim and business, without them and the childhood experiences I've had, I wouldn't be in the position I am today. 

I've now been working in this industry for over 18 years, and I can honestly say my passion continues to grow stronger and stronger, I love this industry and am so proud to be honoring my family's legacy. 

If you’d like to read more about your most-loved retailers, their products, and the faces behind the businesses, click through to our news page. There are plenty of stories to share!