16 October 2026
Royal Life Saving WA’s Annika Brown named WA Trainee of the Year
When Annika Brown decided to take on a traineeship combining aquatics, sport and recreation, her thinking was simple: “Why not?”
That decision led her to complete a Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation through Royal Life Saving WA, build lasting connections in the Port Hedland community, and ultimately, be named the 2026 Western Australian Trainee of the Year.
Hearing her name announced came as a complete surprise.
“I was shocked in the moment as I honestly didn’t think I would get it. It was surreal,” Annika said.
Working with the Town of Port Hedland, Annika balanced her studies with hands-on experience delivering community programs and sporting events.
Annika’s interest in aquatics began long before her traineeship, having grown up with a mum who worked in the industry for around 15 years. When the chance came to combine that familiar environment with sport and recreation, she decided to give it a go.
“I saw it as an extra pathway for my future self to choose from,” she said.
Between completing her Certificate III coursework and helping organise sporting events, Annika also took responsibility for running the SALT (Senior Adults Living Triumphantly) program.
It was here that she saw an opportunity to do things differently. By involving the gym team more closely in SALT's planning, Annika helped strengthen collaboration between staff and introduce several new event days for participants.
The skills she developed through Royal Life Saving WA's training also supported her day-to-day work, particularly when engaging with stakeholders to coordinate events, secure funding and build partnerships. Studying remotely presented its own challenges, but ongoing support from her assessor helped Annika progress through the qualification alongside her work.
While the traineeship helped her develop her skills, it was the connections she made with participants that left the biggest impression.
“Even though I don’t regularly work with the members anymore, they constantly email me to see how I’m going, they will give me a call every now and then to check in and are always happy to see me,” she said.
“The first person to congratulate me on winning the award was one of my SALT members!”
For Annika, receiving the award was also an opportunity to reflect on what she had achieved throughout her traineeship.
“I felt like winning this award made my accomplishments more physical. It was proof of the work I did and the impact I made,” she said.
With her qualification complete and a state award now to her name, she is keen to build on her experience and pursue further opportunities in sport and recreation.
Her advice for anyone considering taking the same chance is equally straightforward.
“You never know where this path can take you. Take the chance to learn and grow yourself. Future you will thank you!”
Like Annika, take a chance on a traineeship and see where a career in aquatics, sport or recreation could take you. Find out more below.
