In an unprecedented case in NSW, Swimming NSW has been advised to ban a Wagga swim coach for six months.
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The coach, Barb Blondinau, has been found guilty of breaching child welfare policies, charged with six counts of bullying, harassment and failure to treat children under her care with dignity and respect.
Ignoring the wishes of victims’ families, Blondinau attended the State Age Championships in Sydney this week.
An independent body recommended Swimming NSW to strip Blondinau of her accreditation on Monday.
The panel has also advised that Blondinau should undertake counselling to address her behaviour towards young people and successfully complete a state government-approved ‘Child Safe’ training course.
The case, involving four kids previously training with Wagga Swim Club, has been under investigation for several months.
Swimming NSW reached the guilty verdict by acting on recommendations handed-down by an independent body employed to investigate the case.
In response to a preliminary statement released on November 28, Blondinau argued her innocence, lodging an appeal with Swimming NSW.
In the appeal, the tribunal found she did not admit guilt, refused to acknowledge she had problems dealing with kids, and shifted the blame, labelling complainants as “difficult people”.
Given the chance to defend herself at an earlier tribunal held in November, Blondinau did not show.
Panelists heard testimonies from complainants at the tribunal in Wagga.
Swimming NSW has kept the investigation under wraps, arguing their duty of care is with both Blondinau and the complainants.
“Swimming NSW takes any allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards its members extremely seriously,” CEO Mark Heathcote said.
“The hearing tribunal made a determination and under the relevant policy that determination remains subject to an appeal.”
The independent body has urged Swimming NSW to contact Wagga Swim Club and inform them of the tribunal outcome and, if needed, help the club find a replacement head coach, and conduct an audit of swim club governance processes.
The Daily Advertiser contacted Blondinau for comment. She did not return calls prior to publication.
