Next Generation of NSW Coaches to Lead the Southern Performance Centre into the Future

11 July 2025

Swimming NSW has today announced the coaching team for the Southern Performance Centre, based at Sutherland Leisure Centre and home to the SLC Aquadot Swimming Club, signalling an exciting opportunity for the next generation of NSW coaches.

With a clear focus on building one of the strongest National Age programs in the country by 2028 and developing elite open-level talent toward the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Southern Performance Centre will play a critical role in supporting the State’s vision to return NSW to being a strong contributor to Australian team performances at international events.

In a major step forward for the Southern Performance Centre, delivered in partnership between the Sutherland Shire Council, Swimming NSW and the NSW Institute of Sport, Alyce Bradac has been appointed Head Coach, and Calum Timms will take on the role of Sprint Lead Coach.

Transitioning into the Head Coach role at the Southern Performance Centre, Bradac brings more than 13 years of high-performance coaching experience. Her impressive track record includes leading programs at Aquablitz and GT Performance Swimming, where she coached national champions and consistently placed athletes on NSW representative teams. Most recently, Bradac has been the Southern Performance Centre Assistant Coach, contributing to the program’s success since being established in 2024.

“I’m incredibly proud to step into this leadership role at the Southern Performance Centre,” Bradac said. “Being part of the Centre’s growth under David Proud was an invaluable experience, and I’m excited to continue that momentum alongside Calum. We have outstanding facilities, great support, and a pool deck full of determined young swimmers,  it’s a fantastic opportunity to take this program to the next level.”

Timms joins the program following success as Assistant Head Coach at Trinity Grammar School, where he coached Australian Age Champions for four consecutive years. Known for his strong technical eye and commitment to sustainable athlete development, he is one of the rising stars of NSW coaching.

Calum said. "I grew up in this program and I’ve seen what it looks like at its absolute best. I’ve experienced firsthand the strong culture that’s produced international-level athletes and to be back now, helping shape its next chapter, means a lot to me. I’m passionate about the club, the community and the athletes - I’m excited to continue to develop athletes while helping to build a program that delivers consistent results."

In a further boost to the NSW coaching community, Olympic gold medal-winning coach Michaela Pattinson has been appointed as a Coach Development Advisor for Swimming NSW through to March 2026. In addition to her ongoing role with the Carlile Swim Team, Michaela will undertake advisory and mentoring work with emerging coaches across the state – including Alyce and Calum – while she takes some time away from full-time pool deck responsibilities to start a family. Pattinson, who coached sprint star Olivia Wunsch to international success, will play a key role in supporting the next generation of coaching talent.

“It’s an honour to give back to the NSW coaching community and remain engaged in the direction of swimming in NSW,” Pattinson said. “I’m passionate about coach development and excited to help others strengthen their impact on athletes and programs across the state.”

Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Jack Boyd said he was delighted to see such a high calibre of coaching talent appointed to the roles, with both coaches set to play a pivotal role in supporting the development of local swimming talent.

“Since its inception, the Southern Performance Centre has offered local swimmers and those from further afield a chance to turbocharge their development as athletes, supporting them to pursue their dreams and compete at the highest levels,” Mayor Boyd said.

“The centre has also attracted and developed elite coaching talent too, and we’re delighted to have Alyce and Calum step into their new roles and guide the development of young athletes who will be the champions of tomorrow.”

Both Bradac and Pattinson are products of the Swimming NSW and NSWIS Towards 32 Program, which is designed to support the development of female talent in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Games. Their appointments highlight Swimming NSW’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of elite coaches and ensuring they are embedded within high performance environments.

Swimming NSW CEO Kirsten Thomson OLY said the appointments are a strong signal of intent.

“We are thrilled to welcome Alyce, Calum and Michaela into these roles,” Thomson said. “These are three highly capable coaches that have developed within NSW coaching pathways. This is about long-term success, building one of the country’s top age programs by 2028 and preparing the next wave of talent for Brisbane 2032. We’re backing our people, our system and our belief in the strength of NSW swimming.”

For media inquiries, please contact:

Swimming NSW – James.Hickman@nsw.swimming.org.au

Sutherland Shire Council – acromarty@ssc.nsw.gov.au