Recently awarded Kingston Woman of the Year (Sport Category), Jess Adkins-Barber is a swim school owner, educator, and industry leader recognised for her work inequity, inclusion, and workforce development across the aquatic sector. She leads The Little Swim
School, supporting more than 1200 swimmers and a large neurodivergent community through trauma-aware, learner-centred teaching frameworks.

Working across learn-to-swim and aqua fitness environments, Jess brings a practical lens to staffing, culture, and program design, challenging leaders to look beyond labels and consider who their programs are truly serving. As an active teacher, trainer, and assessor still working in the water each week, she shares real strategies drawn from lived experience, helping organisations create environments where both participants and staff can thrive.

Originally educated and licensed as a physical therapist in the Netherlands, Irene later immigrated to the United States, where she founded and co-owns One Step Beyond, Inc. Physical Therapy. Her clinical work focuses on aquatic therapy, pediatrics, and individuals with developmental delays; combining evidence-based practice with the unique benefits of the aquatic environment.

As a certified professional through AEA and ATRI, Irene blends her understanding of hydrodynamics and physical therapy to create effective and engaging pool-based therapy and fitness sessions.

Irene is also the inventor and developer of the Aqua-Ω, an innovative adjustable drag-resistance device designed for aquatic exercise and rehabilitation. She has presented and demonstrated her work at national and international aquatic fitness and therapy events

Jane has been an aqua fitness instructor for six years, stepping into the role when her previous instructor moved overseas. Before teaching, she spent over eight years as a regular participant, building a strong foundation in aqua fitness.
Water has always been a central part of Jane’s life, from competitive swimming and diving to working as a lifeguard. Today, she brings that lifelong connection into every class she delivers.
With a background in strategy development, Jane has a natural talent for planning and structure. She is passionate about learning and sharing knowledge, and enjoys creating engaging, well-designed classes while supporting and inspiring her peers.

Margaret Ryall has been part of the aquatic industry since 1976 and is widely recognised for her work in deep-water training. In 1988, she founded the company, Ryall’s Water Workout Buoyancy Belt that led the way to influence deep-water running techniques and training approaches.

Margaret has worked with a wide range of elite athletes and teams including NRL clubs, the Japanese National Rugby Team, the NSW Sheffield Shield Cricket Team, the Australian Women’s Olympic Basketball Team, the Opals, the Hockeyroos, and defence forces. Margaret has also supported high-performance swimmers including Ian Thorpe and Lori Munz.

Margaret continues to run accredited deep-water workshops for aqua fitness leaders and is passionate about helping instructors develop confidence and advanced skills in deep-water settings.

Donna Wilmott is the 2022 AusActive Aqua Professional of the Year, based in Adelaide, Australia, and has been a leading force in the aqua fitness industry since 2011. Internationally recognised, she has presented across Australia, New Zealand, Italy, and most recently in Dubai. She is widely known for her work with Acquapole® Australia and her contribution to aquatic equipment growth throughout the region.

As a Master Trainer for Acquapole®, SAF Aqua Drums Vibes, Salti Australia, and her strong affiliation with the International Aquatic Academy, Donna is passionate about evolving the Aqua Fitness space. Known as the “Choreography Queen,” she brings a fresh, high-energy approach to Aqua Training—blending creativity, performance, and brain-based movement to enhance both physical and mental wellbeing.

Donna’s passion lies in helping educate others to harness the power of water to build strength, coordination, and confidence, championing Aqua Fitness as a dynamic, innovative training method that is reshaping the future of movement.