Inverell is set to make a splash on the New South Wales sporting calendar, with the New England region hosting one of the state’s most significant regional swimming events for the first time.
The 2026 Country Regional Swimming Championships will be staged at the recently redeveloped $28.6 million Inverell Aquatic Centre, an indoor–outdoor facility designed to support learn-to-swim programs, school carnivals, and major regional sporting events.
The event will be held on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January, drawing hundreds of swimmers and their families from across regional NSW and placing Inverell and the wider New England region firmly in the spotlight.
Swimming NSW General Manager of Events Melissa Gorgijovski said the championships were a highlight on the regional swimming calendar.
“The Country Regional Championships take place on the same weekend every year, and are scheduled on a rotation basis,” Ms Gorgijovski said.
“This is the first time we’ve been to Inverell, and we’re going there to celebrate the new facility and to provide opportunities for regional swimmers in the New England and North Coast area.”
The meet is open to swimmers from across NSW, with a strong emphasis on regional competitors. Over 300 swimmers have entered the Inverell event.
“It’s a really good opportunity for developing and upcoming swimmers to participate in a championship meet that some regional swimmers wouldn’t normally get the chance to attend,” Ms Gorgijovski said.
The Championships cater for swimmers aged eight years and over, with the majority expected to be in the eight to 18 age group, alongside open and master swimmers. Medals and championship honours will be contested across the two-day program.
Adding further value for New England athletes, Swimming NSW will also deliver a Ready Set Race swim clinic at Inverell on the Friday afternoon prior to the Championships. The clinic will be led by Swimming NSW Regional Coaching Director Chris Myers and is open to all swimmers entered in the meet.
“It’s a great opportunity for swimmers in the region to get exposure to our coaching staff, train in a different environment, and pick up some new ideas,” Ms Gorgijovski said.
Swimming NSW CEO Kirsten Thomson said the Championships highlight the strength of regional swimming.
“The Country Regional Swimming Championships are a celebration of the dedication, passion, and achievement of swimmers from across regional NSW,” she said.
“We’re delighted to return to Inverell, which now boasts a fantastic aquatic facility that’s the perfect stage for competition and community spirit.”
Inverell Shire Mayor Kate Dight was also enthusiastic about the championships being held locally.
“Hosting the Country Regional Swimming Championships is a wonderful opportunity for Inverell, not just for sport but for the whole community,” Cr Dight said.
“We’re proud to host this event at our state-of-the-art aquatic centre, which will inspire athletes and bring valuable visitors and energy to our region.”
Local pride will also be on show, with Inverell Swimming Club volunteers playing a key role throughout the weekend. Club president Pam Weste said the event would highlight both the strength of regional swimming and the community behind it.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming swimmers and their families from across NSW to Inverell,” she said.
“This event will showcase the strength of regional swimming, the enthusiasm of our club volunteers, and the pride our community has in our new aquatic facility.”
Spectators are encouraged to attend, with seating and food available across the weekend. The Inverell mayor is expected to officially open the Championships at 10am on Saturday.
Further supporting regional participation, the Carlile Foundation established in recognition of the legacy of esteemed swim coaches Forbes and Ursula Carlile, have offered participation grants in 2026 to assist travelling families with the costs of attending the Championships.
With championship racing, strong development pathways, and a clear New England focus, the Inverell-hosted championships are shaping up as a standout summer event for regional sport.
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