About Us
History of the Glams
Lawrie Fabian established the Glamourhead Sharks in 2001 and was the club's inaugural president and coach. He was a keen swimmer and proud member of the LBGTIQA+ and sporting communities. His aim was to build a team to compete at the Sydney Gay Games in 2002 and his hope was that a supportive community would form from the club. Lawrie held an information session on March 15th, 2001 at the Prahran Pool. It was attended by Robbie Leslie, Anke Kohfahl, Warrick Glynn and Ryan Van Laar. From that session the Glamourhead Sharks swim team was born. Ryan Van Laar and Dane McManus came up with the name. Since then the team has grown to be one of the largest swimming clubs in Melbourne. The Glamourhead Sharks are affiliated with Masters Swimming Victoria (MSV) and Masters Swimming Australia (MSA).
“There is a sense of pride being a Glam. The bond is always there. Once a Glamourhead, always a Glamourhead.” - Anke Kohfahl
Mission
To provide a supportive, safe and welcoming environment for all members of the LGBTIQA+ community to participate in swimming for fun, fitness, competition, community and overall wellbeing.
Values
Inclusion: We welcome all swimmers in an LGBTIQA+ affirmative manner.
Compassion: We provide a non-judgmental space for fitness, fun and friendship.
Cheer: We support each swimmer in achieving their own personal goals.
Courage: We are proud and visible contributors within the LGBTIQA+ and wider community.
Aims
Health and fitness:
To provide a safe, encouraging and supportive environment for all swimmers to improve their technique, skills, fitness, health and wellbeing.
To support swimmers who wish to improve their performance in the pool and compete in local, state, national or international events.
Community and inclusion:
To embrace all forms of diversity, including body type, age, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation etc. We recognise the importance of creating a welcoming, inclusive and safe space for all.
To provide opportunities for social interaction, networking and events to build long-term friendships and connections within our membership.
Proud and visible:
To promote visibility and representation of LGBTIQA+ people within the wider swimming community through participation in local, interstate, or international Masters swimming or open water meets.
To encourage our members to be active and proud participants within the LGBTIQA+ community and the wider Victorian community.
Acknowledgement
The Glamourhead Sharks proudly acknowledges the Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We respect them as the traditional owners and custodians of the land and waters in and around Melbourne, land on which we meet, and water in which we swim. We extend that respect to all First Nations and to their Elders past and present.
The Glamourhead Sharks proudly acknowleges the migrant communities who call Melbourne home, and the cultural diversity that has shaped and enriched our shared community.