Joel Fitzgibbon, the federal MP for Hunter, visited Toronto Swim Centre recently to congratulate Ben Jenkinson, the principal director of First Splashes, on his success in securing the funding.

"Federal grant opportunities are few and far between, yet Ben has been able to secure grant funding three times for his swim school which is an incredible achievement," Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Mr Jenkinson took Mr Fitzgibbon on a tour of the swim centre to showcase how the grant money has been spent.

Under the Saluting Their Service program, the swim school received $2500 to install flag poles in commemoration for the ANZACs.

From the Communities Environment Program, the school received $2800 to rejuvenate the gardens that are adjacent to the pool.

Lastly, under the Stronger Communities Program, First Splashes was granted $5000 to purchase a portable scoreboard, which will support the swim school in training for competitions.

When asked the secret to successful grant application writing, Mr Jenkinson said "if you write an application with purpose, and you have a project that meets the guidelines, anyone can do it."

First Splashes was happy to have their federal MP visit the centre after having to cease swimming lessons in March due to COVID-19.

Mr Fitzgibbon said community sport had been hit hard by the pandemic.

"It has been a tough few months for First Splashes. However, I am glad they have been supported financially from the Federal Government with these three grants," he said.

"I congratulate the Swim School in their success, and I wish the students all the best with their swimming endeavours."