July 1997 Dawn Thompson arrived in Melbourne with her husband Simon. Leaving the hot tropics of Darwin behind. September 1998 Dawn was coaching for an AUSSI club of which she was a member. Having been a member of the AUSSI Masters Swimming since 1984, Dawn felt it necessary to transfer to another club which was far more active in the Aerobic Timed Swims and Club involvement. This being the North Lodge Neptunes in Dandenong. At this time, resigning as the Tuesday night coach for the current club. As the club did not have a coach for this night. Dawn then offered to continue on swimming on the Tuesday night and welcomed the others to join her and she would provide workouts and coaching advice. Those original members are Martin and Natane Courage, Mendelt and Josie Tillema. After a short time, other swimmers came to hear about us and began asking who we were. Dawn put it to the small group that we needed to have a ‘Name’ to call ourselves. Now, the Hampshire Warrior’s wasn’t quite correct. However it was near enough. And so, Dawn advertised the Hampshire Warrior’s Adult Swim Team and encouraged members of the community to come along and participate. Catering to the needs of the Fitness Swimmer, The Masters Competitive Swimmer, The Triathlete and anyone at all who would like to receive some stroke technique instruction to assist in improving their swimming. Regardless of whether they belonged to a registered swim club or not. All are welcome. At the same time, a place for one and all to come along and improve on their overall fitness level’s leaving all stresses behind. As time has evolved so has the team grown.

Vern Fettke offering his companies assistance by means of a Sponsorship in supplying our first team T-shirt and assisting with end of year Championship Trophies. 1999 we entered a team in the 1km Classic at Harold Holt Swim Centre, winning 2nd place in the Open Mixed Teams Event. We now have a Junior Warrior’s Section to cater for our Junior members. April 2000, a meeting was held and a decision was made to sadly leave the Laverton Swim & Fitness centre and move to the new Wyndham Leisure & Events Centre. Thus catering for our members needs and distance of travel. May 2000, a Special Meeting was called where we formed a team of people to assist Dawn with the many responsibilities she had. Thereby allowing Dawn to put her energies solely into the role of The Coach.

Sponsor Vern Fettke, President Martin Courage, Treasurer Natane Courage, Chief Timekeeper Simon Thompson and Publicity Officer Tom Nolan. We have one Honorary Member, Christine Jeff’s. Christine is 72 years of age, a competitor in swimming, running and walking. A true ambassador to this wonderful sport of swimming and all sports she is involved with. Christine is also a Torch Bearer for the 2000 Olympics. She has beenDawn’s great Mentor and Friend. Giving support and advice when needed. Total support and encouragement for the Hampshire Warrior’s Adult Swim Team to continue to grow. June 2000, we now have a total of 26 registered swimmers, new team t-shirts and caps. This team can be very proud of it’s camaraderie amongst it’s members. The friendship amongst members is second to none. What better place to be on a Tuesday night at 7:30pm. Other than with this great team of not only swimmers, but real fun to be with people. The motivation behind Dawn forming this team was to ‘give back’ to the sport in which she loves and enjoys. A community awareness of the fitness and fun you can have from swimming. To teach others to swim more efficiently with correct technique.