Ellena Morris OAM inducted into City of Cessnock Hall of Fame
Published on 13 June 2025
Legend of the local swimming community Ellena Morris OAM has been inducted into the City of Cessnock Hall of Fame, for her decades of tireless work to make the sport she loves inclusive for all.
Mrs Morris was honoured at a civic ceremony at Performance Arts Culture Cessnock (PACC) on Friday 13 June.
She is the 69th person admitted since the initiative began in 2006.
Mrs Morris – who still spends six days a week in the pool sharing her expertise – has helped athletes with a disability develop for more than 45 years, taught thousands to swim, and supported Special Olympics Australia competitors train and represent their nation on the world stage.
She is being included in the hall of fame for her involvement in Special Olympics Australia as a national swimming classifier and as Head Australian Aquatics Coach at the 2013 Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games, where 32 nations competed.
Mrs Morris has run free learn-to-swim classes in the Hunter Valley for many years, co-founded the family-friendly and inclusive Coalfields United Amateur Swimming Club, and started Rainbow Club in this region – offering personalised swimming lessons for children with a disability.
Cessnock City Mayor Daniel Watton said Mrs Morris had touched many lives during her decades of service to sport.
"It is wonderful to formally recognise and celebrate the many important achievements of this remarkable member of our community, said Clr Watton.
The Hall of Fame recognises exceptional local community members in one of six categories – arts, business, public service, science, sport, or meritorious families.
As part of the recognition, a plaque honouring an inductee is installed in the town or village in which they are most strongly linked, and their name is placed on the Wall of Fame honour roll in the foyer at PACC.
To learn more about the Hall of Fame program and past inductees, visit the Hall of Fame page here.