Busselton Jetty Swim exhibition launches at Railway House

The exhibition is an opportunity to showcase 25 years of the swim's history, including newspaper articles; trophies; photos; the themed tee-shirts, towels and memorabilia.

The brainchild of Busselton Jetty Swim president Max Higgins, the swim initially formed part of a Busselton Triathlon Club event that was first held in February 1996 with 82 people participating.

Since then, the event has grown exponentially and forms part of a full weekend of community focused entertainment.

On February 9, 2020 around 3,100 swimmers will take to the water for the main swim and one mile swim to shore, along with 200 children who will participate in the Busselton Jetty Kids Swim.

Jetty swim co-founders Max and Jenny Higgins and Leanne and Richard Ford looked back on the early days when swimmers received a time scribbled on a soggy raffle-ticket as they ran across the finish line.

Awards were once presented off Mr Higgins' card table and team change overs took place from the back of a boat.

Now swim times are recorded digitally, the awards are held on the foreshore amphitheatre and team change overs are supported by more than 120 volunteers required for event day, which attracts 10,000 spectators.

The exhibition promises to relive a lot of great memories for many residents and visitors coming in to town as a large contingent of swimmers participating in 2020 have been involved since 1996.

For many visitors to Railway House, it will be a lesson in Busselton's history and how this event has impacted the community and promoted the region worldwide.

The exhibition will be open until February 12, 2020.

The SunSmart Busselton Jetty Swim 25th Silver Anniversary year will be launched on February 8, 2020 with a free family concert featuring Eskimo Joe, the Battle of the Bands finals and local sea shanty group The Anchor Men.

The night will conclude with a fireworks display.

For more information please go online to busseltonjettyswim.org.au.