RCSA Race Advisory Committee (RAC) Members

6 min read

Kirsty Bellombra

My favourite Rotto Swim memory was the first time I experienced the start line as a soloist. The energy leading into that day was amazing, but the moment I got down to the beach, it all became even more incredible. It was a flurry of nerves and excitement. I was lucky enough to go off in the first wave of the day and the moment the horn blew, the months of preparation became all worth it. It's a feeling that I will never forget and is what drove me to give back to the race that has given me so much.

Kirsty is a Sports Chiropractor in a multimodal clinic. Kirsty has been the Membership Chair for the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic (FICS) since 2023. She is a five-time soloist and assisted in the development of Champions of the Channel and the merchandise range seen on offer today!
Kirsty joined the RCSA Committee in 2016, was Vice-President in 2020, Assistant Race Director between 2020 and 2022, is currently the President (from 2022) and joined the Race Advisory Committee in October 2023.

Rob Herkes (RCS 776)

One of my favourite Rotto Swim memories is sitting on the pub wall with my support crew, family and friends back in the early days cheering on the swimmers coming across the finish line. The swimmers elation, sheer exhaustion but satisfaction on the their faces is priceless.

Being first introduced to the swim in 2002 when he undertook a support role, Rob Herkes has since been hooked and in awe of the Event. Along with a number of team swims, Rob has completed 15 solo crossings of the Rottnest Channel.
Rob likes to assist first-time Rottnest Channel swimmers in training and nutrition as well as paddlers, support crew and skippers in helpful tips that will assist them in completing their crossing successfully, whilst promoting the iconic event.
When he’s out of the water, Rob is a full-time senior career fire fighter with DFES and a casually employed zoo keeper at Perth Zoo. Rob hopes to bring his experience in dealing with emergency situations and incidents as well as his passion for the swim.
Rob served on the RCSA Board between 2021 and July 2024, and joined the Race Advisory Committee in October 2023.

Shannon Smith (RCS 2567)

My second solo was in 2022 and it was a pretty rough day weather wise. I completed a tandem crossing with one of my best mates, we were excited and had spent all summer together training. We were smashed by stingers and my tandem partner battled sea sickness for most of the swim. Seeing her persevere and crossing the line together on the day was a pretty special moment that I will never forget. The beauty and challenge of the swim is you just never know what you’re gonna get on the day and that’s something I love about it!

Shannon is a High School Physical Education teacher and now Deputy Principal, who has always had a passion for sport, keeping active, and connecting with people. Shannon has had a love for swimming since she was a little kid splashing around in our family pool, and always thought what an amazing Event the Rottnest Channel Swim is. In 2019 Shannon participated in her first Rotto Swim in a Team and absolutely caught Rotto Swim fever. Since, she has completed the swim in all categories: Team, Duo, Solo and Tandem Solo. Joining the Race Advisory Committee is a great opportunity for her to be able to volunteer their time and give back to the race and the Rotto swim community that has given so much.

Shannon joined the RCSA Race Advisory Committee in October 2023.

Dave Brackstone (RCS 2688)

My favourite Rotto Swim memory is skippering for my wife when she was in the Campions of the Channel for many years.

Dave is currently the WA Regional Operations Manager for a metal recycling business. Dave has been involved with Rotto Swim for over 18 years, whether it be swimming, skippering or Assistant Race Director. Dave is passionate about open-water swimming and loves the challenge of the crossing - both Out of Event Crossings and South32 Rottnest Channel Swim. To date, Dave has completed 6 solo crossings including the 25km!
Dave was a casual Committee Member for 12 months prior to joining RAC. Dave joined the RCSA Race Advisory Committee in October 2023.

Murray Glaskin

My favouite Rotto Swim memory is...

Murray currently works at...
Murray joined the RCSA Race Advisory Committee in July 2024.

Steve Smith

My favourite Rotto Swim memory is accompanying elite record-breaking soloists as referee from start to finish and observing the outcome of different race strategies.

Steve is currently the Marketing and Sales Manager at an investment firm headquartered in WA. Steve has been involved as a Race Official of the Rotto Swim since 2020, and many other open-water swimming events within WA and wider. Steve joined the RCSA Race Advisory Committee in October 2023.