Splash Into Where History Began

Celebrate the launch of Fanny & Mina: The Fastest of Friends, a new children’s picture book by Samantha Tidy and Hilary Cresp, inspired by the true story of Australia’s first female Olympic swimmers. Join us at Wylie’s Baths, Coogee for a free family-friendly book launch event in Sydney, featuring a live reading and the opportunity to meet the author and illustrator.

Taking place on Saturday 30 May from 2:30pm to 4pm, this special event brings the story to life in the very place it all began.

In 1912, when women were first allowed to compete, Australia hesitated to send them. Determined to change that, Fanny Durack and Mina Wylie went on to win gold and silver, rewriting history.

A Story That Still Matters

At its heart, this is a story about friendship, courage and quiet determination.

It’s about showing up, even when the odds are against you.
It’s about standing side by side and backing each other.
And it’s about the ripple effect that one moment of bravery can create for generations to come.

For young readers, it opens up conversations around fairness, resilience and believing in your place in the world. For adults, it’s a reminder of just how far we’ve come, and the stories that made it possible.

Join Us at Wylie’s Baths

We’re bringing this story to life at Wylie’s Baths, a place that connects closely to their story.

Families are invited to enjoy a live reading, meet the author and illustrator, and experience the story in a setting that makes it feel immediate and real.

Saturday 30 May
2:30pm – 4:00pm
Wylie’s Baths, Coogee

This is a free, family-friendly event. Bookings are essential.

Be Part of the Story

Some stories stay on the page.
Others invite you in.

We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate a story of friendship, courage, and a race that changed history.