It's because of this dedication over an extended number of years that the Ovens and Murray District Swimming Association board member has been nominated for Community Official of the Year at the Victorian Sports Awards.

Despite her commitment to the sport, Whitehouse said she was shocked to hear of her nomination.

"I was surprised, excited, a lot of different emotions," she said.

"I suppose I thought there's more people out there who are more worthy than myself.

"It was such a nice feeling that someone actually nominated me."

Whitehouse has officiated at club, district, state and national levels since first getting involved in 2003 after kids Matthew and Sarah started competing.

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After beginning as a time keeper, Whitehouse went on to be a check starter before seeing a need for more officials in 2009.

"I went to a swim meet and we didn't have enough officials for the swim meet to be classified as a qualifying meet, which meant the swimmers times didn't count," Whitehouse said.

"Our swimmers train extremely hard and many put in long hours in the pool, for their hard work not to count at a meet was very sad.

"I decided that if I could help out, I would."

She is also a qualified referee and currently holds volunteer positions as the O and M's public officer and treasurer.

Whitehouse can recall a number of highlights in her time as an official, including being lap counter for Mack Horton, putting in the backstroke ledge for Mitch Larkin, marshalling Emily Seebohm, Cate and Bronte Campbell, and most recently being on deck when Ariarne Titmus set a new Commonwealth record in the 400m freestyle in Brisbane.

Here on the Border, Whitehouse assists at school meets and local championship events.

"It's been great watching our local swimmers develop from when they start as a young eight-year-old, into their teens, and make it to the next level," she said.

"We have had some awesome swimmers in the past and there are a few in pools locally giving their all.

"This is why we do what we do, it's for the swimmers."

Winners of the Victorian Sport Awards will be announced on Wednesday, February 26 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne and will be presented by the State Government and Vicsport.

The Ovens and Murray Championships will be held at the Albury pool this weekend.