Aligned Leisure secures contract to manage City of Casey aquatic, recreation and sport facilities

The City of Casey has awarded the contract to run seven of its aquatic, recreation and sport facilities - which have a combined annual visitation of over 3.5 million people - to Melbourne-based Aligned Leisure.

From 1st July 2024, Aligned Leisure will take over management of Casey ARC, Casey RACE, Doveton Pool in the Park, Casey Stadium, Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre, Olive Road Sporting Complex and The Shed Skatepark.

The council last year announced its plans to streamline the management and operation of these facilities, which are currently managed by three separate partners across four separate contracts or service agreements, leading to operational inefficiencies.

Commenting on Aligned Leisure’s contract win and explaining that the company is a highly capable, community-focused organisation that has a proven record in facility management and community activation, City of Casey acting Chief Executive, James Collins stated “we are very pleased to partner with Aligned Leisure, who are a leader in the aquatics and leisure industry and currently operate 41 facilities across Victoria and NSW.”

Aligned Leisure will deliver innovative, inclusive, high-quality programs within the facilities and out in the community which will significantly enhance member experience and have a positive impact on the community.

Welcoming this, Collins added “our leisure facilities are highly valued by the community and play a vital role in improving the overall physical, social and mental wellbeing of our residents and visitors.

“Thousands of people visit Council’s leisure facilities every day and increasingly, our venues are also being chosen to host national and international events. Having a number of different management contracts, with a number of different providers, is not efficient for Council and means the experience for users of those facilities is not always consistent.”

He went on to thank the current managers of City’s aquatic, recreation and sport facilities, YMCA Victoria, Skateparks Australia and Casey Netball Association, for the service they have provided to the Casey community for many years.

Explaining the transition, Collins added “(the) council’s top priority is to work with the current facility managers and Aligned Leisure to ensure a seamless transition for members and visitors to ensure they can continue to utilise Council’s fantastic facilities in the same way they always have,” he said.

Advising that the company is delighted to have been entrusted by the City of Casey to manage these seven vital facilities, Aligned Leisure Chief Executive, Shane Dunne stated “we are deeply committed to enhancing community well-being through exceptional leisure experiences. This partnership underscores our dedication to delivering high-quality services that benefit residents of all ages and backgrounds.

All members, existing staff and stakeholders will be contacted in the coming weeks with specific details on the transition and next steps.

The Aligned Leisure managed Bay Pavilions is the subject of a feature in the latest issue of Australasian Leisure Management. Click here to view the issue online.

Images: Casey RACE (top), Casey ARC (middle) and the Doveton Pool in the Park (below). Credit: City of Casey.