Armidale Regional Council and the Y NSW partner in pilot project to bolster region’s aquatic centres

Armidale Regional Council and the Y NSW have entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for an ambitious new pilot project aimed at enriching the strategic and operational aspects of Council’s pools in Armidale and Guyra.

The Y successfully operates integrated fitness, aquatic, recreation and wellness centres across NSW and the ACT and are part of a global network

The Y NSW has been engaged to provide expertise in reviewing and enhancing recreational programs, services and customer experiences to grow the Armidale region aquatic centres and increase patronage, maximise operational capability, minimise operating costs and create a vision for a broader wellness precinct.

Armidale Regional Council General Manager James Roncon said Council is committed to sustainably improving and expanding its aquatic facilities and services to the community and notes “with a history of success in consultancy work in the management of local government owned aquatic centres, we look forward to working with the Y NSW to provide a road map for an improved service delivery at our aquatic facilities.

“The Y will work closely with Council and the community to ensure the potential of the existing aquatic centres is realised and that all stakeholders have input into the improvement of our facilities.”

Over the course of the next year, the Y NSW will:

• Conduct forums and surveys to determine the desired programs and services that could be delivered at Monckton Aquatic Centre or Guyra Swimming Pool

• Outline a proposal to Armidale Regional Council on an efficient operating model for the two existing centres that will maximise participation and improve operational efficiency

• Complete a rigorous feasibility assessment and make recommendations on the conceptual opportunities that will enhance the Council’s aquatic centres, ensuring that these recommendations align with the Council’s strategic plan

• Partner with Armidale Regional Council to deliver a leisure and aquatic centre master plan.

The Y NSW Head of Growth and Business Development Shane Simmons said the organisation was excited to be partnering with Armidale Regional Council on the pilot project.

Simmons advised “we’re looking forward to working with Council and the local community to explore how we can arrive at a proof of concept that realises a vision for the future of the region.

“We take the time to understand the communities we serve; we’re a purpose-led organisation with strong values that matter to Australians – we’re honest, we care, we want to inspire people to be healthy.”

The Y NSW will soon start a consultation process to ensure the community can share their input on the programs and services they want to see delivered at the Armidale and Guyra aquatic facilities.

Simmons added “we are incredibly keen to hear from representatives across the community and our first step in the discovery process for this project will be to conduct community consultation forums and undertake a community survey."