Geelong Leisurelink wins major Aquatic and Recreation Victoria industry award

Geelong's Leisurelink aquatic and recreation centre's operations and commitment to industry best practice have been at the Victorian Aquatic and Recreation Industry Gala Awards.

Held on Friday 14th June at Peninsula Docklands, the evening that was attended by over 600 guests, including Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Craig Ondarchie, mayors and local government chief executives.

Hosted by Channel Nine Melbourne's Tony Jones, 19 hotly contested awards were presented to Victoria's top aquatic and recreation centres, programs and people.

Aquatics & Recreation Victoria Chief Executive Ian Swan explained "it was a fantastic night with its 'winter wonderland' theme and it was pleasing to see a great range of people, operations and programs recognised for the impressive contribution that this industry makes to the health and wellbeing of all Victorian communities.

"It was also terrific to see that after years of trying to win the top award, Geelong's Leisurelink staff erupted as they were announced as the winners of the 'All Year' Facility Management Award."

Other winners over the course of the evening, which also saw the launch of the new VICSWIM Summer Kidz television commercial featuring Nicole Livingstone, included:

Pool Lifeguard Award (sponsored by Life Saving Victoria)
Ebru Kilinc, Fawkner Leisure Centre

Innovative Program Award (sponsored by SK Corp)
African Children's Swimming Program, Collingwood Leisure Centre

Sustainability Award (sponsored by Roejen Services)
Fawkner Leisure Centre, Moreland City Council

Online Communication Award (sponsored by Briggs Communications/Social Media Ready)
The YMCA @ Ascot Vale Leisure Centre, a community partnership with the City of Moonee Valley

Swim School Award (sponsored by Neptune Pools)
Waves Leisure Centre, City of Kingston

Membership Sales Award (sponsored by Premier One Training)
Melissa Pandy The YMCA @ Cardinia LiFE, a community partnership with the City of Casey

Customer Service Officer Award (sponsored by CERM Performance Indicators, University of SA)
Allison Gatt, St. Albans Leisure Centre

Duty Manager Award (sponsored by Laerdal Australia)
Daniel Capron, Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre

Most Valuable Employee Award (sponsored by YMCA Victoria)
Mark Collins, Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre

Group Exercise Instructor Award (sponsored by Counterisk Australia)
Terri Lampert, Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre

Gym Instructor/Personal Trainer Award (sponsored by Australian Institute of Personal Trainers)
Chris Spink, Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre

Health Club Award (sponsored by FFA PaySmart)
The YMCA @ Kew Recreation Centre, a community partnership with the City of Boroondara

Facility Management Award - Seasonal Facility (sponsored by Roejen Services)
North Melbourne Recreation Centre, City of Melbourne

Facility Management Award - All Year Facility (sponsored by Roejen Services)
Leisurelink Aquatic and Recreation Centre, City of Greater Geelong

ARV Life Membership
Andrew Whittaker

AUSTSWIM State Awards
AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety Award (General)
Matthew Sires Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre

AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety Award (Infant and Preschool Aquatics)
Rob Prime Big Fish Little Fish Swim School

AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming & Water Safety Award (People with a Disability)
Glenda Barnard Ivanhoe Aquatic and Fitness Centre

AUSTSWIM Presenter Award
Simone Griffin and Debbie Gill (joint recipients)

Most Outstanding Contribution to AUSTSWIM
Edward Tullberg

10th September 2010 - $31 MILLION GEELONG LEISURELINK OPENS