Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre recognised at Victorian local government awards

The Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre (GRAC) has been recognised as a leading community facility in 2022 Local Government Professionals (LGPro) awards.

Latrobe City Council took out the Community Assets and Infrastructure (over $2.5 million) Initiative category for its delivery of the $57 million aquatic centre.

Presented last month, the role of local community collaboration in the design and scope of GRAC contributed to the award.

A project reference group, including an eclectic cast of local stakeholders, was engaged to ensure GRAC aligned with community expectations and needs.

The result was a modern, inclusive facility that reflects the growing community’s needs into the future, underpinned by improved health and wellbeing outcomes.

Accessibility features were recently bolstered by the creation of an ‘Access Key’ – a customised guide to the centre’s programs and facilities tailored to people living with a disability.

Innovative design features, such as the implementation of geothermal energy throughout the facility, were also key to GRAC’s recognition.

Harnessing geothermal energy has led to annual savings of about $639,000 and a reduction in carbon emissions by some 840 tonnes per year.

In just over a year of operation, the aquatic centre has welcomed more than 140,000 visitors through the doors despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The facility was funded through the Latrobe Valley Authority’s $85 million Sports and Community Initiative, Sport and Recreation Victoria and Latrobe City Council.

Welcoming the recognition, Latrobe City Mayor, Kellie O’Callaghan stated “the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre has been a point of great pride for the Latrobe City community since opening last March. It has made a significant contribution to our regional city’s overall health, wellbeing and visitor economy.

“Being recognised by LGPro and our local government peers as a leading regional facility is a wonderful accolade and a tribute to the council staff, local community members, state government partners, contractors and many others who combined to deliver this exceptional project.”

Image: The 50 metre pool at the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre.