Mildura Waves and Colignan Swimming Pool win industry accolades at 2021 ARV awards

Aligned Leisure managed Mildura Waves and Colignan Swimming Pool have been awarded Aquatics and Recreation Victoria’s (ARV) Facility of the Year (Medium) and Seasonal Pool Award at the 2021 ARV Awards.

Mildura Waves was noted as the best in the state in the category for its customer-focused experience, community programming and premier facilities while the Colignan Swimming Pool was noted for its consistently safe, supported and fun environment that is an asset for the local community.

Key highlights of the award recognitions included:

• Significant growth and record high attendances.

• The community approved preparedness to reopen following COVID lockdowns.

• Excellent Human Resource Management.

• High community engagement.

• Innovative programming.

• Environmental sustainability.

Mildura Leisure Manager, Caitlin Simmons, added that local community partnerships, a strong focus on people and a unique portfolio of programs made Mildura Waves and Colignan Swimming Pool standout nominations in both categories.

Simmons advised “through our commitment to quality, and our innovative and unique approach to our operations, we have created community facilities that bridge the gap between regional and metropolitan areas, bringing unmatched opportunities to the Mildura community.

“These opportunities have in turn provided a safe and welcoming environment at Mildura Waves and Colignan Swimming Pool, making both facilities valued community hubs that recognises and celebrates the diversity of our local community, and provides opportunities for people from all walks of life to connect, exercise and stay healthy.

Mildura Rural City Council’s Recreation Development Coordinator, Thomas Stevenson, highlighted the award win cemented Aligned Leisure and Council’s genuine partnership, noting “this award recognises the outstanding efforts of both Council and Aligned Leisure throughout what was a challenging two years with heavily interrupted operations.

“This recognition is also a testament to Scott Umback, Council’s former Manager Leisure and Cultural Services who tragically passed away in 2019.

“Scott’s vision for Mildura’s aquatic facilities of reinvigorating contract management and the approach to service delivery has been realised. Scott’s legacy will be long lasting for the Mildura community, and we know he would have been incredibly proud to receive this award recognition.”

Aligned Leisure also acknowledged its other finalist nominations for the 2021 ARV Awards:

• Most Valuable Employee - Amanda Sawyer

• Emerging Leader Award - Shana Mangan

• Group Fitness Instructor Award - Meredith Donaldson

• Personal Trainer Award - Brad Paterson

• Large Facility of the Year - Eltham Leisure Centre

Industry consultant Martin Sheppard was also presented with the Outstanding Contribution to the Aquatics and Recreation Industry Award in honour of Sir Frank Beaurepaire at the Awards.

The Awards were sponsored by PerfectGym.

Images: ARV 2021 Award Winners Mildura Waves (top), Colignan Swimming Pool (middle) and Martin Sheppard (below).