New management for Eurobodalla Shire’s aquatic facilities

After 11 years managing the Eurobodalla Shire Council’s three public swimming pools, the YMCA is to hand over management to the Community Aquatics group.

As a result, Community Aquatics will take on the management of the Batemans Bay Swim Centre, Moruya War Memorial Pool and Narooma Swim Centre as of 1st July.

After a tender process earlier this year in which four conforming tenders were received, Eurobodalla councillors voted to award the contract to Windsor, NSW-based company headed by Chief Executive Brad Paterson.

Commenting on the change, Eurobodalla Shire Director of Community, Arts and Recreation, Kathy Arthur said Community Aquatics provided the best value for money for the community, stating “one of the deciding factors was that Community Aquatics was very happy to provide existing staff with continued employment.

“They will also continue the focus on aqua aerobics, learn-to-swim classes, school programs and squad training.

“Community Aquatics has indicated they want to invest in additional infrastructure at the pools, so we look forward to working with them to develop our pools into the future.”

Arthur told the Narooma Times that despite the despite the management change patrons could expect business as usual at the three facilities.

Arthur acknowledged the YMCA for its management of the Council’s pools for the past 11 years in partnership with the council and it had been an active part of the community, adding “Council wishes to acknowledge the support of the YMCA and thank them for providing employment and aquatic programs for our community over this time.

“Council is currently working with both contractors to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of service.

“Narooma Pool will be closed on Friday 30th June to enable Community Aquatics to establish its systems prior to 1st July. We apologise for any inconvenience this might cause.”

Commenting on the change, YMCA NSW Chief Executive Leisa Hart stated “YMCA NSW has loved being part of the Eurobodalla community for over a decade.

“I am immensely proud of the efforts of our staff and thank them for the hard work and dedication they have shown - we’ve seen some wonderful successes including giving greater access to water safety programs via fee assistance and the YMCA SwimAbility program, and our ongoing efforts to promote healthy living.

“While we are sad to be leaving these three facilities, YMCA NSW maintains a strong commitment to providing services to Southern NSW and the ACT. We will continue to have a presence in these areas through our management of the Gungahlin Leisure Centre, Canberra Olympic Pool and Lakeside Leisure Centre on behalf of the ACT Government and through our Cooma Youth Hub, which provides important services and support to young people.

“On behalf of YMCA NSW, I would like to thank Eurobodalla Shire Council for the opportunity to work together in recent years take the opportunity to thank you, our members, and the local community for your support.”

Community Aquatics has more than a decade of pool management experience for local government and currently contracts to Auburn City Council, Nambucca Shire Council and Lake Macquarie City Council.

For more information on Community Aquatics go to www.communityaquatics.com.au

Image: Eurobodalla Shire Coordinator Recreation Development Ann Nicholson, Eurobodalla Shire Divisional Manager Community and Recreation Kim Bush, YMCA Area Manager Tracy King, YMCA Regional Manager Mathew Pole, Community Aquatics’ Macksville Pool Manager Martin Burrows and Community Aquatics Chief Executive Brad Paterson met last  month to discuss Eurobodalla’s pool management changeover. 

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