New manager looks for growth in Lismore’s aquatic centres

Lismore City Council's new head of leisure and cultural services is aiming to highlight what is available to the community at Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre (GSAC) and the Memorial Baths this year.

Tony Duffy has held the title of Manager - Major Recreation and Cultural Facilities, Arts Tourism and Leisure since September having recently returned to Australia from Italy where he worked as the centre/business manager Australian Institute of Sport's European Training Centre for the past three years.

Previously he had managed major leisure, sports and aquatic facilities for organisations including the Australian Sports Commission, Major Venues Queensland and Gold Coast City Council.

Duffy says he is excited about plans for the two main aquatic facilities in the city, which already attracts more than 1,000 childrens through their turnstiles each term and which have already welcomed nearly 46,000 visitors between 1st December and 9th January.

Speaking to the Lismore Echo, Duffy said there was a lot to be done the "potential for growth” at the swimming arenas was great with many popular programs already in the pipeline.

Duffy suggested that GSAC, in particular, was a "major community hub for fitness and aquatics which held a lot of appeal for many different people in the community, as well as patrons coming in from outside.”

His team is currently interviewing for a new head coach with a focus on "rebuilding the competitive side” of the community swimming program as well as training new staff at The Memorial Baths.

One of the most popular programs in the next couple of weeks is the Lismore Baths Carnival Clinic offering children an "intensive burst” to their preparation for the upcoming school swimming meet season.

In partnership with the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation, GSAC is offering a Swim and Survive program for Aboriginal children aged three to five years as well as Summer School Holiday Intensives.

Click here to view the original article in the Lismore Echo.

Image: Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre.

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