New Oberon Fitness Centre officially opens with small community celebration

The new $925,000 fitness centre in Oberon, situated in the central tablelands region of New South Wales, was officially opened today with operator YMCA NSW (the Y) joining Oberon Council, Federal Member Andrew Gee and State Member Paul Toole for a small community celebration.

Oberon Council estimates that 10 Full Time Equivalent jobs were generated in the economy during the construction phases of the project, with the Y NSW initially providing 10 ongoing jobs. However, since opening to the public on 23rd August, the centre has been so in demand that the Y is currently hiring an additional five Customer Service Officers who will also be trained as Lifeguards bringing the total to 15.

The Y Chief Executive, Susannah Le Bron said providing equal access to fitness and recreation opportunities across regional NSW was a great passion and priority for the Y and advised “we believe it is truly a right of every regional community no matter how big or small to have access to affordable and inclusive fitness and wellness opportunities and we applaud the representatives from all levels of Government here with us today for making it happen for Oberon.

“The Y is also proud in these challenging economic times to be introducing new jobs and opportunities for locals to upskill and find rewarding careers at the Oberon Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre. I am so impressed with the skill and talent we have working for us here and thank our awesome new Oberon workforce for choosing to grow strong with the Y.”

Oberon Council Acting Mayor Mark Kellam added “the new fitness centre is a wonderful facility suitable for people of all ages and fitness abilities.  The centre will contribute significantly to the health and wellbeing of the Oberon community”.

The Fitness Centre features a fully enclosed front half including an air-conditioned gym space, amenities and a timetable of classes for all ages and abilities.

The Oberon Indoor Fitness Centre was jointly funded by the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, the Australian Government’s Drought Communities Programme and Oberon Council.

Since opening, around 200 memberships have been sold. A range of flexible membership options including direct debit and Fitness Passport are now on offer. 

For more information go to www.ymcansw.org.au/centres/oberon/

Image: Oberon Fitness Centre opening with Member for Bathurst Paul Toole, Y NSW Chief Executive Susannah Le Bron, Acting Mayor of Oberon Council Mark Kellam and Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee