Sydney's Bayside Council criticises outgoing contractor as it takes back management of Angelo Anestis Aquatic Centre

Set to take on the direct management of its Angelo Anestis Aquatic Centre in the southern suburb of Bexley North, Sydney's Bayside Council has taken the unusual move of issuing a press release criticising outgoing contract manager BlueFit mid-transition.

Australasian Leisure Management understands that while a Facility Manager has been selected, slow recruitment and last-minute council decisions are putting pressure on a 1st July handover

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Council confirmed that it “will begin managing all centre operations - kiosk, gym and group classes, and learn to swim - from 1 July.”

The statement continued “Council has been working with BlueFit to ensure a seamless transition of services from this date (but) we understand that BlueFit has announced that the Bexley Learn to Swim program will cease this week, and they will offer new classes at Hurstville and Sans Souci.

“That announcement was made without consulting Council, and Council regrets that this has no doubt caused much unnecessary disruption and confusion among the Learn to Swim families. Council is attempting to communicate with BlueFit to ensure they continue to meet their obligation to deliver services at Bexley until the end of June.

“Council will be creating a learn to swim program at the Angelo Anestis Aquatic Centre, commencing term 4 or earlier if possible and we’ll have more good news to announce shortly.”

Australasian Leisure Management understands that, faced with its swim teachers having no formal undertaking that they will continue employment, BlueFit will temporarily transfer learn-to-swim programs to its other facilities.

In a statement, BlueFit advised "BlueFit remains committed to working on a smooth transition of management for the benefit of the council, the asset, the community, the patrons and as well as our hard-working staff.

"Any temporary program transfer secures local employment and maintains children's water safety skills until a new program can accept enrolments.

"Both the industry and BlueFit council partners are well aware of the commitment we make to our communities."

A respected and award-winning facility management contractor, BlueFit operates a large number of council facilities.

Image: The Angelo Anestis Aquatic Centre. Credit: Bayside Council.