Triple award win for Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre

The Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre (AFAC) in south eastern Perth has been recognised for operational excellence at the inaugural Western Australian Aquatic Recreation Industry Awards taking home both the Sustainability and Watch Around Water Facility of the Year Awards.

AFAC’s Jonathan Shapcott was also acknowledged at an individual level being named Aquatic Supervisor of the Year for his advanced skills in and around water coupled with his immense work ethic.

Part of the newly introduced Western Australian Aquatic Recreation Industry (WA ARI) Awards program, presented on 30th June, the Sustainability Award recognises excellence in the performance of sustainability practices within the aquatic recreation industry.

AFAC’s award followed the City of Armadale’s completion of a 500kWp solar expansion project at the Centre earlier this year which is forecast to save 501 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, while also providing for AFAC to operate on 100% solar electricity during peak hours of the busy summer period.

Building management efficiencies during the last financial year means that a 41% reduction in gas consumption has also been achieved.

In addition, a solar energy storage battery project will soon commence at the centre.

The Watch Around Water Facility of the Year Award recognises AFAC’s operational excellence in achieving the objectives of the Watch Around Water program.

Watch Around Water is an educational and awareness campaign run at public swimming pools to reduce drowning and aquatic injuries amongst children through improved parental supervision.

Introduced by the Leisure Institute of WA (LIWA) Aquatics to recognise excellence and commitment of both individuals and facilities in improving aquatic and recreation communities, programs, facility operations, management, and safety, the WA ARI awards have been supported by Royal Life Saving Society WA; the Western Australian Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries; Water Corporation and Xplor Recreation.

Image credit: Commercial Aquatics Australia.