VenuesWest farewells longest serving staff member

Coordinating hundreds of swimming carnivals is “all in a days’ work” for VenuesWest’s longest serving staff member Kerry Gates who will this month be farewelled after 28 years of service.

Gates’ role in Aquatic Bookings at HBF Stadium has seen her responsible for booking over 15,000 swim meets and carnivals for around 950,000 local, national and international visitors.

Throughout the past 28 years, Gates has played a role in the 1991 and 1998 FINA World Aquatics Championships, several Aquatic Super Series’, National Short Course Championships and the 2006 Commonwealth Water Polo Championships.

Prior to working in aquatics, Gates was a friendly face on the main reception desk, greeting customers and providing information.

Commenting on her service, VenuesWest Chief Executive David Etherton stated “Kerry’s venue knowledge and expertise will be missed, I know many of our customers will miss seeing her familiar face on pool deck and we all wish her the very best for her retirement.”

Reflecting on her time at VenuesWest, Gates says the best part has been every day; coming in to work with the Aquatics team and chatting with her valued clients.

She recounts her most memorable experience as the time she jumped in at the last minute to help when an event manager had fallen ill, resulting in Kerry organising and running the 2004 Fisher and Paykel Australian Age Swimming Championships.

In her time Gates has seen visitor numbers increase from around 2,000 per annum to around 780,000; the number of pools increased from two to five and three venue name changes - originally Perth SuperDrome the venue changed name to Challenge Stadium before becoming HBF Stadium in 2014.

Over the last 28 years the venue has undergone many improvements and refurbishments including significant upgrades to toilets and change rooms, a major café upgrade, a fitness centre revamp and an exterior facelift incorporating a complete remodelling of the venue entrance and ground landscaping. 

2nd August 2017 - VENUESWEST WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

23rd June 2016 - VENUESWEST CELEBRATES OLYMPIC DAY AND HIGH PERFORMANCE ATHLETES

14th May 2016 - HBF ARENA AND LATHLAIN PARK TO BENEFIT FROM WESTERN AUSTRALIA BUDGET

12th February 2016 - REDEVELOPED GYM OPENS AT HBF STADIUM

22nd September 2015 - HBF ARENA THE MOST VISITED GROUND IN THE WAFL

6th August 2015 - CITY OF JOONDALUP TO FUND ARTS, PARKS, RECREATION AND SPORT PROJECTS

24th April 2015 - WAIS HIGH PERFORMANCE CENTRE GETS OFFICIAL OPENING

6th November 2014 - HBF ARENA USAGE GROWS BY 50%

2nd November 2014 - HBF HEALTH AND FITNESS CENTRE RECEIVES ANOTHER FITNESS AUSTRALIA GOLD AWARD

23rd July 2014 - VENUESWEST FACILITIES CELEBRATE HBF NAMING RIGHTS DEAL

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