Whitehorse Council reviews operations at its Aqualink facilities

The City of Whitehorse has resolved to review its future operating model for its Aqualink Box Hill and Aqualink Nunawading facilities, considering that it may look for external management of the centres.

Having conducted a community survey last year via its Your Say Whitehorse portal, the review was agreed at a recent council meeting – with some elements of the report to the Council being made confidentially for commercial and operational reasons.

With the 2022 survey having principally sought information on peoples’ use of public swimming pools, the council noted the importance of its continued role in the provision of aquatics infrastructure/facilities to enable social and economic benefits for the community.

It also acknowledged the contribution of Nunawading Swim Club and Surrey Park Swim Club to the community of the local government area through their work to deliver squad programs, high performance training and its learn-to-swim program.

Council also noted opportunities in relation to the current operating model, deciding to explore an alternative management model from in-house to an external management model.

Noting that it “would ensure Aqualink continues to provide quality services, diverse programs and excellent customer service into the future”, a Council statement advised “we know that our Aqualink facilities are appreciated and valued by members, visitors and the wider community. Council is proud of our staff and values the contribution they make in supporting our community to stay well and active.

“Council also remains committed to the provision of gym, aquatic and other services provided at Aqualinks. These facilities are important and make a vital contribution to the health and welling of Whitehorse residents.

“However, that doesn’t mean that Council is best placed to operate them. A number of Councils across Victoria provide leisure and aquatic facilities, but contract their operation to an expert provider, including our neighbours in Manningham and Boroondara.”

It added “council is committed to exploring alternative service models to ensure fantastic delivery of services, quality and diverse range of programs and excellent customer service to meet the needs of the community.

“This decision reflects that Council has an important role in providing accessible, inclusive community facilities that support health and well-being; and a responsibility to identify the most appropriate way to run them.”

It concluded “there will be no change to the services provided in the short term. Any changes about member experiences or changes to service will be communicated well in advance.”

Images: Aqualink Nunawading (top) and Aqualink Box Hill (below). Credit: City of Whitehorse.