YMCA to open new gym at Goulburn Aquatic Centre

The YMCA of Sydney has been managing the Goulburn Aquatic Centre sInce the beginning of June.

The 12-month interim appointment is enabling the Goulburn Mulwaree Council to make use of the YMCA's expertise while reviewing the Centre's operations. During its 12 month tenure the YMCA will focus on continuing to deliver the aquatic programs and services offered to the Goulburn community.

YMCA Transition Support Manager Mark Zilm explains "we are excited to be reinvigorating the centres programs to have a strong family focus.

"It's a great facility and at the end of the day the Y is about partnering with local communities and looking at maximising the utilisation and efficiencies in every community it serves.

"The Y is a community based organisation and we want the Goulburn Aquatic Centre to ultimately be that hub of community connection and activity, where people of all ages and abilities can come together and live happier, healthier lifestyles."

Having retained the Centre's existing employees, over the next 12 months the YMCA will report regularly on necessary changes for the facility and the option of long-term management will be assessed.

Since taking on management of the Centre, the YMCA has launched a new Family Membership and is set to open a new $150,000 fitness facility next month.

The new health club will feature a range of cardio equipment, a separate strength training area, a Mind Body Spirit room overlooking the pool, an outdoor training zone and a range of family-friendly programming.

Acting Centre Manager Neil Hummerston says the health club will be a valuable addition to the community and is evidence of the Y's and Goulburn Mulwaree Council's commitment to the health and wellbeing of locals, particularly families.

Hummerson states "the Y is dedicated to improving the health of individuals and families and providing a 'third place' away from work and home where people can connect, be active and enjoy happier, happier lives.

"The Health Club will be a great addition to the existing aquatic facilities and programs at the Centre and, with the new Family Membership, families can access the pools, Health Club and programs including Learn-to-Swim, for one affordable fortnightly payment."

The new Health Club and Family Membership are expected to be well received by Goulburn locals. 2011 Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show that among the 5,444 families in the area, 39.9% have children while 20.7% are one-parent households.

Hummerson adds "it can be a struggle today to spend quality, active family time together." Hummerston also explained that Learn-to-Swim enrolments for Term 3 are also open and implored parents to give their children a skill for life by signing up today.

"As the largest provider of Learn-to-Swim (in Australia), the YMCA is dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to learn vital swimming skills and sees approximately 14,000 Australians go through the program every year."

For more information on YMCA-managed Goulburn Aquatic Centre visit www.ymcasydney.org/centre/goulburn

10th May 2010 - SIEMENS DELIVERS CONSISTENT WATER QUALITY AT GOULBURN AQUATIC CENTRE