YMCA Victoria renews management contract for the Benalla Aquatic Centre

Benalla Rural City Council has awarded YMCA Victoria (the Y) a renewed 10-year contract for the management and operation of the Benalla Aquatic Centre.

The Y has managed the Centre for the past 17 years and is excited to continue the strong partnership with Council and foster its connection with the community.

YMCA Victoria Chief Executive, Carolyn Morris advised “we’re so pleased to continue our partnership with Benalla Rural City Council. We have supported the Benalla community for almost two decades.

“We are deeply committed to working collaboratively with Council to make a difference in the lives of the Benalla residents. This includes providing more accessible outreach programs to the most in-need and under-represented groups in the area.”

At a time when the Benalla Aquatic Centre is currently closed due to COVID-19, Morris believes that the Y are well-placed to support the community when the reopening and recovery phase is underway.

Morris adds “our local partnerships, community connections and operational excellence will be so important as we move towards recovery together as a community. On top of this, we have developed new COVID-safe procedures and checklists that will ensure when we do reopen it is with the safety and wellbeing of patrons and staff as the number one priority.”

The Benalla Rural City Chief Executive, Dom Testoni notes “the Council looks forward to continuing its strong partnership with the Y over the next 10 years.

“We know that in the coming months the relationships members have with staff will be so important in allowing the community at the centre to reconnect when we return to this ‘new normal’.”

When restrictions begin to lift and it is safe to do so, Benalla Aquatic Centre is planning to reopen parts of the centre in accordance to government restrictions and density limits.

Funding has also been received to undertake maintenance works at the centre which includes retiling the 25-metre pool and repainting the outdoor pool.

Once the centre is operating, the renewed contract will see an opportunity for the Y to invest in a health club extension to provide greater access for members and increase opportunities for new members to join, as well as the implementation of solar panels to continue the Centre’s commitment towards environmental sustainability.

For the latest information regarding reopening dates, visit www.benalla.ymca.org.au.