Celebrations all-round for Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre

Over 5,000 excited residents made a splash at the Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre’s (AFAC) Community Open Day on Saturday 16 March.

Residents took the opportunity to check out the new facility and sign up for memberships.

City of Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones OAM, JP said the community open day received a fantastic response from community members eager to check out the facility.

“The centre was buzzing with excited community members and families eager to make a splash in the renovated pools. The children were treated to mermaid and face painting, inflatable and dunk tank activities, while their parents took the opportunity to enjoy picnics and food from the new café, Cafélife, and food vendors.

“There was also a special visit from Olympic Swimmer Brianna Throssell and the Centre’s mascot Arry.”

Since its opening the facility has been well received by the community.

“Over the past week there has been a lot of positive feedback via the City and the Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre Facebook pages from locals who’ve come to the facility during its first week. I am also aware that a lot of users have given the Centre a 5-star rating on Google after visiting the facility. We couldn’t have asked for more positive reinforcement from our community that we have met their needs.

“We’re so pleased we’ve been able to deliver something that is already so valued by our community.”

On Monday 18 March, the City celebrated the official opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony and an inaugural swimming race at a VIP opening event.

City of Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones declared the centre officially open along with Federal Government representative The Honourable Linda Reynolds and State Government representative, Dr Tony Buti, MLA, who both contributed funding towards the facility.

Senator Linda Reynolds said she was delighted to have fought for and been able to deliver $10 million in Federal funding for the facility.

“This upgraded facility offers something for every member of the community, and its reopening is an important milestone for Armadale,” Senator Reynolds said.

“The project, which supported 100 jobs during construction and creates 38 ongoing local jobs, will provide a welcome boost to the region’s economy, with the potential for local health and recreational businesses to partner with the centre to create even more job opportunities.”

Dr Tony Buti, MLA, said the State Government is delighted to support the building of this outstanding new community facility and acknowledges the contribution of the Federal Government and the City of Armadale.

“As a local I am overjoyed by this wonderful new facility for our community. It is the most significant project in the contemporary history of the City. Well done to Mayor Henry Zelones and the City of Armadale.”

Over 4,000 people visited the Centre on its official opening day for business last Monday, with over 2,000 of them visiting the aquatic part of the facility.

“To date, the Centre has over 5,000 members. This is a strong indicator of how much our community have been looking forward to this wonderful facility,” added Mayor Zelones.

To become a member visit active.armadale.wa.gov.au