New pilot project to bolster the region’s aquatic centres

The future is looking brighter for aquatic centres across the Armidale region thanks to an ambitious new project between Armidale Regional Council and the Y NSW.

The two entities have entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a pilot project to enrich the strategic and operational aspects of Council’s pools in Armidale and Guyra.

The Y NSW has been engaged to provide expertise in reviewing and enhancing recreational programs, services and customer experiences to grow the Armidale region aquatic centres and increase patronage, maximise operational capability, minimise operating costs and create a vision for a broader wellness precinct.

Armidale Regional Council General Manager James Roncon said Council is committed to sustainably improving and expanding its aquatic facilities and services to the community.

“With a history of success in consultancy work in the management of local government owned aquatic centres, we look forward to working with the Y NSW to provide a road map for an improved service delivery at our aquatic facilities,” he said

“The Y will work closely with Council and the community to ensure the potential of the existing aquatic centres is realised and that all stakeholders have input into the improvement of our facilities.”

Over the course of the next year, the Y NSW will:

Conduct forums and surveys to determine the desired programs and services that could be delivered at Monckton Aquatic Centre or Guyra Swimming Pool Outline a proposal to Armidale Regional Council on an efficient operating model for the two existing centres that will maximise participation and improve operational efficiency Complete a rigorous feasibility assessment and make recommendations on the conceptual opportunities that will enhance the Council’s aquatic centres, ensuring that these recommendations align with the Council’s strategic plan Partner with Armidale Regional Council to deliver a leisure and aquatic centre master plan.

 The Y NSW Head of Growth and Business Development Shane Simmons said the organisation was excited to be partnering with Armidale Regional Council on the pilot project.

“We’re looking forward to working with Council and the local community to explore how we can arrive at a proof of concept that realises a vision for the future of the region,” he said.

The Y successfully operates integrated fitness, aquatic, recreation and wellness centres across NSW and the ACT and are part of a global network.

“We take the time to understand the communities we serve; we’re a purpose-led organisation with strong values that matter to Australians – we’re honest, we care, we want to inspire people to be healthy.”

The Y NSW will soon start a consultation process to ensure the community can share their input on the programs and services they want to see delivered at the Armidale and Guyra aquatic facilities.

“We are incredibly keen to hear from representatives across the community and our first step in the discovery process for this project will be to conduct community consultation forums and undertake a community survey,” Mr Simmons said.

Take action with the Y

You can view the Y NSW’s Armidale Discovery Plan here To take the Y NSW community survey, go here. The survey will close on 20 February 2022 and results will be communicated in the Y’s community forums and via the Y NSW Facebook page Anyone interested in participating in the community consultation forums can register their interest before 20 February 2022 here.

About the Y NSW: The Y serves more than 40 communities in NSW and the ACT and employs more than 1500 people. Each year, more than 2 million people visit our fitness and aquatic centres and more than 10,000 children attend our Outside School Hours Care services.   

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Published on 07 Feb 2022