The Lakes Entrance Aquadome came out on top at the recent Aquatic and Recreation Victoria Industry Awards.
The team won Small Facility Management of the Year Award in recognition of their adaptability and efforts to serve the community during the Black Summer bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said the East Gippsland Shire Council facility was commended for its initiatives and programming to keep patrons using the facility during tough times.
“Changes included our swim instructors visiting schools during the days of heavy bushfire smoke instead of students coming to the pool. During COVID the swim instructors developed informative and fun packs about swim techniques and water safety for children learning from home,” Cr Reeves said.
“Adjustments were also made in the Health Club to help users feel safe. The Aquadome, like all of Council’s facilities, followed all COVID requirements on operations including density limits and permitted activities. This award is recognition of the efforts the Aquadome team has put in to serve the community, and is richly deserved,” Cr Reeves said.
The award follows on from the facility achieving Platinum Pool status last year after a rigorous series of assessments to ensure it met Life Saving Victoria’s (LSV) criteria for the accreditation. LSV must be satisfied that exemplary levels of aquatic safety are being achieved and constantly maintained before the award is issued.
Council’s other recreation centre, the Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre, is also accredited. It is a Gold status facility and well on its way to accreditation of Platinum pool status.
Pictured are, from left, Matt Tyter, Mandy Clarke, centre coordinator Kelly Smart, Paul Etheridge, Ryan Halford and Samantha Stephenson.
