Belgravia Leisure managed venues have been recognised for their consistent delivery of excellent community programs, marketing and communication initiatives, community impact and exceptional facility management at this year’s virtual Aquatic and Recreation Victoria (ARV) Awards.
Aquarena Aquatic Centre in Templestowe was a clear frontrunner, walking away with a total of three awards including the prestigious Health Club Award. Duty Manager Jackson Tellus was awarded the Duty Manager of the Year Award, while David Morris was awarded Pool Lifeguard of the Year.
Aquarena Centre Manager Aylie Spence attributes their success to the exceptional partnership and support provided by Manningham Council, “Council have been incredibly supportive of the programs and initiatives we have introduced to the community in the City of Manningham. We would not have been able to achieve such an incredible outcome if not for Council’s support, as well as the teamwork and dedication displayed by the staff here at Aquarena.”
Aquarena member and mother-of-two Romina Salvagno has found the venue to be exceptional in the support and care displayed by the team. “Aquarena has not only been a place of exercise but a community of friendly faces and beautiful people who have always been ready to help and support my fitness journey,” she said.
Belgravia Leisure managed venues operated on behalf of the Yarra Ranges Council also received an outstanding level of recognition at the ARV Awards this year. The awards recognised the venues’ commitment to leading by example in engaging with local community and providing best practice inclusion in the areas of mental health, youth homelessness and more.
Aleksei Bondarenko-Edwards, a local from Yarra Junction was nominated and awarded the Presenter of the Year award for his dedication and passion delivering Mental Health and Inclusion focused training to community members and Belgravia Leisure staff. Lesley Grimes, the facility manager from the Yarra Recreation Centre noted in her nomination that, “Aleksei is recognised as an exceptional presenter and a dedicated teacher. He is able to engage his audience through his passion for supporting and advocating for others in mental health, leading the conversation in an often-challenging space.”
This award was closely followed by Kilsyth Centenary Pool’s win in the Community Impact Award category with their ‘structured work placement program’, which has provided supportive mentoring and pathways to employment and further education for more than thirty vulnerable members of the Yarra Ranges community. James Rossiter the facility manager at the Kilsyth Centenary Pool noted that he was incredibly proud of his team and their performance, and even more proud of the individuals who have challenged themselves by participating in the program.
The third victory came in the form of recognition for Belgrave Outdoor Pool which received the award for Facility Management Seasonal Outdoor Pool and was recognised for its excellent customer service, strong community focus and the value it provides to the Dandenong Hills community in the Dandenongs each summer.
Rayanne Hutchins the facility manager was thrilled at the news, “It all comes back to community, the fact is I know the community love this pool, they’ve been coming here for generations. We support them and they support us, and that is an award in itself!”
To find out more about the ARV Awards, visit https://www.aquaticsandrecreation.org.au/arv-industry-awards-2020/
