Ashley Stephens and Craig Kelly, CEO of Advocate NT
SWELL Palmerston (SWELL) in the Northern Territory has been recognised with a Community Appreciation award for bringing older Territorians relief when they needed it most. The venue has provided essential access to hydrotherapy services, following the closure of a major hospital pool to the general public.
The team’s dedication and commitment to inclusion has earned them official recognition from Advocate NT, an organisation founded to advocate for older residents living in the region. The award celebrates other organisations that deliver meaningful support to seniors and people with disabilities.
Venue Manager at SWELL, Ashley Stephens was specifically recognised for supporting vulnerable residents recovering from surgery and injuries outside of Palmerston Regional Hospital, who otherwise may not be able to visit an accessible space.
With an exercise physiologist working closely with seniors and a strong line‑up of older‑adult classes including circuit, warm water walking and gentle exercise, SWELL are pleased to fill this gap, supporting those who are looking to rebuild their health and stay active in a supportive community, said Ashley.
“I absolutely love the diversity we have in age at SWELL, from babies learning to swim, to people in their 80s working on their fitness – the atmosphere here is inclusive and genuinely fun.
“Working with the seniors is especially rewarding: they are gracious toward our team members and make connections with each other. We’ve all become close,” she continued.
The recognition comes on the heels of a major accomplishment – a senior member’s completion of 100 laps at the venue.
Ashley also acknowledged the importance of social connections later in life:
“Socialising is something we take for granted when we are busy and working and we forget it can get quite lonely for older people who are retired. It is a family of regulars here at SWELL; they’ve found a community. I am so proud of that.”
Belgravia Leisure believes everyone should be able to access health and leisure activities, regardless of personal circumstances. SWELL’s senior programming is a clear example of working with the community to design services that uplift physical, social and emotional wellbeing for all who walk through the doors.
- Visit SWELL Palmerston here.
- Learn more about Belgravia Leisure’s commitment to Social Inclusion.
