Belgravia Leisure’s teams, venues and initiatives have been recognised at the 2026 Aquatic and Recreation Institute (ARI) New South Wales Awards of Excellence, taking home four prestigious accolades for driving excellence in aquatics and recreation.
Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre won the Diversity & Inclusion Award, the MOVE IT CANBERRA! campaign in the Australian Capital Territory was awarded for Marketing & Communications, Belgravia Leisure’s Safe Holds & Supportive Techniques program was awarded for Safety & Innovation and City of Sydney venues were awarded the Innovation & Technology Award for the Online Lane Availability initiative.
Valued New South Wales contract partner Inverell Council also took home top honours on awards night, securing Regional Facility of the Year on behalf of Inverell Aquatic Centre, thanking Belgravia Leisure for their continued partnership, operational and venue support.
While four NSW and ACT initiatives and teams received awards, over 20 finalists received shortlist recognitions among esteemed peers in the aquatics and recreation industry, reinforcing a state-wide commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences, safety and leadership.
The achievements reflect Belgravia Leisure’s continued focus on creating welcoming, inclusive and accessible experiences that help communities stay active, connected and healthy.
Ben Dunley, Venue Manager at Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre said:
“We’re proud to be awarded the Diversity & Inclusion Award for our commitment to social inclusion at Auburn Ruth. Our greatest achievement is the way we continue to put our community first.
“I’m proud of the dedication shown by our team in supporting the diverse needs of those we serve and helping create positive outcomes for communities of all abilities who walk through our doors.”
Penny Evans, Chief Marketing Officer Belgravia Leisure said the MOVE IT CANBERRA! campaign, now in its third year, is only improving over time.
“This innovative and inclusive campaign has encouraged an entire city to come together in support of staying healthy and active.
“We’re thrilled to see this result in over 100,000 minutes of exercise logged by Canberrans at Belgravia Leisure ACT venues in 2026.”
The Marketing & Communications award win marks the second award recognition for the MOVE IT CANBERRA! campaign, which previously secured the Marketing and Communications Award at the 2025 Australian Sport, Recreation and Play Innovation Awards.
Belgravia Leisure Product Development Manager for Aquatics Cheryl McLennan said:
“Seeing the Safe Holds and Support Techniques recognised for its positive impact blows us away. We feel incredibly humbled and grateful, knowing it represents the collective effort, collaboration, and commitment of so many people.
“This training program is continuing to create safe and trusted environments across our venues by giving our swim teachers the tools to succeed, ensuring our students feel safe and supported.
The Safe Holds and Support Techniques training package supports Belgravia Leisure’s commitment to creating environments where children and young people feel safe and supported. Read the Child Safe Statement here.
At Belgravia Leisure, inclusion is embedded in the organisation’s Social Inclusion Policy and ongoing commitment to ensuring all people feel welcome, respected and supported.
To learn more about Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre, visit the website. To learn more about Aquatics at Belgravia Leisure, visit here.
Key facts:
- Belgravia Leisure received four awards at the 2026 ARI NSW Awards of Excellence
- Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre won the Diversity & Inclusion Award
- MOVE IT Canberra received the Marketing & Communications Award
- Safe Holds & Supportive Techniques was recognised with the Safety & Innovation Award
- The City of Sydney’s Online Lane Availability initiative won the Innovation & Technology Award
- More than 20 Belgravia Leisure venues, initiatives and team members were recognised as finalists
- The awards showcase Belgravia Leisure’s commitment to innovation, inclusion, safety and creating positive community outcomes through aquatics and recreation.
