Belgravia Leisure managed Stromlo Leisure Centre and Gungahlin Leisure Centre have been recognised among Australia’s leading aquatic and leisure venues, winning six ACT Gold awards and receiving three Highly Commended honours at the 2026 ASSA Awards of Excellence.
Stromlo Leisure Centre received ACT Gold awards for Customer Service Excellence, Staff Training & Development, Employer of Choice, while Aquatic Services Manager Richelle Webb was awarded Swim School Manager of the Year.
Gungahlin Leisure Centre received the ACT Gold Inclusive Swim School award, while Belgravia Leisure Area Manager ACT Bernice Hay won the Gold Emerging Talent award.
Further recognition saw Stromlo Leisure Centre receive Highly Commended honours in Large Swim School of the Year and Water Safety, while Gungahlin Leisure Centre was Highly Commended in Large Swim School of the Year.
Hosted by the Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) and Aquatics & Recreation Queensland, the awards were presented at the SPARK 2026 National Conference on the Gold Coast from 25 to 27 August, recognising excellence across Australia’s aquatic industry.
Pictured in header image, left to right: Sonya Dalgliesh, Area Manager QLD Gympie, Richelle Webb, Aquatic Service Manager Stromlo Leisure Centre, Bernice Hay ACT Area Manager, Samer Kamal Venue Manager Stromlo Leisure Centre, Sarah Podesta Group Aquatic Manager, Tanya Fletcher, Area Manager QLD Moreton Bay, Nick Cox, CEO
Recognition for customer service, inclusion and team development
Bernice Hay said receiving the Emerging Talent award was a proud moment.
“I am humbled to receive this award. As an aquatic leader, I strive to champion safe, inclusive and empowering environments for everyone, and I look forward to continuing to support our teams as they achieve success into the future.”
Richelle Webb said:
“To be named Swim School Manager of the Year is both a privilege and an honour. While this recognition is awarded to me, it would not be possible without the incredible team around me. Their dedication and support challenge me every day to do better, be better and continue growing as a leader.
“Together, we create opportunities for people of all ages to learn to swim and we know that safe aquatic environments play an important role in helping people develop these vital life skills.”
Stromlo Leisure Centre Venue Manager Samer Kamal said the awards recognised the venue’s commitment to people and service.
“Receiving these awards for customer service, team development and employer of choice reinforces our commitment to creating exceptional experiences for our community and a supportive environment for our team. We couldn’t be prouder.”
Gungahlin’s Venue Manager, Nicole Trindorfer said:
“Our team is thrilled to have won the ACT Gold Inclusive Swim School award. It’s a testament to the work of our team members, who work every day to create and deliver inclusive programs, services and environments, so no one misses out.”
Sarah Podesta, Belgravia Group Aquatics Manager, said:
“These awards demonstrate the commitment of our ACT teams to delivering safe, inclusive and community-focused experiences.
“Our programs, including GOswim water safety lessons at Stromlo and Gungahlin, empower students to think, discuss water safety and make informed decisions whilst having fun in and around water.”
Pictured left to right: Bernice Hay, ACT Area Manager, Sonya Dalgliesh, Area Manager QLD Gympie, Tanya Fletcher, Area Manager QLD Moreton Nay, Nick Cox, CEO, Samer Kamal, Venue Manager Stromlo Leisure Centre, Sarah Podesta, Group Aquatic Manager
Strengthening Australia’s aquatic sector
Alongside the award success, Belgravia Leisure representatives contributed to national discussions about the future of Australia’s aquatic industry at the SPARK 2026 National Conference.
A Belgravia Leisure team of 13 attended the prestigious conference and awards, including CEO Nick Cox and Senior Business Operations Manager QLD, Dan Cullen.
Nick participated in The Big Conversations: What’s Really Going On? and Dan shared practical insights in Where’s the Money Coming From Next? These conversations, ideas and collaboration help strengthen and shape the future of Australia’s aquatic and leisure industry.
Belgravia Leisure is a world-class aquatics provider, managing more than 160 swimming pools on behalf of clients across Australia and New Zealand.
To learn more about Stromlo Leisure Centre, visit the website here. To learn more about Gungahlin Leisure Centre, visit the website here.
Key facts:
- Belgravia Leisure-managed Stromlo Leisure Centre and Gungahlin Leisure Centre won six ACT Gold awards at the 2026 ASSA Awards of Excellence
- Stromlo Leisure Centre received Gold awards for Customer Service Excellence, Staff Training & Development and Employer of Choice
- Stromlo Aquatic Services Manager Richelle Webb was named Swim School Manager of the Year
- Gungahlin Leisure Centre received the ACT Gold Inclusive Swim School award
- ACT Area Manager Bernice Hay won the Gold Emerging Talent award
- The venues also received three Highly Commended honours across Large Swim School of the Year and Water Safety categories
- The awards were presented at the SPARK 2026 National Conference on the Gold Coast from 25-27 August
- A team of 13 Belgravia Leisure representatives attended the conference, contributing to discussions on the future of Australia’s aquatic and leisure industry.
