An initiative to launch more jobs in aquatics and recreation has been hailed an overwhelming success by MOVE Moonee Valley, with 46 staff across the three leisure centres being supported to further their careers in the industry.

The Next Wave program from Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) last year provided MOVE Moonee Valley with over $134,951 out of a funding pool of $1.37 million, making it the highest amount received across the state. A grand total of $298,384 was awarded to Belgravia Leisure, supporting 140+ team members across Victoria.

This funding, which ARV received from the Victorian Government through Jobs Victoria, has covered training and mentoring costs in aid of recruiting more swim teachers and lifeguards, of which there is currently a national shortage.

Ozgur Kaya, a refugee who now works as a swim teacher at Ascot Vale Leisure Centre, is thrilled that thanks to the Next Wave program, he now enjoys a part time role with the team doing a job he loves.

“The Next Wave program has allowed me the opportunity to be a teacher in Australia and keep going in my professional career. I was given a mentor through ARV who helped me not only with preparing for interviews and finding a job, but also improving my English skills. 

“I love my job as I love helping students move up to the next level, and I also love receiving great feedback from students who want to be a part of my classes. I have so much more confidence now and my hope is that other refugees like me have the opportunity to do what they love and keep going,” Ozgur said.  

The Next Wave program has allowed MOVE’s learn to swim program across Ascot Vale and Keilor East Leisure Centres to grow by an incredible 200+ enrolments, allowing more children access to water safety classes which could one day save their life. 

Additionally, the program has allowed for the cost of seasonal staff at Queens Park Swimming Pool to be covered, ensuring a safe and fun summer for guests at Moonee Valley’s premier outdoor aquatic facility. 

Amy Cross, Area Manager for MOVE Moonee Valley says the leisure centres are now in a great position with regards to swim teacher and lifeguard recruitment thanks to the funding.  

“It’s no secret that particularly since Covid, so many industries have found it incredibly difficult to find and retain staff, and the aquatics and leisure industry is certainly no different.  

“The Next Wave funding has been a huge help in giving us flexibility in our recruitment and training budgets, whereby we have been able to support a mix of new hires as well as recent hires that meet the criteria. 

“I’d like to thank ARV for this amazing initiative, as without it, we most certainly wouldn’t be in such a great position whereby we have enough swim teachers to meet the demand of learn to swim lessons in the area, and enough lifeguards to be confident that we wouldn’t have to close pools or reduce opening hours, as many leisure centres have been forced to do,” said Ms Cross. 

Another benefit of the program has allowed eligible staff members to have access to ARV events and conferences, peer support subsidy and further funding opportunities for courses and professional development.

Discover more about the Next Wave Program (now concluded) or visit the MOVE Moonee Valley website.

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