Liz Stranix has been a venue manager with Belgravia Leisure since November 2020 and is currently the venue manager at Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre in New South Wales. Liz said, “My favourite thing about my career is seeing the positive impact we have on members of the community each and every day.”
When asked what some of her highlights of working with Belgravia Leisure are, Liz said, “I have created so many amazing memories since joining Belgravia Leisure but there are a few highlights that definitely stand out.
“Completing a successful transition into Wentworthville Memorial Swimming Centre which had its challenges and time constraints but was very rewarding.
“Throughout my short time at Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre we have been awarded the 2020 AUSTSWIM State and National Swim School of The Year Award, the 2021 Zest Award for Exceptional Community Partnership and the 2021 Belgravia Leisure Inclusive Program Award. Most recently we were awarded the 2022 AUSTSWIM Most Outstanding Contribution to TSW Through Inclusion Award. This year we also received a five-star safety score of 100% and an overall score of 99% in our Aquatic Facility Safety Assessment (AFSA) from Royal Life Saving NSW.”
How have you, your team or your venue been impacted by Covid and what have you learnt?
“2020 and 2021 definitely hit everyone by storm and we were all impacted by Covid in some way. Having been put into lockdown after lockdown and not being able to see our teams in person and not do what we love every day had its impact.
“When we were able to come back together in our venues and work towards a positive Covid recovery plan, I really feel it brought our teams closer. Although we were able to work from home and focus on ourselves we knew we all worked better together as a team. I learnt that even during the hardest times we can always find the good and you should never take community for granted,” Liz said.
What is your favourite and least favourite thing about your career?
My favourite thing about my career is seeing the impact we have on members of the community each and every day. It doesn’t matter where you are from, what your experience is, your gender, age, or any barrier you might have there is always something for you to be involved in, in the leisure industry.
“My least favourite thing about my career is saying goodbye to teammates, whether that is you or them moving to a different location, state, business or industry. When you work in the leisure industry you very quickly become a family and it’s always hard saying goodbye to family,” Liz said.
Where do you see yourself in the next three to five years?
“My aspirations have always been to grow and develop and I hope to be further established within the Belgravia Leisure team within the next three to five years,” Liz said.
What are three things you’re most passionate about in life and why?
“Number one is my little family. Nothing beats coming home to my little boy’s smiling face and getting to spend time together and creating memories. Being a new mum I have learnt the importance of a healthy work-life balance. Second is my career, I am very passionate about what I do. I want to thrive and help others thrive with me.
“Thirdly, being happy and making memories. It’s important to find what makes you happy in life and ensuring you fit that in. Travelling is something I make sure fits into my year in some capacity whether it be a small trip in New South Wales or an adventure overseas,” Liz concluded.
