Pictured: Lisa Rainey, Aquatic Services Coordinator and Dave Harris, Operations Coordinator.
Mount Gambier’s Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre has been awarded a Royal Life Saving Platinum Aquatic Facility Safety Endorsement, recognising the venue’s strong commitment to safety, compliance and continuous improvement.
The endorsement reflects a collaborative effort between the City of Mount Gambier, Belgravia Leisure and Royal Life Saving to achieve and maintain high standards in aquatic safety. This shows the role of well-managed public aquatic venues in providing safe, accessible spaces for the community to be active, learn to swim and enjoy the water.
Platinum Status is only awarded to venues that demonstrate exceptional levels of safety management. To achieve this recognition, the venue underwent a rigorous series of independent assessments aligned to national standards, including the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations.
The assessment process included completion of a Royal Life Saving Australia Aquatic Facility Safety Assessment, Lifeguard Mystery Guest Assessments and implementation of recognised child supervision practices.
Royal Life Saving’s National Manager Industry Safety, Marty Moran, said the endorsement celebrates both leadership and a commitment to lifting industry standards.
“Belgravia Leisure and the team at Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre should be commended for their proactive and deep commitment to aquatic safety,” said Marty.
“This achievement reflects a strong commitment to continuous improvement and alignment with national best practice. It also demonstrates how local government and pool operators can work together with Royal Life Saving to deliver safe, high-quality aquatic environments for their communities.”
Belgravia Leisure General Manager Health and Safety, Scott Vanderheyden, said the recognition from the aquatic industry’s recognised safety body is a positive validation of Belgravia Leisure’s health and safety systems and the professionalism of its on-site team.
“This endorsement is a credit to the venue manager and team members who consistently prioritise safety in their day-to-day operations,” said Scott.
“Working in partnership with Royal Life Saving and Council enables us to benchmark performance, strengthen systems and ensure our venues continue to meet and exceed industry expectations.”
The Aquatic Facility Safety Endorsement Program provides councils and operators with assurance that safety systems, team member capability and operational practices align with national standards and continue to improve over time.
Endorsements are tiered based on performance against recognised standards:
- Bronze Endorsement – 80 to 90 per cent compliance
- Silver Endorsement – 90 to 99 per cent compliance
- Gold Endorsement – 100 per cent compliance
- Platinum Endorsement – sustained Gold level performance across consecutive years
The endorsement is valid for twelve months and forms part of an ongoing commitment to safety planning, risk management and continuous improvement.
Royal Life Saving acknowledges the leadership of the City of Mount Gambier, Belgravia Leisure and the commitment of venue management and staff in achieving this outcome, which contributes to safer aquatic environments and a stronger community.
To learn more about Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre, visit here.
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