New deal gives better digital service to Swim, Sport and Leisure members

MEMBERS of the City of Greater Geelong’s Swim, Sport and Leisure (SSL) centres will be able to make online bookings for classes from next year through a new service provider.

Last week, the city announced it had engaged Australian organisation Swift Digital to deliver digital communications to members of the city’s health, fitness and recreation facilities from January 1, 2021.

All SSL memberships have been on hold since March because of the coronavirus pandemic, with no direct debits taken and lump sum memberships extended.

The city will resume all memberships from January 2, 2021 onwards, and the new system will enable the city’s Leisure Services team to communicate digitally with members about offers and centre updates, in a safe and secure way. As well as making bookings online, SSL members can update their own contact information, making membership easier and more convenient.

The city’s director of community life, Robyn Stevens, said the new system would greatly improve the service level for SSL members.

“The ability to book online and receive information digitally is the preference for most of our members, so we look forward to being able to deliver these options from next year.”

In response to community feedback and privacy concerns in early 2020, the city deferred plans for a new SSL digital communications service provider, in order to further investigate secure digital service providers.

Swift Digital follows Australian security and data protection standards, using processes and controls that align with Australian industry best practice. All data stored will stay on shore in Australia and will be handled in compliance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic).

Data stored will be limited to information that is required to maintain and manage memberships, such as name and email address.

“Our members can be assured that our service provider is an Australian organisation that uses processes and controls that meet Australian industry best practice,” Ms Stevens said.

“The introduction of this new system is part of our commitment to continually seek to enhance our services for Swim Sport & Leisure members.”

For more information, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/ssl. Information will also be directly mailed to all existing members.