Leisurelink wins at state aquatic awards

THE Leisurelink Aquatic and Recreation Centre has claimed two of the state’s top awards at the annual Aquatics and Recreation Victoria Industry Awards.

Leisurelink duty manager Gavin Skurrie won duty manager of year for his work running the day-to-day operations at the Waurn Ponds centre.

The award recognises his outstanding work running the centre’s operations, including managing lifeguards, fitness instructors and staff, pool operations, the gymnasium, and making sure all members and visitors stay safe in the centre.

Gavin has worked at the City of Greater Geelong for nearly a decade, starting as a lifeguard then working his way up to duty manager.

Leisurelink also won an award for sustainability thanks to work by city staff to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency at the centre.

The city’s Leisure and Recreation Services and Sustainability teams worked closely on a number of energy improvement measures, as part of the city’s Zero Carbon Buildings Program.

This included installing a 99KW solar system featuring more than 300 solar panels on the roof at Leisurelink. The system transfers solar energy to the centre’s grid to help power its operations. It is estimated to save approximately $200,000 and result in 1600 fewer tonnes of greenhouse gases being released each year.

The centre also has more energy efficient LED lighting and pool pumps and a building management system which automatically adjusts energy consuming equipment such as heating and cooling.

The award also recognised Leisurelink’s ‘green team’, set up to continually look at energy saving initiatives in the centre’s aquatic operations.

“These awards recognise the exceptionally high standard and commitment to improvement shown by the city’s aquatic and leisure staff,” deputy mayor Peter Murrihy said.

“It also demonstrates great teamwork with the city’s Environment and Sustainability team to deliver significant sustainability and environmental benefits through the city’s operations.

“Congratulations to Gavin and all the staff in our aquatic and leisure centres who have worked together to contribute to these awards and to ensure our community can safely enjoy our leisure centres every day.”