WSAC Celebrating 50 Years
Published on 04 June 2024
The Rural City of Wangaratta is delighted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wangaratta Sports & Aquatic Centre and has a series of festivities planned for its members and the wider community. The Centre was opened on 14 June 1974 by then Victorian State Governor Henry Winneke and Mayor Kevin Howard.
The Centre’s inception began in the 1960’s when lawn was sewn for a stadium on land originally part of the golf club. In the early 1970’s Council began transforming the site into a sporting precinct - building a football oval and pavilion, hockey field, netball courts, access roads and car park. It was named HP Barr Reserve in honour of the mayor.
In the 1980’s a further six squash courts were added to the stadium and in the 1990’s an upstairs addition for fitness and aerobics was opened. The Centre remained mostly in this form until recently, when in 2020 Council began the latest redevelopment, including a new 50m outdoor pool, warm water pool, 24/7 gym with state-of-the-art equipment, and the stadium upgrade which is nearing completion.
The Rural City of Wangaratta is proud to provide this premier sporting and wellness hub for our community and regional guests and is invested in its growth. Rural City of Wangaratta Sports, Aquatic and Events Precinct Manager, Sonya Dalgliesh, reflects on recent achievements and the importance of WSAC to our community:
"As we celebrate this 50th anniversary, we reflect on the incredible milestones the WSAC has achieved. In the past 12 months, memberships have increased by 30%, Learn to Swim membership has also increased to 750 members, and we have successfully hosted five regional swimming events, and multiple school swimming carnivals for our local schools. We look forward to continuing this legacy in the years to come." she said.
“Physical activity and recreation play a critical role in the overall health and happiness of our community. WSAC serves as a vital resource for individuals of all ages and abilities to engage in various physical activities, from swimming and fitness classes to recreational sports.” she continued.
Member giveaways and events for June: