WSAC Receives Industry Award
Published on 22 June 2024
The Rural City of Wangaratta is delighted to announce that the Wangaratta Sports & Aquatic Centre (WSAC) has won an Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) facility management award for Best Medium-Sized Facility. The awards took place in Melbourne on Friday night. Staff member Harry Miller was also shortlisted for Best Duty Manager.
The facility award category recognises excellence in the areas of business and strategic planning, innovation, customer service, environmental sustainability, continuous improvement, and marketing. WSAC’s nomination highlighted the aspects of the Centre that make it stand out from metro and regional facilities; with first-class amenities located in a precinct connected to a nature reserve and the Ovens River. The award also acknowledged the exceptional growth demonstrated by the centre over the past year; memberships have risen by 29%, and the learn to swim program has grown by 38%.
Sonya Dalgliesh, Sports, Aquatic, and Events Precinct Manager, said:
“This is an incredible achievement. This award is presented to the centre, which displayed a commitment to quality service, noticeable growth, investment in staff, and demonstrated improvements. I'm honoured to receive this award on behalf of the Rural City of Wangaratta.
To be recognised as the best against other significant centres like Ballarat and Bellarine is a credit to the WSAC team. I'm super proud of the WSAC staff; they have worked exceedingly hard to improve the centre over the past 18 months.
I extend my gratitude to the community and stakeholders who have supported the management's vision to be the Premier Regional Sports & Events Precinct.”
Sarah Brindley, Director - Corporate & Leisure, said:
“The Rural City of Wangaratta is absolutely delighted for Sonya, the WSAC team and colleagues across the Council who help every day to make this the fantastic facility it is. To receive this recognition at a state level from ARV, an extremely well-respected industry body, is a testament to all their hard work and commitment."
Harry Miller was nominated and shortlisted for his significant contribution to the organisation while serving as a Duty Manager. He has been an outstanding role model for younger lifeguards and duty managers, demonstrating enthusiasm and exceptional leadership qualities.
Aquatics and Recreation (ARV) is the leading aquatic industry body and provides support, professional development, training, advocacy, research, and networking opportunities for those in the aquatics and recreation industry in Victoria. ARV host their annual awards to recognise the best in the state, in 25 categories for a variety of achievements.
This award recognises WSAC’s positive development in the industry and serves as a benchmark between other State centres. This is a significant achievement and a great birthday present for the Centre’s 50th anniversary.
Additional Information
For more details about ARV visit: https://www.aquaticsandrecreation.org.au/