AusLeisure

Albury City and Wodonga Councils have passed motions to appoint contact manager Aligned Leisure to manage the two cities’ aquatics facilities for the next five years.

At a special meeting held last night, Wodonga Council endorsed the recommendation for Aligned Leisure to take over the running of the Wodonga Sports and Leisure Centre and WAVES commencing on 1st July 2018.

Albury City passed a motion at its April council meeting to award a tender for the management of the Albury and Lavington Swim Centres to Aligned Leisure.

The joint $4.8 million aquatics contract is the first major outcome of the Two Cities One Community partnership and was an action under the Partnering in Leadership pillar in the action plan.

The Albury part of the contract was worth $3.2 million, with Aligned Leisure assessed as providing services, programs and added value to the community which was the best value for money.

Albury Mayor Kevin Mack said the appointment was an important step forward for the initiative, stating “by sharing the management of the aquatics centres we’re harnessing the strengths of both cities to not only make our costs more efficient but also to provide leading services and facilities to our community.

“I would also like to thank Albury Aquatic Management for their management of the Albury and Lavington Swim Centres for the past seven years.”

The decision also brings to an end 10 years of Wodonga’s pools being run by the YMCA.

Wodonga Mayor Anna Speedie said Aligned Leisure would be offering employment to the local staff and providing a range of community programs and activities.

Mayor Speedie advised “I want to thank the YMCA for the great working relationship they have with the council for the past 10 years.

“This was a competitive process looking at the newest delivery models available and Aligned Leisure have put together an exceptional bid to manage the two cities’ facilities which the councils believe will have some great outcomes for our community.

“The joint approach is not only about savings but also cost efficiencies and represents a significant cost saving for both councils.

“This includes the ability to have one membership across all four facilities which is something our people have been wanting for some time.

“This is a great outcome for our community and a fantastic example of how the councils can work together for the benefit of our people.”

Aligned Leisure is a business arm of the Richmond Football Club and its proposal included a detailed transition plan with a focus on engaging existing staff.

The proposal also had a strong marketing and promotions focus which aims to see more of the community using the facilities. 

Welcoming the contract win, Richmond Chief Executive Brendon Gale advised "this is another big step forward for us and I would like to acknowledge the leadership of our Aligned Leisure CEO Shane Dunne and his entire team for securing this important outcome” Gale said.

“The diversification of our business and success of Aligned Leisure has been a major focus of our Board.

“Aligned Leisure successfully manages recreational facilities across the Cardinia and Nillumbik Shires and we look forwarding to expanding into the north east region of Victoria.

“The Club is already connected to the region through its Next Generation Academy and will further support the program through these new Aligned Leisure managed facilities.”

Image: Aquatic play area at Wodonga Aquatic Centre.

Article amended 1st May 2018.

17th April 2018 - ALIGNED LEISURE GIVES BACK TO CARDINIA SHIRE RESIDENTS

9th April 2018 - CITY OF WODONGA TO UNDERTAKE EXPENSIVE TILING REPAIRS AT WAVES AQUATIC CENTRE

24th November 2017 - LEADERSHIP CHANGES AT ALIGNED LEISURE 

30th August 2017 - RICHMOND ATTRACTS AFL’S BIGGEST CROWD NUMBERS THROUGH 2017 SEASON

7th August 2017 - ALIGNED LEISURE APPOINTMENT TO SUPPORT ONGOING GROWTH 

1st August 2017 - ALIGNED LEISURE TO INTRODUCE LES MILLS VIRTUAL FITNESS INNOVATION

27th July 2017 - TIGER PAW PROGRAM WINS INDUSTRY INNOVATION AWARD 

4th April 2017 - ALIGNED LEISURE TO MANAGE REDEVELOPED ELTHAM LEISURE CENTRE 

20th February 2017 - ALIGNED LEISURE RAISES $27,000 FOR THE CASEY CARDINIA FOUNDATION

8th February 2017 - ALIGNED LEISURE RESEARCHS EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

12th December 2016 - NEW CARDINIA LEISURE MANAGER APPOINTED

2nd September 2016 - CARDINIA LIFE INTRODUCES NEW SWIMMING PROGRAM 

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