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Inner West Council’s has welcomed its Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre (AKAC) being named IQ Pierce 2018 Facility of the Year by the Aquatic and Recreation Institute (ARI) - the NSW aquatic and recreation industry’s highest facility accolade.

Welcomes in excess of 430,000 visitors a year, AKAC is managed by Belgravia Leisure on behalf of Inner West Council. The centre welcomes in excess of 430,000 visitors a year.

Since opening in 2010, AKAC has received a five-star safety accreditation, and was recognised for best-practice water quality protocols.

The Centre is one of the most ecologically sustainable aquatic centres in Australia and has been acknowledged by NSW Health for a commitment to the health and welfare of the community.

AKAC’s facilities include a fully equipped gym, indoor 50 metre pool, learn to swim pool, splash pool with water features and crèche.

Belgravia Leisure Chief Executive Nick Cox said both Council and centre staff worked hard to ensure that the facility was meeting community needs and expectations, actively implementing policies such as Council’s Inclusion Action Plan, and working with special needs groups such as refugees.

Cox explained “the team at Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre is passionate in serving the Inner West community.

“We are honoured to accept the prestigious 54th annual ARI Award for NSW Facility of the Year, after a year of hard work. We are very proud that our partnership with Inner West Council has connected the community to this first-class recreational facility and leisure experience.”

AKAC also has a successful Swim School. The AKAC Squad program includes athletes that range from Junior to Multiclass and Masters with several athletes competing at area, state and national level.

The award was announced at the ARI NSW conference last month.

Images: Swimmer at the Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre (top) and the AKAC team with their ARI Award:

Back Row; Peter Montague, Recreation Planning and Programs Manager, Inner West Council; Natalie Gardner, AKAC Marketing Assistant; Josephine Bennett, Group Manager, Recreation & Aquatics, Inner West Council; David Burns, Belgravia Leisure, Inner West Regional Manager; James Ellender, Belgravia Leisure, NSW State Manager; Tony Parfitt, AKAC Operations Supervisor; Jack Pash, AKAC Customer Service Officer; Rosie Keogh, AKAC Aquatic Services Manager; Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne; and Anesha Wallace, AKAC Swim Teacher and Aquatic Services Officer

Front Row; Alex Simmons, AKAC Centre Manager and Jenny Xia, AKAC Administration Coordinator 

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