Amid massive ongoing investment in new aquatic and recreation centres across Australia, four new facilities are set to open in the coming weeks.
This Saturday (25th March) will see the Fleurieu Regional Aquatic Centre officially opened in the South Australian community of Victor Harbor.
A joint initiative between the Alexandrina Council and City of Victor Harbor, the Fleurieu Aquatic Centre includes an eight lane 25 metre swimming pool, a multi-use program pool, a warm water pool, crèche facility, commercial kiosk, office accommodation, change rooms and an outdoor splash area.
30th March will see the Cumberland Council’s Auburn Ruth Everuss Centre open.
Built in 1959, the Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre redevelopment has set out to transform the swimming centre into a ‘state-of-the-art’ aquatic and recreation centre for a wide cross-section of the local community, while retaining its significant heritage fabric.
The redevelopment includes an outdoor 50 metre pool for swimming carnivals, lap swimming and springboard diving; a 30 metre x 25 metre for waterpolo, an interactive water play area and an extensive surrounding concourse with spectator grandstand.
On 1st April, the $22.2 million Gympie Aquatic Recreation Centre will have its grand opening.
Designed by Queensland architects Liquid Blu A+R, the facility will include a 50 metre outdoor regional competition pool, a 25 metre heated indoor pool, a leisure pool/splash pad, a children’s activity zone with tipping bucket, and dual water slides.
5th April will see the opening of the new aquatic centre at Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus. The new centre consists of a 50 metre swimming pool and an associated fitness orientated facility – located next to the campus’ athletics track.
2017 has already seen the opening of the $24.3 million Angelo Anestis Aquatic Centre in the Sydney suburb of Bexley and the reopening of the Port Lincoln Leisure Centre.
Later in the year, the $107 million Cockburn ARC will open in Perth as will the new $35.5 million Splash Aqua Park and Leisure Centre in Craigieburn, north of Melbourne.
However, on a less positive note the Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Pool will close for demolition on 31st March 2017 to make way for the new Western Sydney Stadium.
Image: Cumberland Council Administrator Malcolm Ryan inspects the near-complete Auburn Ruth Everuss Centre (top) and the new aquatic centre at Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus (below).
13th February 2017 - S.R.SMITH COMPLETES SWIMWALL INSTALLATION AT GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY GOLD COAST CAMPUS
15th November 2016 - YMCA APPOINTED TO MANAGE THE FLEURIEU AQUATIC CENTRE
27th October 2016 - PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT FOR CUMBERLAND COUNCIL POOL STRATEGY
29th September 2016 - NEW CUMBERLAND COUNCIL LOOKS TO REDUCE SUBSIDIES AT REDEVELOPED RUTH EVERUSS AQUATIC CENTRE
21st September 2016 - BELGRAVIA LEISURE TO MANAGE NEW GYMPIE AQUATIC RECREATION CENTRE
5th May 2016 - MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR WESTERN AUSTRALIAN AQUATIC AND RECREATION COMPLEX TO BE KNOWN AS COCKBURN ARC
26th April 2016 - FLEURIEU REGIONAL AQUATIC CENTRE TEAM WIN LEADERSHIP AWARD
4th February 2016 - CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY AT NEW GYMPIE AQUATIC RECREATION CENTRE
9th July 2015 - HOLROYD CITY COUNCIL ADVANCES PLANS FOR REGIONAL AQUATIC WELLNESS CENTRE
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
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