AusLeisure

Victoria's aquatic and recreation industry leaders gathered at Melbourne's prestigious Crown Palladium on Friday evening for Aquatic and Recreation Victoria's 10th Anniversary Industry Awards.

The Awards evening, sponsored by Australian Unity and hosted by Channel Nineâs Tony Jones, paid tribute to the tireless efforts of many who work in an industry that brings greater health and well being to Victoriaâs communities, while significantly contributing to the stateâs economic growth through the multi-million dollar infrastructure that it manages.

As Aquatic and Recreation Victoria (ARV) Chief Executive Ian Swan explains âthe evening was a glittering success, with many unsung contributions recognised on the night", adding "it was particularly pleasing to see so many nominations for the 14 awards, especially those in the Innovative Award category also sponsored by Australian Unity."

The prestigious Facility Management Awards were won by Timboon Outdoor Swimming Pool (seasonal facility category) and Waves Leisure Centre in Highett (all year category) while Simon Weatherill, Chief Executive of the State Sport Centres Trust, received the coveted Outstanding Contribution to the Aquatics and Recreation Industry Award.

ARV Chairman Andrew Hocking also presented Life Membership Awards to Jean Kemp and Sarie Lowden for their lifelong and significant contributions to the industry.

Award Recipients were as follows:

Outstanding Contribution to the Aquatic & Recreation Industry (sponsored by Beaurepaires) - Simon Weatherill

Facility Management Award: All Year Facility (sponsored by Roejen Services) - Waves Leisure Centre

Facility Management Award: Seasonal Facility (sponsored by Roejen Services) - Timboon Outdoor Swimming Pool

Health Club Award (sponsored by Verve) - Macleod Recreation and Fitness Centre

Swim School Award (sponsored by Pro-Am Australia) - MACqua Education at Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre (pictured)

Innovative Program Award (sponsored by Australian Unity) - Greater Shepparton on the Moove Twilight Stroll: Greater Shepparton City Council/SPC Ardmona KidsTown

Customer Service Officer Award (sponsored by UniSA CERM Performance Indicators) - Sam Carroll, Richmond Recreation Centre

Most Valuable Employee Award (sponsored by YMCA Victoria) - Heather Chapman, Richmond Recreation Centre

Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety Award (sponsored by AustSwim): General Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety - Jennifer Ashmore, Ringwood Aquatic Centre

Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety Award (sponsored by AustSwim): Teacher of Infant and Preschool Aquatics - Katrina Gevaux, Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre

Gym Instructor/Personal Trainer Award (sponsored by Kinect Australia) - Emma Taylor, Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre

Group Exercise Instructor Award (sponsored by Kinect Australia) - Marg Millar, Leisurelink

Duty Manager Award (sponsored by Laerdal) - Anthony Perkins, Yarra Leisure - Fitzroy Swimming Pool

Pool Lifeguard Award (sponsored by Life Saving Australia) - Jessica Wynne, Jubilee Park Aquatic Centre.

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