AusLeisure

YMCA Victoria-managed Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre (HALC) has been named the ‘Large Facility of the Year’ at the 2023 ARV (Aquatics & Recreation Victoria) awards, in recognition of its outstanding achievements in 2022.

Key factors that contributed to the win for the City of Boroondara facility include the impressive number of visits, members served, and engagement with non-traditional leisure centre users.

The dedicated team at HALC has fostered a positive culture and commitment to excellence, enabling the facility to remain fully open throughout 2022 with little impact to customers. Despite industry-wide challenges, HALC has experienced growth driven by two key business drivers - Swimming Lessons and Memberships - and a focus on retention initiatives.

HALC's achievements also include a net operating profit, which can be attributed to major marketing campaigns that ensured optimal acquisition and retention.

In addition to their financial success, HALC has also demonstrated leadership in the recreation industry for safety and environmental sustainability efforts.

Greg Jennings, YMCA Executive General Manager – Recreation notes “the ARV awards are prestigious, and to be judged by our peers for the Facility of the Year award is an honour for the Y. The team at HALC are passionate and dedicated with the customer at the centre of all they do. We feel privileged that the City of Boroondara have entrusted the Y for over 30 years to support the community to thrive and connect through our programs and services.”

City of Boroondara Mayor Felicity Sinfield shared “Council is very proud to see YMCA Victoria and the team at our Hawthorn Aquatic Leisure Centre recognised with this award. We know how much our community values quality health and wellbeing services, and this facility provides just that. The YMCA team continues to display excellence in customer service and are a key partner in helping us build a happy and healthy community.”

Ben Porteous, HALC Centre Manager added “the incredible dedication, resilience, and hard work by the HALC staff team have resulted in outstanding positive impacts for our community. Their efforts across the year reflect the nomination and we were so proud to win the award against some amazing nominees. We are very grateful for the support of our council partner, City of Boroondara, and the wonderful Hawthorn community that attend our facility every week.”

Testimonials from AusActive praised the team “HALC…offer the highest levels of customer service and maintain best practice by continually reviewing their programs and services”. Life Saving Victoria echoed these with “LSV can attest to their unwavering commitment to safety and their dedication to providing an exceptional customer experience.”

Congratulations to Ben Porteous and his team at HALC for this well-deserved recognition of their hard work and commitment to excellence in the recreation industry.

The awards ceremony also celebrated the ‘Customer Service’ award won by Debra Evans from Casey ARC and the high commendation received in the ‘Membership and Sales’ and ‘Innovative Program’" categories.

For more information on YMCA Victoria head to victoria.ymca.org.au

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