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Phillip Island Leisure Centre took out the top honours as Facility Management of the Year of its category at the 2024 Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) Awards presented at Melbourne Park on Friday 21st June.

Managed by YMCA Victoria (the Y) on behalf of Bass Coast Shire Council, the Phillip Island Leisure Centre (PILC) offers inclusive programming for all ages plus youth programs both from the centre and via its partner site YES Youth Hub.

Thanked the Y team and Council for the ongoing support that makes PILC a standout performer in the industry for its commitment to community wellbeing, Rebecca Wilson, the Y’s Bass Coast Area Manager stated “as a not-for-profit the Y invests funds directly back into the Bass community and we respond to what our community tells us they need.

“Our health and wellness programs, gymnastics programs for those experiencing disadvantage and a free meals, food pantry and laundry for young people at risk of homelessness are examples of how we deliver impact where it’s needed.”

PILC’s responsiveness to community needs saw it transform gym access to 24/7 in 2023 to enable shift workers and those needing a quieter time to exercise. This has paid off with a 35% jump in memberships.

Group fitness classes also rose in popularity with a 25% growth in the last half of 2023 with EVOLT body scan technology included in members’ Personal Planning process at no cost - helping members with personal data and goal setting

The ARV Award category Facility Management of the Year (Small-Sized Facility) compares centres of a similar financial scale on key criteria including innovation, environmental goals, business performance, community partnerships and impact.

Wilson noted “at PILC our team cares about every person that comes through our doors or may have an issue to overcome to become healthier and more connected. Community is always at the heart of everything we do.

“We can’t wait to share this award with the Bass Coast community who make our centre so remarkable.”

Recent social impact research from PILC members:

• 94% of respondents met the Physical Activity Guidelines (regardless of if they were aware of them or not), more than 40% higher than the state average (54%).
• 95% of respondents engage in physical activity at the centre
• Participants reported an average life satisfaction score of 8.58 out of 10 surpassing the state average (7.22%).
• 100% of respondents stated that the Y contributes to their life satisfaction, whether significantly or to some extent.
• 73% of respondents connect with others through the centre and around 70% feel more connected to their community as a result.

Other winners at the ARV Awards included the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre (WSAC) which won the Facility Management of the Year (Medium-Sized Facility) award.

Images: Members of the Phillip Island Leisure Centre celebrate their win in the Facility Management of the Year (Small-Sized Facility) at the 2024 ARV Awards (top) and the exterior of the facility (below).

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