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Announcing the successful completion of the first stage of significant upgrades to its Aqua Energy Leisure Centre, Wellington Shire Council has advised of extended operating hours to the facility’s gym.

Now open 24 hours, seven days a week the Council advises that the extended operating hours have “increased accessibility and convenience for residents and visitors.”

The Aqua Energy redevelopment project began in October 2023, and with stage one now complete, the community can enjoy:

• 24/7 gym access: Members get 24-hour access at no extra cost, current gym members can now work out at any time with increased security measures in place, including CCTV and well-lit entrances and exits.
• New changerooms: Spacious changerooms with toilets, showers, and secure lockers, designed for comfort and accessibility.
• Improved accessibility: Enhanced car park access and automated entry via swipe cards.

Highlighting the significance of these improvements, Wellington Shire Chief Executive, David Morcom stated “with 24/7 access, staying active has never been more convenient, especially for those looking for access outside of the typical 6am-9pm weekday opening hours.

“We know that shift workers and parents in particular struggle to make these hours work with their routine so it’s now even easier for our community to fit exercise into their day. Not to mention upgraded changerooms, providing a more comfortable experience before and after workouts”.

In line with the launch of Aqua Energy’s round the clock gym and upgraded dry facilities, the centre is offering a 20% membership discount during the redevelopment, with flexible, no lock-in contracts available. The Aqua Energy Redevelopment is scheduled for completion mid-2025, so members can now benefit from a gold membership from less than $15 per week.

Morcom added “it is incredibly important for us to ensure our services remain cost effective and can be accessed by all who need them - and with a gold membership you can access the gym, group fitness and Shire-wide pool facilities from less than $15 each week - I know you can’t get that at any other 24-hour gym in Sale.

“We’re really proud to be able to improve our services to better meet community needs. The whole Aqua Energy redevelopment reflects our commitment to providing a safe, modern, and inclusive space for all abilities.”

24/7 Gym information

• Induction process: Existing members can upgrade their membership to get 24/7 access for free by completing a quick online induction. To access the gym after hours, members must complete a brief online induction covering emergency procedures and safety measures.
• Open for members 18+: Gym members must be aged 18 or over to access the gym 24/7. Anyone under 18 is not permitted entry outside of staffed hours, even with a responsible adult.
• Secure environment: Safety is a top priority, with new LED lighting, an upgraded entrance ramp, personal duress alarms, and security cameras installed throughout the facility.

Once an application for 24/7 access has been submitted and approved, members will be notified via email within three business days and are set to start using the gym all hours.

The Aqua Energy redevelopment project is expected to continue until August 2025, with the following enhancements still to be completed:

• On-deck showers and amenities: 15 new on-deck showers near the hydrotherapy, learn-to-swim and 25m pools for added convenience.
• Accessible changing places: Four spacious, accessible changing areas with additional features to support the needs of people with disabilities and their carers, Including a registered ‘Changing Places’ facility.
• Aquatic changing areas: Four new spacious changing areas, including dedicated school changing rooms, to support all aquatic activity.
• Swim school office: A dedicated office on the pool deck, designed for easier member and public access to our dedicated swim school team.
• New sauna: A larger, more accessible sauna located adjacent to the hydrotherapy pool.
• Family change village: A private and comfortable area for parents and guardians to change their children.
• New 25m pool: A newly constructed 25m pool featuring seven Olympic-width lanes, with new access ramp, and improved depth profile for a variety of swimming programs.
• Zero depth water play space: A fun, engaging area designed to increase family participation in water activities.
• Extended footprint: An expanded area facing Lake Guthridge, perfect for children’s parties.
• New carpark and members entrance: An additional 45+ space car park, accessible via Guthridge Parade, allowing easier access for members.
• Pool filtration plant room: A spacious, purpose-built area with convenient access for contractors and Council staff via lift and stairs.
• Landscaping and finishes: Final touches to enhance the aesthetics throughout the facility, including updated landscaping and interior details.

Additionally, a purpose-built wellness room featuring massage chairs, and a reformer bed will soon be available for use.

The $23 million facility upgrade has been made possible thanks to the Victorian Government, including $2 million from the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund and $10 million from the Community Sports Infrastructure Loan Scheme, $950,000 from the John Leslie Foundation, with the remainder of the project funded from Wellington Shire Council. The Council is also intending to utilise funds from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

Aqua Energy Leisure Centre is owned and operated by Wellington Shire Council.

Images: Entry to the Aqua Energy Leisure Centre's 24/7 gym (top) and the facility's existing pool (below). Credit: Wellington Shire Council.

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