AusLeisure

The recently formed Western Leisure Services, the body that will manage three of Wyndham City Council’s major facilities – the Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre, the Werribee Sports and Fitness Centre and Werribee Olympic Outdoor Pool - have made a series of staffing moves.

Bruce Mackay has taken up the role of Chief Executive, backed by a five-person board.

Explaining the appointment, Wyndham Mayor Bob Fairclough stated “Bruce comes to us from a facility in Frankston that is very similar to WLEC, and brings valuable experience in starting up an aquatic centre and gym from scratch, as the CEO for the Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre.

“Bruce has considerable experience in local government and has operated in senior roles, delivering on strategic and community objectives. He has also managed numerous leisure venues including Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre, Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Clayton Aquatics and Health Club, Oakleigh Recreation Centre, Richmond Recreation Centre, Collingwood Leisure Centre and the Fitzroy Swimming Pool.”

Mackay report to an independent, skills-based Board that has attracted an impressive calibre of applicants, chaired by Kay Rundle.

Commenting on this appointment, Mayor Fairclough added “we are proud to announce Kay Rundle will be the Chair of Western Leisure Services, bringing her experience as the former CEO of three councils – Geelong, Port Phillip and Maribyrnong.

“Kay has worked with newly created organisations in the past, currently serves on a number of boards and brings a strong focus on the community health outcomes that can be achieved through leisure facilities.”

The board members will be Eugene Arocca, Julie Busch, Philippa Taylor and Steven Lambert.

Introducing the board members, Mayor Fairclough continued “Eugene Arocca brings 25 years of experience in management and the law and has served on a number of boards including the Board of the Collingwood Football Club. He is a former Director of Maurice Blackburn Lawyers and current CEO of the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport.

“Julie Busch is the Chairperson of Dandenong Market, among a range of other boards, and was General Manager of Prahran Market. She currently manages her own consulting firm and brings experience in market, retail property and business operations.

“Philippa Taylor was previously General Manager of the largest privately owned multi-facility sports complex in Canberra and specialises in supporting Boards and CEOs with strategic change management and people-related initiatives. She is the current CEO of The Ducendi Group and participates on a number of boards.

“Steve Lambert is the current Director of Corporate Services for Wyndham City and former General Manager of Asset Accounting at Telstra Corporation. Steve brings a finance background and is a CPA.”

“Western Leisure Services will provide best value for money for ratepayers and users of the facility and give Council a high level of influence over the operations of the facilities, which will improve community outcomes.”

“Once established, Western Leisure Services will be able to offer Wyndham residents a range of exciting opportunities including job creation, health and fitness membership packages, learn to swim lessons and fun for the entire family. The redeveloped venues will provide the ability for community and sporting groups to hire modern, purpose built and well equipped space and facilities.”

Managing key facilities in the fastest growing local government area in Victoria, Western Leisure Services will be responsible for the soon-to-open Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre, which is undergoing a $45.4 million redevelopment,

In addition, the Werribee Sports and Fitness Centre is undergoing a $36 million redevelopment, transforming into the largest indoor court sporting facility in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Sportspeople has been appointed the exclusive recruitment partner to manage the next phase of positions in preparation for the opening of the centres in mid-2015.

Click here for a virtual tour of the new facilities and up-to-date information on positions currently available and more coming soon.

Images shows an artists impression of the Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre. 

28th January 2014 - WORK STARTS ON $47.2 MILLION WERRIBEE SPORTS AND FITNESS CENTRE EXPANSION

10th October 2012 - REDEVELOPMENT UNDERWAY AT WYNDHAM LEISURE AND EVENTS CENTRE

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