New Aquatic Centre Lessees Announced - Dive into the latest updates!
« Back- Managers for the Inglewood and Texas Aquatic Centres have been confirmed for the next three years
- Several applicants applied for the role
- All three, Goondiwindi, Inglewood and Texas public swimming pools are owned by Council and are privately leased
Goondiwindi Regional Council has announced the selection of two lessees for the Inglewood and Texas Aquatic Centres following a recent call for tenders.
Although several applicants submitted their proposals for the Texas Aquatic Centre and one for Inglewood, the interview panel, comprising Council operational staff, local schools, and a swimming club, selected the two successful submissions.
Naomi Phillips, the existing manager, secured the lease for the Inglewood Aquatic Centre for the third consecutive term, while Texas local Shannon Teese, a former pool lifeguard, was granted the lease for the Texas Aquatic Centre.
Naomi Phillips has a wealth of experience serving Council as a pool manager at Inglewood and previously at Texas. She is a dedicated swim coach whose expertise has led several of her students to qualify for the State finals.
With years of hands-on experience in managing and operating swimming pools, she has a deep understanding of all aspects of pool management, including safety, maintenance, staffing, and coaching.
Former pool lifeguard and PE primary school teacher, Shannon Teese, is a qualified Learn to Swim coach. Her well-rounded experience, knowledge and skills are valuable enabling her to provide safe and effective swimming instruction to individuals of all ages and abilities.
Both Mrs Phillips and Mrs Teese follow the Royal Lifesaving Australia guidelines; have a Bronze Medallion, First aid certificate and a blue card.
Council's Sport and Recreation portfolio holder, Councillor Lachlan Brennan, said that several factors, including the quality of the service provider and the value to ratepayers, were taken into account while evaluating the applications.
“The Inglewood and Texas aquatic centres cost ratepayers more than $100,000 per year, in addition to operational expenses,” Cr Brennan said, “But this is an important investment and the pools are a valuable asset to the community and that they play a significant role in providing services to local swim clubs, schools, residents and visitors.”
“We are very lucky to have such fantastic public swimming facilities and I encourage the community to continue to make great use of the public pools.”
Under the current arrangement, Council pays an annual fee to the managers to oversee the Centres on their behalf. However, Council approves membership costs and entry fees and establishes the opening hours.
The Aquatic Centres are open from the week before the September school holidays every year until March. The Centres are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday.