Gladstone customer Peninsula Leisure Centre is named Australia's best

Peninsula Leisure Centre

Representatives from Gladstone Australia were delighted to be present when one of their very first customers, Peninsula Leisure Centre, situated about 50 miles north of Sydney, won the 2008 award for Facility of the Year at the Aquatic and Recreation Institute (ARI) Conference. The ceremony was held at the Crowne Plaza, Terrigal, NSW, 40 minutes up the coast from the leisure centre on Friday 20th June. The Facility of the Year award recognises the number one 'Multipurpose Aquatic and Recreation Facility' in the country.

Martin Sparkes, General Manager of Gladstone Health & Leisure in Australia, was one of the first to congratulate the staff at Peninsula Leisure Centre. "We have been working with the Gosford City Council for almost 4 years now when they implemented Plus2 at Gosford Olympic Pool and then the Peninsula Leisure Centre. We know how hard they all work and their will to achieve this award."

The Peninsula Leisure Centre uses Gladstone Plus2 for membership, access control, learn to swim and point of sale. The centre has recently implemented Prospecting and Analyser, which will be used to run a series or marketing campaigns to promote the gym and remind members of their bookings.

ARI judges evaluated each application for the Facility of the Year award on the following stringent criteria: best practice in general operations and management, technical operations, customer service practices, risk management protocols in occupational health & safety and public safety, innovative human resource management, innovative implementation of programs and meeting community service obligations.

"The standard of applications this year were very high and it was a difficult decision as all demonstrated strengths in different areas," Leanne Costantino, CEO, Aquatic and Recreation Institute said, "The Peninsula Leisure Centre was awarded the AH Pierce Memorial Facility of the Year Award as they demonstrated they were striving for best practice in all areas."

Ms Costantino said the Peninsula Leisure Centre's extensive range of programmes developed for specific target markets was impressive, especially the inclusion of essential infant resuscitation demonstrations in baby massage courses and baby aqua play classes.

Councillor Jim Macfadyen, Mayor of Gosford City said, "It is wonderful to see Peninsula Leisure Centre awarded such a prestigious honour."

Since it opened in October 2005, the Peninsula Leisure Centre has greatly benefited the community, servicing the local area's diverse sporting and recreational needs. The facility is currently used by over 1,100 residents and visitors every day and aims to celebrate one million visitors by its third birthday. The Peninsula Leisure Centre's facilities include two full size sports courts, a health club and fitness studio, a 50 metre Olympic size pool, a 'leisure pool' and a 'learn to swim pool'.

"As well as offering services including personal training, group fitness classes, learn to swim and children's programmes, the centre employs approximately 100 local people," said the Council's General Manager, Peter Wilson. "It is a credit to receive this award as it not only symbolises the quality of the establishment but also the wonderful service and expertise offered by our staff," said Mr Wilson.

Martin Sparkes of Gladstone Health & Leisure added: "The centre is always pushing the boundaries and looking for innovative ways to improve their quality of service. We look forward to working closely with them for many years to come."

30 July 2008