Blue Mountains City Council’s leisure and aquatic centres have taken out top honours at this year’s 2025 NSW Aquatic and Recreation Institute Awards of Excellence.
Council won the Environmental & Sustainability Award for its leadership in sustainable community recreation across all its leisure and aquatic centres, and Blackheath Swim Centre was named joint winner of the A.H. Pierce Memorial Facility of the Year.
Mayor, Mark Greenhill said the awards reflect Council’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
“Our leisure and aquatic centres use energy-efficient systems, waste reduction initiatives, water-saving practices and sustainable building management,” Mayor Greenhill said.
Blackheath Swim Centre won Facility of the Year for its balance of tradition and innovation.
“Blackheath Swim Centre is a living piece of Blue Mountains history which has cultural significance,” the Mayor said.
“Its heritage structures and village setting make it a cornerstone of community identity, with generations of families having learned to swim there.”
In addition to these wins, Council staff were also recognised as finalists in three other categories:
- Adam Lloyd Memorial Spirit Award – Michelle Wood;
- Aqua Instructor of the Year – Karin Pearson;
- Swim Teacher of the Year – Rebecca Ellem.
The recognition across multiple categories reflects the dedication, professionalism, and community spirit of all staff involved in the operation and support of Council’s aquatic facilities, the Mayor said.
