Frankston City Council’s Peninsula Leisure aquatic centre has taken out two prestigious trophies at the annual Aquatics and Recreation Victoria Awards 2024.
The ARV Industry Awards recognise and reward outstanding achievement and commitment to the industry.
Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre Swim’s Shannon Gardner (pictured, main photo) was awarded the Swim Teacher of the Year Award.
“Winning the Swim Teacher of the Year Award is a dream come true. It’s a surreal feeling and achievement; one that I would not have reached without the support of my colleagues, and my past and present students and their families.”
“I love being a swim teacher and helping develop such important life skills that go beyond what is taught in the pool,” Shannon said.
“This award is a testament to the hard work and passion we all put into our PARC swimming program and living our vision that Every Child in Frankston Can Swim.”
Peninsula Leisure also took home the Community Impact Initiative of the Year Award for the Activating Vulnerable Communities Project. This initiative highlights Peninsula Leisure’s
dedication to overcoming barriers to physical activity within the Frankston community.
Through partnership with local organisations, the judges found that Peninsula Leisure successfully delivered:
– Young Mums Program with Frankston North Children’s Services Playgroup.
– Support for Parents of Multiple Children in collaboration with Frankston Peninsula
Multiple Birth Association, addressing challenges such as childcare access and
financial constraints.
– Pines Pool Quiet Hour for community members on the Autism Spectrum Disorder
spectrum, to provide a calm and sensory friendly environment.
Pines Quiet Hour coordinator Sara Mazzaglia said: “We are honoured to receive the Community Impact Initiative of the Year Award. Our team’s efforts to create inclusive environments have truly paid off and we look forward to expanding these programs further.”
Peninsula Leisure CEO, Kath Thom said: “These awards reflect our commitment to making a positive impact in our community. We are incredibly proud of Shannon and our entire team for their dedication and innovative approaches. This recognition inspires us to continue our mission of providing accessible and inclusive programs for all people in Frankston to be active and safer around water.”
Peninsula Leisure Pty Ltd is a subsidiary company wholly owned by Frankston City Council
and is charged with the management of Council’s aquatic and recreation facilities, Peninsula
Aquatic Recreation Centre, Pines Forest Aquatic Centre and Frankston Skate Park.
