Why did the Town conduct a review of the Aqualife and Leisurelife facilities?
The review of leisure centres was sponsored by the
Town of Victoria Park’s CEO Anthony Vuleta to identify ways that our leisure
centres can increase their financial sustainability and reduce the burden on
ratepayers
An extensive review was conducted by an independent
consultant, Phillip Gray of SGL, over approximately six months. It included
examination of centre operations, data collected by various sources, consulting
with all levels of staff, contributions from over 350 individuals, analysis of
competitors, industry trends, demographics, financials, and member database,
overseen by a project team. The final report was completed and presented to the
Town in December 2016
No thought has been given to closing either of the
centres. The Town promotes a healthy, active lifestyle via many different
programs and activities throughout the community. We are proud to run the
leisure facilities, and look forward to continuing to provide these services.
The review has been completed and a report submitted with
various recommendations aimed at improving efficiencies, and the financial
sustainability of the leisure centres. The recommendations have been prioritised,
and some of them are currently being implemented. To view the recommendations
and the actions underway at the moment visit www.victoriapark.wa.gov.au/leisurefuture
Some internal changes have already been made, or are
currently being rolled out. We will be asking the community to provide further
input on how we can best implement some of the recommendations. If you would
like to be involved, register your interest at www.vicpk.co/leisurefuture
There are 47 recommendations in total. Some of the key
recommendations are internal and relate to staffing, processes and practices
such as accounting or software for memberships. Others relate to duplication of
services and may be are interrelated such as crèche and group fitness classes,
under-utilised services such as the café, or demand for additional services
such as squash. There is a recommendation outlining a move toward a
self-service style gym with extended operating hours, with staff available at
peak times. Recommendations also extended to spaces within the centres that
could be better used or potentially leased. Some of these recommendations
require further detailed investigation in terms of their feasibility, and the
outcomes they offer for the Town and the community.
Keep visiting the Town’s website for up-to-date information.
You can ask questions and register your interest to be further involved on the
Town’s Your Thoughts page at www.vicpk.co/leisurefuture