Hannah Hammoud
Brimbank council was a dual winner and a finalist at the annual Parks and Leisure Australia’s Awards of Excellence, announced on Thursday, June 8.
The Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre was awarded the ‘Community Facility of the Year’ and the ‘Environmental Stewardship’ Awards of Excellence. Winning two awards means the facility is automatically included as a finalist in the National Awards later in the year.
Brimbank mayor Cr Bruce Lancashire paid his congratulations to everyone involved in making the centre an integrated facility for the community to enjoy.
“Council invested a great deal in getting the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre up and running. And it’s paying off. Not only providing health and recreation benefits for the community, but also offering a range of other linkages and services through our co-located tenant partners,” he said.
“The Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre also continues to garner praise and attention for its design and environmental features.”
The centre is Australia’s first zero emissions aquatic centre powered entirely by renewable energy. Proudly boasting a ‘6 Green Star’ rating, the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre is home to one of the largest rooftop solar PV systems on an Australian aquatic centre.
Cr Lancashire said for those who haven’t yet visited the centre, there’s even more reason to do so now.
“There are many people involved in getting projects like this off the ground, including the many community members who have provided input and feedback into the purpose, design, construction, and ongoing operations of this new and valuable community asset,” he said.
“Special thanks and congratulations to our partner organisations. Everyone involved can take pride in these nominations and awards.”
Glengala Road Pocket Park and the Cary Street Nature Escape, a project in partnership between Brimbank council, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, and Koorie Homework Club, were finalists in the Park of the Year and Playspace Award categories.
