2018 Aquatics and Recreation Victoria Awards Gala

The 18^th annual Aquatics and Recreation Victoria Industry Awards showpiece on June 15 was a record-breaking installment of the gala event for the state peak body.

Held at the magnificent Docklands venue, Peninsula, ARV welcomed and entertained 750 guests, the most ever assembled, to the black-tie ‘safari-themed’ event where 65 industry organisations and councils were represented. The highlight of the evening being the prestigious announcement of the 2018 Outstanding Contribution Award and the induction of Aquatics and Recreation Victoria’s two newest Life Members.

Hosted by Tony Jones from Channel 9, the evening acknowledged and celebrated outstanding achievements of individuals, programs and facilities within the Victorian aquatics and leisure industry over the previous 12 months.

The 20 awards presented on the night attracted a record 156 nominations and ARV CEO Grant Connors said the response from the industry to support the awards was overwhelming.

“This year’s event was simply a celebration of the incredible hard-working individuals that make our industry so great and the wonderful organisations that provide leading programs and facilities to Victorian’s of all ages and abilities,” Connors said.

“The number and level of nominations and the subsequent winners was of the highest caliber and the task of judging the winners by our panel of independent judges was a difficult one and I congratulate them all on a successful year and thank them for their contributions.

ARV Chairman, Andrew Hocking, made the announcement of the Outstanding Contribution award and the induction of two Life Members, all who have made a significant impact on the industry over a long period of time.

“The Outstanding Contribution Award and Life Member induction is a highlight of the evening each year and on behalf of the Board, I extend my congratulations to Bruce Mackay form Western Leisure Services for his passionate and valuable contribution and to Tony Tranter and Karen Franceschini for their entry to Life Membership of the industry,” Connors said.

Glen Eira Sports & Aquatic Centre took home the keenly contested and coveted award for the ‘Facility Management Award - Year Round Facility’ laying claim to being Victoria’s premium aquatic centre for the second time. GESAC centre manager Paige Buse made comment acknowledging the significance of the award. “Winning the ARV Facility of the Year is so special for the GESAC team as it recognises all of the hard work and dedication that they have put in for the past year. It's so meaningful for the team to be recognized by their peers and established leaders in the industry. This award also demonstrates to our community that GESAC are committed to delivering a high standard of community first outcomes” said Buse.

2018 award winners: