Aqua Energy’s grand reopening

The two-year project has transformed the facility into a more inclusive and sustainable aquatic and fitness facility for every member of the community. Features include:

• A brand-new seven lane 25-metre indoor pool;

• A zero-depth water play area;

• A 24-hour gym;

• A modern sauna and wellness room;

• Improved change facilities, including a family ‘Change Village’ (six larger individual partitions that allow parents with multiple children or prams to change together safely), dedicated schools changerooms and Changing Places amenities;

• A dedicated Learn to Swim office and new viewing platforms;

• A cutting-edge air treatment system designed for comfort, efficiency and sustainability; and

• A fully accessible single level pool deck for universal access.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Scott Rossetti thanked the community for its patience during the works, and said he looked forward to seeing the building teeming with life again as a community hub.

“It’s not just ‘the pool’ anymore; Aqua Energy is now a facility that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our community,” he said.

“This redevelopment means Aqua Energy is a place where everyone can come together, stay active, feel included and enjoy a healthier, happier lifestyle. It’s a really big win for Wellington.”

Cr Rossetti said the opening represented a milestone for Wellington Shire Council, as the largest infrastructure investment in the Shire’s history.

“This is a once-in-a-generation project that will deliver real social and health benefits to our community, and we hope the whole community is proud of the result,” Cr Rossetti said.

Community members are invited to experience the new facility, with tours of the facility available from 4pm until 8pm on Monday 6 October.

A family fun day is scheduled for Sunday 19 October from 8am until 5pm, with free entry, come and try group fitness classes, Swim School fun and games, activities in the outdoor pool space and membership and visit pass deals. There will also be a free sausage sizzle between 12pm and 1pm.

West Sale Pool is now closed, marking the end of a temporary chapter. After a short two-week break, aquatic programs will dive back in at Aqua Energy’s redeveloped facility from Tuesday 7 October.

The $23 million facility upgrade has been made possible thanks to the Victorian Government, including $2 million from Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, $10 million from Community Sports Infrastructure Loan Scheme, $180,000 from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing’s Changing Places Program, $950,000 from the John Leslie Foundation, $5.7 million from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, with the remainder of the project funded from Wellington Shire Council.

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