The Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre (GRAC) has been recognised as a leading community facility in Victoria at the 2022 Local Government Professionals awards.
Latrobe City Council took out the Community Assets and Infrastructure (over $2.5 million) Initiative category for its delivery of the $57 million aquatic centre.
The role of local community collaboration in the design and scope of GRAC contributed to the award.
A project reference group, including an eclectic cast of local stakeholders, was engaged to ensure GRAC aligned with community expectations and needs.
The result was a modern, inclusive facility that reflects the growing community's needs into the future, underpinned by improved health and wellbeing outcomes.
Accessibility features were recently bolstered by the creation of an 'Access Key' - a customised guide to the centre's programs and facilities tailored to people living with a disability.
Innovative design features, such as the implementation of geothermal energy throughout the facility, were also key to GRAC's recognition.
Harnessing geothermal energy has led to annual savings of about $639,000 and a reduction in carbon emissions by some 840 tonnes per year.
In just over a year of operation, the aquatic centre has welcomed more than 140,000 visitors through the doors despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The facility was funded through the Latrobe Valley Authority's $85 million Sports and Community Initiative, Sport and Recreation Victoria and Latrobe City Council.
As stated by Latrobe City Mayor Kellie O'Callaghan
"The Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre has been a point of great pride for the Latrobe City community since opening last March. It has made a significant contribution to our regional city's overall health, wellbeing and visitor economy.
"Being recognised by LGPro and our local government peers as a leading regional facility is a wonderful accolade and a tribute to the council staff, local community members, state government partners, contractors and many others who combined to deliver this exceptional project."
