After more than three decades as the operator of Townsville's most iconic public pool, Luc Senent is set to hand over the keys of the Tobruk Memorial Baths next month.
Having taught thousands of Townsville's youth how to swim, including coaching the likes of Libby Lenton, Max Fegan, Alyesa Koenen and Elle Armit, Luc's lifelong passion began learning to swim as a child at the very pool he has run for 30 years.
"Tobruk Pool is a Townsville icon," Mr Senent said.
"Over the years with the Townsville City Council and ourselves, it has been kept to a prestige level. Its beauty, location and wonderful family vibe makes the pool really special.
"And while some days I miss the old pool because of its history, and I was taught to swim in the old pool – at the same time, the renovations look terrific."
But the legendary swim trainer won't be hanging up the whistle and stopwatch all together. Instead, he will be staying on as a coach and ensure a smooth transition to the new operator.
"My fondest memory over the years was getting the pool lease to begin with and coaching, so I'm looking forward to staying on and continuing my passion coaching for both pool and open water," he said.
Acting Mayor and divisional councillor, Ann-Maree Greaney said Luc had been a valuable part of not only the Townsville swimming community, but had played a big part in the social fabric of the Townsville community.
"Luc is practically part of the furniture when it comes to our much-loved Tobruk pool – over the last 34 years he's been involved with the pool, he's taught Townsville to swim," Cr Greaney said.
"Along with so many in our community, I am so thankful to Luc, his family and their team for their dedication and passion over the years.
"Having taught literally thousands of kids the foundations of swimming and water safety, to the early morning or evening swim squads today, Luc's knowledge, experience and contribution to Townsville swimming cannot be understated.
"I'm so glad he is not hanging up the goggles just yet and will be staying on as a coach, which is really valuable, especially to the new pool management. Council looks forward to working closely with them in the months and years to come."
The pool vacancy has opened the door for a new opportunity for City Venue Management (CVM), a well-renowned operator managing facilities across Queensland and earlier this year taking on the lease at the Northern Beaches Leisure Centre.
City Venue Management CEO, Jay Clarke said he was proud to carry on the strong local spirit Luc and the Senent family had built at Tobruk Pool.
"Their passion and commitment have shaped a vibrant, connected community, and we're incredibly grateful for the legacy they leave behind," Mr Clarke said.
"We're excited about the future and the opportunity to introduce programs that bring people together through our Learn to Swim program, supporting squad swimmers with opportunities for development and pathways while fostering the community hub and energy with Aqua, lap swimming, recovery and therapy programs.
"We're here to grow what already makes this pool special and look forward to meeting with the local community in the months to come."
City Venue Management will take on the Tobruk Memorial Baths management from 1 July 2025.
