Blue Mountains News

Council aquatic centres recognised for excellence

By Blue Mountains City Council
Posted: 21 Oct 2025
From L-R: Rob Morrison, Tim Lehman, Dan Long, Karin Pearson, Michelle Wood, Rebecca Ellem, Karl Kreiss at the 2025 NSW Aquatic and Recreation Institute Awards of Excellence.
Blue Mountains Leisure & Aquatic Centres took out top honours at this year’s 2025 NSW Aquatic and Recreation Institute Awards of Excellence.

Council won the Environmental & Sustainability Award for our leadership in sustainable community recreation across all our leisure and aquatic centres, and Blackheath Swim Centre was joint winner of the A.H. Pierce Memorial Facility of the Year.

Mayor Mark Greenhill said these awards reflect Council’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

“Our leisure and aquatic centres use energy-efficient systems, waste reduction initiatives, water-saving practices and sustainable building management,” Cr Greenhill said.

Blackheath Swim Centre won Facility of the Year for its balance of tradition and innovation.

“Blackheath Swim Centre is a living piece of Blue Mountains history which has cultural significance,” Cr Greenhill said.

“Its heritage structures and village setting make it a cornerstone of community identity, with generations of families having learned to swim there.”

In addition to these wins, we were also recognised as finalists in three other categories:

  • Adam Lloyd Memorial Spirit Award – Michelle Wood
  • Aqua Instructor of the Year – Karin Pearson
  • Swim Teacher of the Year – Rebecca Ellem

The recognition across multiple categories reflects the dedication, professionalism, and community spirit of all staff involved in the operation and support of Council’s aquatic facilities.

 
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