SOUTHERN Downs Regional Council (SDRC) mayor Peter Blundell and acting CEO David Tuxford handed over the keys of the Warwick Indoor Recreation and Aquatic Centre (WIRAC) to the YMCA on Tuesday.
YMCA was awarded the management contract by council in October and took over duties on 1 November.
The move will effectively save council “at least $500,000” each year of the contract, which will start as a two-year term with the option to extend for a further two years, Mr Tuxford said.
Cr Blundell said council continued to own WIRAC but felt YMCA could use their expertise and experience to improve and grow the centre’s recreation and fitness services.
“YMCA is Australia’s largest provider of aquatic and recreation facilities and certainly brings a wealth of knowledge to operations at WIRAC and to support the local Southern Downs community,” he said.
“The YMCA is already building a local presence in the region as operators of the YMCA Camp Leslie Dam and conducting YMCA Outside Schools Hours Care services at The Scots PGC College in Warwick.
“We have good reports of these services and from our meetings with YMCA representatives know they bring great enthusiasm and energy.”
YMCA Brisbane fitness and recreation group manager Michael Tsiamis said he had already spent several weeks getting to know the facility and staff and believed WIRAC was a wonderful community asset.
“YMCA looks forward to delivering great recreation services from WIRAC and we’re full steam ahead with our Facebook site started, event planning and other initiatives,” Mr Tsiamis said.
“We are part of the Southern Downs community and managing WIRAC will build our relationship with local people.
“Former swimming coach Frederic Meyer, who has 19 years industry experience, has been appointed facility manager.
