Plans to open the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre are well underway from investigating opportunities for a free community entry day to the appointment of an experienced disability support provider as operator of the on-site café.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said while an exact opening date had not yet been set Bundaberg Regional Council continued to work closely with the principal contractor and operators to see the aquatic centre opened in coming weeks.
“While I know the community is anxiously awaiting the public opening date unfortunately while we work through the finalisation of the construction of the facility and its transition to the new management team it is just not possible to provide an exact open date at this stage,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“However what I do know is that everyone who steps inside this magnificent facility will understand it’s potential for our region and why due time and care has been taken in its construction and preparation.
“The final touches are underway from a construction perspective and we’re working closely with Belgravia Leisure and IDSS HQ Enterprises Pty Ltd, who will operate the café, to open the doors to the community in the coming weeks.
“In the meantime the management and café teams are busy onboarding staff, fitting out the facility and undertaking all of the final preparations to ensure the delivery of a quality, safe and seamless community experience from day one when the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre opens to the public.”
Mayor Blackburn said, from a Council perspective, opportunities for guided tours and a day for free community entry to the facility are being investigated.
“We look forward to announcing an exact opening date soon and in line with that we will have plans in place to introduce this incredible facility to our community.
“Whether it’s the scale of the pool hall that houses two pools for learn-to-swim, programming and rehabilitation or the possibilities for health and wellness through the activity rooms, this will be a great opportunity for residents to understand the full breadth of the aquatic centre’s potential.”
IDSS HQ Enterprises, which also operates The Deli in the Bundaberg CBD, has successfully tendered for the management lease of the on-site café at the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre.
Executive Director Kahli Olesen said the team was excited to further grow The Deli, which had already expanded to the Bundaberg Regional Airport and CQUniversity refectory.
“The café will offer a fresh, wholesome menu with locally sourced ingredients, great coffee and plenty of family-friendly options,” Ms Oleson said.
“Think healthy wraps, fresh fruit, smoothies, acai, toasties, and treats that make you feel good – don’t worry the naughty treats will also be available for those wanting to treat themselves!
“We want it to be a space where everyone feels welcome — whether you’re grabbing a coffee after a swim, meeting friends, or just stopping by for a chat.”
The aquatic centre café will start with a team of 10-12 local staff, including supported employees who will receive on-the-job training and mentoring.
“We’re excited to bring our passion, quality and presence to such a vibrant community space.
“The aquatic centre represents connection and wellbeing — values that align perfectly with who we are.”
Regarding the cafe – Yeah a place where all are welcome -as long as there not paying cash??
The operation at the airport is a cashless business, will this be the same ?? I think a prerequisite for any business getting the catering aspect of the Aquatic centre , should be , paying with cash as an option .
Thankyou
I agree 100%! I for one do not want a cashless society. Especially the the older generation . The thought of having to produce a card for every little item is a nightmare.
Spending will go through the roof in a lot of cases. Keeping a record.of.spenditure will also be a.nightmare.
Then there is the cost of using cards… which business’s
Add on.
Can’t wait, at 75 yrs living at the Lakes Retirement which has a pool but as a lane swimmer it’s not amenable to my swimming experience. Excitement building as am sure many others my age and swimming experience. It’s my ZEN!!