Yawa Aquatic Centre officially open for business
Published on 16 November 2021
On Monday 15 November, we were at last able to hold our official opening for Yawa Aquatic Centre in a ceremony that was one of outgoing Mayor Councillor Despi O’Connor’s last official acts.
The opening was attended by Councillors past and present, the Shire’s Executive Leadership Team and officers and staff from Belgravia Leisure. The Hon Greg Hunt, Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, and Chris Brayne, Member for Nepean both spoke at the launch and congratulated the Shire for this wonderful facility.
There is so much to be proud of in this impressive construction, from its myriad sustainability features to its multiple pool and fitness facilities.
Quotes from Mayor Councillor Despi O’Connor’s speech:
“This is a day many people have worked towards for many years and it’s thrilling to be actually standing here at the official opening ceremony!
“Consideration of an aquatic centre for Rosebud dates back to 1999, when Council first identified the need to provide aquatic facilities across the Mornington Peninsula.
“It has been years in the making but I think you’ll agree it’s been well worth the wait.
“Council is proud to deliver this $50 million facility to our community and we also want to acknowledge both the Australian and Victorian Governments for their contributions.
“Through the advocacy of Minister Greg Hunt and the Community Development Grants Program we received $5 million for the project.
“And through the State’s Treasury Department and Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Community Infrastructure Loans Scheme, we secured a $10 million loan at a very low interest rate to assist with financing Yawa.
“My councillor colleagues and I want to acknowledge the previous Council for all its work in getting us to this point. It was those councillors who took the decisive step of committing to build this facility.
“And I know they worked hard with community representatives for many years to bring this about.”
Pictured L-R: Chris Brayne MP, Sam Hearn, Cr Sarah Race, Cr Despi O’Connor, Cr Kerri McCafferty, Cr Antonella Celi, Cr Debra Mar, Cr Susan Bissinger, Bryan Payne, Bev Colomb, The Hon Greg Hunt MP, Cr Lisa Dixon, Cr Anthony Marsh, Rosie Clarke and Simon Brooks.