Wyndham council has named an aquatics centre expert to head its new leisure company.
The council chose Bruce Mackay to be chief executive of Western Leisure Services (WLS), which will manage Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre, Werribee Sports and Fitness Centre and Werribee’s Olympic outdoor pool.
Mr Mackay was previously chief executive of the Frankston aquatic centre and also managed centres for both Monash and Yarra councils.
Former Geelong, Port Phillip and Maribyrnong council chief executive Kay Rundle will chair the board of the new WLS.
The board will also include Confederation of Australian Motor Sport chief executive Eugene Arocca, Dandenong Market chairwoman Julie Busch, Ducendi Group chief executive Phillippa Taylor and council corporate services director Steve Lambert.
Mayor Bob Fairclough said Mr Mackay had valuable experience starting up aquatic centres and gyms from scratch.
“He has considerable experience in local government and has operated in senior roles, delivering on strategic and community objectives,” he said.
WLS was created by the council earlier this year. Until now, the leisure centre and outdoor pool have been run by Belgravia Leisure, while the sports and fitness centre was operated by the YMCA.
Establishing the company has cost about $30,000, while the council has also provided $500,000 in start-up equity, which it expects will be returned through dividends. It will operate at “arm’s length” from the council.
Cr Fairclough said the new company would provide value for ratepayers and users of the centres, although the council has not revealed how much it will cost to run them.
He said the new set-up would give the council a high level of influence over the operations of the three facilities.
“Once established, Western Leisure Services will offer Wyndham residents a range of exciting opportunities including job creation, health and fitness membership packages, learn-to-swim lessons and fun for
families.”
