Life’s A Beach

Mayor Geoff Dobson and State Member Kaye Darveniza open the splash park Kids put the brand new equipment to the test

An enthusiastic crowd of children and parents packed Aquamoves for the official opening of the new outdoor splash park on Tuesday 1 December.

The park which has been under construction all year includes a leisure pool, beach area and zero-depth splash pool, allowing users of all ages and abilities to access the facility.

The revamped outdoor facilities at the centre also include beach volleyball courts, barbecue facilities, shaded grass areas and an upgraded car park.

Greater Shepparton Mayor Geoff Dobson and State Member for Northern Victoria Kaye Darveniza opened the park and both believe it will turn Aquamoves into a tourist hotspot.

"My prediction is that this facility on its own will bring in more tourists to this town than we've ever had." Geoff said. "It will make Shepparton a holiday destination again."

"The new splash park adds a whole new dimension providing a beach atmosphere here in the Goulburn Valley," Ms Darveniza said. "These new upgrades are going to continue a family tradition of hanging out at this pool throughout summer, and marks a whole new era of fun that the kids are already enjoying."

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Supervision of Children

Supervision of children in the water is critical

Supervision of children is very important. Please understand our lifeguards' role is to supervise and provide incident response to the overall facility but they are not responsible for individual children.

Only you can best supervise your child, so don't put them at risk.

Active supervision requires parents or guardians to watch the children under their care at all times. This requires your full attention at all times - this is not an occasional glance while reading the newspaper or talking to a friend.

Guidelines:

 - Children aged four and under must be actively supervised by a person 16 years of age or over. The child must be within arms reach at all times.

-Children aged 10 and under must be actively supervised by a person 16 years of age or over.

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Summer Pool Season Begins

Operations Coordinator Sean Harrap with the brand new Wave pool cleaner

With the temperature soaring into the low 40s in November we've already had a taste of what's in store this summer. As a result of the unprecedented early hot weather, the opening of the outdoor pools was brought forward, much to the relief of local families.

Operations Coordinator Sean Harrap ensured that all the pools were in pristine condition for the opening of the summer season and has been pleased by the level of attendance so far. "A lot of hard work has gone into it and it's great for the families, members and guests to come along and enjoy the pools and brand new splash park."

This year, Sean says that keeping the outside 50m pool clean will be a much easier job, thanks to the new Wave pool cleaner. "I'm hoping swimmers will notice a marked improvement from last year." The pool cleaner which is placed in the pool every night, runs on an eight hour cycle, removing impurities from the pool walls and floor.

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Occasional Childcare

Tom Nethersole with Childcare Coordinator Megan Penman

Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding with the recent changes to our childcare facility.

The new year will see the introduction of a new booking system. There will be more information regarding this available soon.

Feel free to catch up with Megan regarding the new system by phone on 5832 9411 or by email: megan.penman@aquamoves.com.au

Aquamoves' childcare will be closed from 12.15pm on Thursday 24 December 2009 and will re-open at 9am on Monday 4 January 2010.

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Hydro Pool Facelift

The hydro pool underwent significant maintenance New tiles and scum gutters give the pool a fresh look

Our hydrotherapy pool now has a brand new look! The pool has had a complete overhaul, with new tiles and scum gutters returning the pool to pristine condition.

If you have never used our hydrotherapy pool before then please take the opportunity to do so. The temperature sits at around 35.4 degrees and is beneficial for muscle recovery, sore joints and the rehabilitation of injuries.

The pool also provides a great outlet for users who are wheelchair bound with a motorised hoist allowing for easy access.

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30 Day Challenge

During the month of September we threw out the ultimate challenge- Participate in 30 group fitness classes in 30 days!

A large number of members accepted and made it their goal to complete a group fitness class (of their choice) every day. A high percentage of participants managed to achieve this exhausting fitness goal and were rewarded by being placed in the draw to win some fantastic prizes.

Congratulations to Mick Rowe who received free movie vouchers, Ros Wright who won three Personal Training sessions and Annie Manning who won a FREE night at Quest Apartments (Carlton on Finlay.)

Well done to everyone who took up the challenge!

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Staff Profile

Name: Sean Harrap

Birthplace: Shepparton 9/3/1983

Position: Operations Coordinator

Hobbies: Football, Golf -having a punt during the spring carnival.

What did you do before working at Aquamoves?
Chief Chef- McDonalds: 1998 - 2001
SPC (different Roles): 2000 - 2003

How long have you worked at Aquamoves and in which roles?
Seven years. Lifeguard Aug 2002 - Dec 2003
Operations Trainee Dec 2003 - Dec 2004
Operations Team Leader May 2004 - Aug 2007
Operations Coordinator Aug 2007 - Present

Which AFL team do you barrack for?
Collingwood

Your favourite way to exercise?
During footy seasons, games and training is my exercise. Off season, can't say I do any, haha.

Most rewarding aspect of your role?
It's rewarding to see a big job I have completed, whether it be vacuuming the 50m pool, organising a capital works job, or training staff in the plant room. I come to work to do my job and go home, sometimes that doesn't happen. I practically live here. Haha.

Favourite place in the world?
To be honest I have not seen a whole lot, but have always wanted to go to Thailand, one day I will get there, maybe I should take some holidays and go. I would also like to go to Vegas - casinos are very appealing to me. But I don't think there is anything much better than sitting at the river relaxing with friends and drinking coronas.

Who or what inspires you?
In sport I always want to be the best I can possibly be, that simply comes with hard work. Seeing any sport on TV (ANY) inspires me, and motivates me to do better.

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Melbourne Half Marathon

Diana gives her all in the half marathon Penny with daughter Cassidy before the race

On Sunday 11 October at 8am, over eight thousand people began the 21.1 kilometre Melbourne Half Marathon.

The marathon commenced near Rod Laver Arena and continued down St Kilda road before rounding Albert Park lane and heading back up St Kilda road to finish in the MCG with a lap around the stadium.

Among the participants were Aquamoves staff including Programs Coordinator Diana Gibson and Administration Officer Jenny Serra.

Diana said the atmosphere was amazing. "There were people everywhere cheering -being really supportive."
Miss Gibson prepared for the marathon by undertaking a few lunch time jogs and a couple of longer runs. Diana ran the whole way and was very tired by completion but said that there were people of all shapes and sizes competing and some chose to walk.

A number of Aquamoves members also completed the run, one of whom was Penny Smith. Penny decided to complete the marathon with her 6 month old daughter Cassidy in the pram. A sports massage therapist, 37 year old Penny continued to exercise throughout her pregnancy. "I'm surprised she (Cassidy) turned out ok because she got bounced around a lot." she laughs.

Initially Penny undertook light slow jogs, before building up to one hour long runs. Six weeks before the marathon Penny was completing one to two hour runs and doing short jogs six days a week. "I would bring Cassidy into childcare at Aquamoves and then start my training on the treadmill. I did about 85% of my training on the treadmill."

With ten minutes of the race to go Cassidy began to wail at the top of her lungs. Her crying parted the crowds like an ambulance. The race went well for Penny and she finished with a time of one hour and 53 minutes, ten minutes slower than her personal best.

But Penny has a message for anyone thinking about taking on a similar challenge. "Have a goal but listen to your body, be realistic and don't be too disappointed if you don't quite reach it. Just having a baby makes you a star."

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