The first stage of upgrades have been completed at the Aqua Energy Leisure Centre in Sale.
It means operating hours at the gym have been extended to 24 hours a day, seven days a week, increasing accessibility and convenience for residents and visitors.
Members now have 24-hour access at no extra cost, with current gym members able to work out any time with increased security measures in place, including CCTV and well-lit entrances and exits.
There the now spacious changerooms with toilets, showers, and secure lockers, designed for comfort and accessibility.
There is also improved accessibility, with enhanced car park access and automated entry via swipe cards.
Wellington Shire Council chief executive David Morcom highlighted the significance of these improvements.
“With 24/7 access, staying active has never been more convenient, especially for those looking for access outside of the typical 6am to 9pm weekday opening hours,” he said.
“We know that shift workers and parents in particular struggle to make these hours work with their routine, so it’s now even easier for our community to fit exercise into their day. Not to mention upgraded changerooms, providing a more comfortable experience before and after workouts.”
In line with the launch of Aqua Energy’s round the clock gym and upgraded dry facilities, the centre is offering a 20 per cent membership discount during the redevelopment, with flexible, no lock-in contracts available.
Members can buy a gold membership from less than $15 per week.
“It is incredibly important for us to ensure our services remain cost effective and can be accessed by all who need them. And with a gold membership you can access the gym, group fitness and shire-wide pool facilities from less than $15 each week – I know you can’t get that at any other 24-hour gym in Sale,” Mr Morcom said.
“We’re really proud to be able to improve our services to better meet community needs. The whole Aqua Energy redevelopment reflects our commitment to providing a safe, modern, and inclusive space for all abilities.”
Existing members can upgrade their membership to get 24/7 access free of charge by completing a quick online induction. To access the gym after hours, members must complete a brief online induction covering emergency procedures and safety measures.
Gym members must be aged 18 or over to access the gym 24/7. Anyone under 18 is not permitted entry outside of staffed hours, even with a responsible adult.
Enhancing security, new LED lighting, an upgraded entrance ramp, personal duress alarms, and security cameras have been installed throughout the facility.
Once an application for 24/7 access has been submitted and approved, members will be notified via email within three business days.
The Aqua Energy redevelopment, which began in October last year, is scheduled for completion mid-2025, with the following enhancements still to be completed:
Fifteen new on-deck showers near the hydrotherapy, learn-to-swim and 25-metre pools;
Four spacious, accessible changing areas with additional features to support the needs of people with disabilities and their carers;
Four new spacious changing areas, including dedicated school changing rooms, to support all aquatic activity;
A dedicated swim school office on the pool deck;
A larger, more accessible sauna located adjacent to the hydrotherapy pool;
A private and comfortable area for parents and guardians to change their children;
A new 25m pool featuring seven Olympic-width lanes, with new access ramp, and improved depth profile for a variety of swimming programs;
A zero depth water play area designed to increase family participation in water activities;
An expanded area facing Lake Guthridge, ideal for children’s parties;
An additional 45-space car park, accessible via Guthridge Parade;
A purpose-built pool filtration plan room with convenient access for contractors and council staff via a lift and stairs, and;
Final touches to enhance the aesthetics throughout the facility, including updated landscaping and interior details.
A purpose-built wellness room, featuring massage chairs, and a reformer bed will soon be available for use.
Residents are encouraged to visit www.aquaenergy.com.au or phone council’s leisure services team on 5142 3700 for more information and to take advantage of the new membership offer.
The $23 million facility upgrade has been made possible thanks to the state government, including $2 million from the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund and $10 million from the Community Sports Infrastructure Loan Scheme, $950,000 from the John Leslie Foundation, with the remainder of the project funded from Wellington Shire Council, which is also intending to utilise funds from the federal government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
