Ms Dixon added that the WynActive staff team had shown extraordinary loyalty after the COVID-19 lockdowns, with many returning to their roles when the centres were able to reopen, despite the devastation of being stood down for a significant period.

“We did not qualify for the Jobkeeper payments during that time, so we were forced to stand down most of our staff. The fact that so many of those team members not only returned, but threw themselves into rebuilding our business, is huge credit to their integrity and character. I honestly believe the WynActive staff and management team is the best in the state,” said Ms Dixon.

Membership Sales award winner, Jenna Smith was acknowledged for consistently demonstrating WynActive’s mission to build healthy lives, through delivery of the values of Safety, Innovation and Service. Her passion to lead, coupled with her desire to succeed is a driving force of the positive sales culture in WynActive centres.

She was responsible for bringing the noise and excitement back into centres after the lockdowns and has become an important source of insight into the sales process for other team members.

WynActive also took out the Pool Lifeguard award for the second consecutive year, with Caitlin McGraw successful in the highly competitive category.

Caitlin joined WynActive in 2019 and has progressed to mentor many new staff after moving into the position of Leading Lifeguard and Centre Care Manager. Caitlin demonstrates a passion for safety and education by consistently offering to undertake the role of Watch Around Water ambassador, using her knowledge as a swim teacher to support the delivery of this message.

Caitlin was recognised as bringing a unique, fresh perspective to the lifeguard team and having the ability to balance the need for patron satisfaction and prioritisation of safety.

On the focus of safety, Ms Dixon emphasised that WynActive’s record was exceptional and that the proactive approach was a key to maintaining excellence.

“Again we were commended for our commitment to Watch Around Water and that is satisfying for our staff and also patrons, who take safety in our centres so seriously. We invest not just money, but a great deal of time and effort into ensuing we maintain the highest standards of water safety possible,” she said.

“We are driven to always improve in an effort to provide support to the wider industry to help continuously raise the bar in the area of safety.”

WynActive manages AquaPulse, Eagle Stadium and Werribee Outdoor Pool on behalf of Wyndham City.