Pictured: Cr Dean O’Loughlin; Horsham Aquatic Centre Manager- Mark Meyer; YMCA Victoria CEO- Carolyn Morris; Mayor Brian Klowss and CEO Gail Gatt
YMCA Victoria CEO Carolyn Morris visited Horsham Aquatic Centre today, joining Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Cr Brian Klowss, Council CEO Ms Gail Gatt, and Councillors to recognise the local team and the work delivered over the past year to strengthen the venue as a welcoming, inclusive and safe place for locals.
The visit included a short on-site ceremony and a tour, giving Councillors the chance to see improvements firsthand and hear directly from staff about what has changed for the community.
Carolyn Morris also congratulated the Horsham Aquatic Centre team on receiving a Y Australia National Award in the Just World category, recognising their contribution to community wellbeing and inclusion.
This summer has been a reminder that pools are an essential community service in regional towns. On the hottest days, locals need somewhere safe and affordable to cool down, and our Horsham team has delivered that with care and consistency. Carolyn Morris, CEO, YMCA Victoria
The Y’s Cool Off for Summer initiative continues to offer $2 swims on days forecast to reach 35°C or above, helping keep access affordable during extreme heat. This summer, the Horsham team have already recorded over 4820 visits during hot weather with the community making the most of the discounted $2 entry. With some hot weather still ahead, the Centre is looking forward to surpassing the 6148 $2 swims in the 2024/25 season.
Alongside affordable access on heat days, the Horsham team has continued practical inclusion measures including sensory-friendly swimming, free sanitary products in female change rooms, and shower access for people experiencing homelessness or impacted by regional fires.