WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE FUTURE
City Venue Management and the Gold Coast community
City Venue Management (CVM) is honoured to have been appointed by the City of Gold Coast to manage and operate eight community aquatic centres across the Gold Coast.
We know these centres are much more than places to swim. They are community hubs and an important part of everyday life – where children learn essential water safety skills, families spend time together, people stay active and healthy, athletes train, and lifelong connections are made.
As we begin this next chapter, our approach is simple: introduce ourselves, listen to our customers and patrons, work together and build on what already makes each centre special.
We’re looking forward to meeting the communities who use these centres every day and working alongside the City of Gold Coast and centre teams to support a positive future for the Gold Coast’s community aquatic network.
A strong connection to the Gold Coast
CVM has a long-standing connection to the Gold Coast, with more than 15 years of experience managing aquatic and leisure facilities across the region, including Helensvale and Miami aquatic centres.
CVM’s origins date back to the 1950s, with the organisation formally established in 2013 following a history of managing aquatic, health and leisure facilities across South East Queensland. Our Gold Coast story is closely connected to the Rackley family and the iconic Burleigh Beach Swim Centre, which grew into a much-loved swim school and helped shape our commitment to quality aquatic experiences and strong community connections.
CVM will work closely with the City of Gold Coast and existing centre teams to support a smooth transition, while taking the time to understand each centre and the communities they serve.
Keep Up To Date
This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
Available Positions
Health Club Attendant
- Location: Gold Coast
Group Fitness / Fitness Instructor
- Location: Gold Coast
Customer Service Attendant
- Location: Gold Coast
Swim School Manager
- Location: Gold Coast
Swim Instructor
- Location: Gold Coast
Operations & Safety Manager
- Location: Gold Coast
Lifeguard
- Location: Gold Coast
Health Club Manager
- Location: Gold Coast
GM of Rackley Swimming
- Location: Gold Coast
GM of Health Clubs GC
- Location: Gold Coast
GM of Events GC
- Location: Gold Coast
GM of Customer Experience
- Location: Gold Coast
Facility Manager
- Location: Gold Coast
Duty Manager
- Location: Gold Coast
Customer Experience Manager
- Location: Gold Coast
Chief Lifeguard Aquatics
- Location: Gold Coast
Assistant Swim School Manager
- Location: Gold Coast
Career Pathways
From entry level to leadership. Every role in our business is within reach.
We operate aquatic facilities.
Built for communities.
40+ venues | 1200+ employees | 2.9M+ visits | 25+ years of experience
From safety and operations to customer experience, aquatic education and community programs, City Venue Management provides the specialist expertise required to operate modern public aquatic facilities.
CVM Playbook
Your guide to life at CVM
Frequently Asked Questions
Will CVM have a monopoly over aquatic facilities on the Gold Coast?
No. The Gold Coast has a diverse aquatic and learn-to-swim sector, with a range of independent operators providing swimming lessons, aquatic programs and services across the city.
CVM will manage the eight public aquatic centres on behalf of the City of Gold Coast. These facilities will remain City of Gold Coast assets, with Council retaining ownership, oversight and contractual responsibilities.
CVM will work alongside the broader aquatic industry and local providers to support swimming, water safety, health, fitness and recreation opportunities across the Gold Coast.
What does the change mean for existing centre staff?
Our people are an important part of the success of every centre, and we recognise the valuable knowledge and relationships that existing teams have built within their communities.
As part of the transition, CVM intends to provide opportunities for existing employees to continue their careers with us. We will work closely with current teams throughout the transition and seek to retain as much local knowledge, experience and continuity as possible.
CVM also provides career development opportunities across aquatic, recreation and community facilities, with pathways from frontline and casual roles through to specialist, management and leadership positions.
Will local jobs be lost?
Our priority is to support continuity for both our customers and our centre teams.
We want to welcome as many existing team members as possible into the next chapter of the centres. The experience and local knowledge of current employees are incredibly valuable, and we will work with teams throughout the transition process.
CVM also employs a large workforce across Queensland and provides opportunities for people to build long-term careers within the aquatic and leisure industry.
Will rates or costs for residents increase?
The management of Council-owned aquatic centres operates under an agreement between CVM and the City of Gold Coast, including arrangements relating to services and fees.
CVM’s approach to customer pricing is to provide accessible, sustainable and good-value opportunities for the community. Where CVM is responsible for pricing programs such as learn-to-swim and squad swimming, pricing will consider the needs of families and the local market.
Any changes to fees and charges will be communicated to customers clearly.
Will community programs continue?
Yes. Community programming is a central part of operating a public aquatic facility and will continue as per usual.
CVM delivers a wide range of programs across Queensland, including learn-to-swim, water safety, school programs, inclusion programs, rehabilitation, squad swimming, community activities and events.
Our approach on the Gold Coast will be to first understand what each centre and community already does well. We will work with Council, existing teams, clubs, schools and community organisations to maintain valuable programs while identifying opportunities to introduce new activities, partnerships and participation initiatives.
Every centre is different, so our approach will be shaped by the needs of each local community.
Who will set the prices at the centres?
The City of Gold Coast and CVM will work within the terms of the management agreement to establish pricing arrangements for Council services.
For programs operated by CVM, such as learn-to-swim and squad programs, pricing will be set with consideration for participation, sustainability and value for families.
Our goal is to make aquatic activities accessible and provide customers with clear value for their investment.
Will the centres remain safe under private management?
Safety remains the highest priority, regardless of who operates an aquatic facility.
CVM operates within applicable legislation, regulations and industry standards and has established systems covering lifeguard training, risk management, compliance, auditing, incident management and continuous improvement.
CVM facilities across Queensland have also achieved Platinum Pools recognition through the Royal Life Saving Society Australia’s Pools Safety and Lifesaving Program.
We will continue to invest in the people, training, systems and processes required to provide safe aquatic environments for customers and staff.
Why does the City of Gold Coast use an external operator?
External management of public aquatic facilities is an established model used by councils across Queensland and Australia.
Working with a specialist operator allows Council to draw on dedicated aquatic and leisure expertise, operational systems, technology and industry experience while retaining ownership and oversight of its community assets.
For customers, the focus remains on providing safe, accessible and well-managed facilities and programs that meet the needs of the local community.
Will lifeguards be expected to perform other duties while supervising the pool?
Lifeguard supervision is always the priority.
Aquatic centre employees may be trained across a range of operational responsibilities. However, when a team member is rostered as a lifeguard, their responsibility is to actively supervise patrons and maintain the required level of surveillance.
Operational duties are managed and rostered in accordance with applicable safety requirements so they do not compromise lifeguard visibility, surveillance or response capability.
The safety of people using the pool always comes first.
Will CVM change how each centre operates?
Our aim is to provide consistency in safety, service and operational standards while recognising that every centre has its own identity.
Each Gold Coast centre has a unique history, customer base and network of local clubs, schools and community organisations. We will take the time to understand those local connections and work with existing teams and communities to build on what is already working well.
Will local clubs, schools and community organisations still be supported?
Yes. Local partnerships are an important part of a successful community aquatic centre.
We look forward to working with swimming clubs, schools, community groups, sporting organisations and other local partners to understand their needs and explore opportunities to support participation, water safety, health and recreation across the Gold Coast.
Will Council still own the aquatic centres?
Yes. The eight public aquatic centres remain City of Gold Coast assets.
CVM’s role is to manage the day-to-day operation of the facilities in accordance with the management agreement with Council. Council retains its role as asset owner and maintains oversight through the contractual framework.
What can customers expect during the transition?
Our priority will be to make the transition as smooth as possible for customers, staff, clubs and community partners.
We will work closely with existing centre teams and the City of Gold Coast to maintain continuity of services and communicate important changes as information becomes available.
Customers can continue to use their local centres and programs while transition planning takes place, with further information provided directly by the relevant centre as arrangements are confirmed.
