67 Years of Community, Aquatics and Performance

September 11, 2026

One incredible legacy.

Last week, we gathered at Centenary Pool for one final sunset. 🌅

For 67 years, this iconic Brisbane venue has been part of the city’s story, a place where generations learned to swim, athletes trained, friendships were formed, careers began and countless memories were made.

But Centenary Pool’s greatest legacy isn’t the building. It’s the people.

For more than 16 years, City Venue Management has been privileged to be one of Centenary’s custodians. Through Rackley Swimming, thousands of children have learned essential swimming and water safety skills, swimmers have developed through Rackley Swim Team, and athletes coached by Damien Jones have gone on to represent Australia and compete on the world stage.

Yet beyond the lessons, lanes and medals, Centenary has always been about something bigger: community.

It’s the people who have walked through the gates, supported one another, taught, coached, trained, competed and cheered from the sidelines. It’s the team members who have dedicated years of their lives to the venue and the families who have made it part of their own stories.

We’d like to extend a special thank you to Councillor Vicki Howard for helping us celebrate this remarkable legacy, and to our long-standing team members Mel Murphy, Jenny Green and Michelle Scudamore for the care, commitment and community they have built at Centenary over so many years.

There’s a saying that feels particularly fitting:

“We don’t own places like Centenary. We simply get our turn looking after them.”

Now, that baton passes to a new chapter, with the site moving towards becoming part of the National Aquatic Centre for Brisbane 2032.

While this chapter closes, the legacy of Centenary Pool will continue through the people, memories and generations shaped by this remarkable place.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of the Centenary Pool community — past and present.

Here’s to 67 years of memories, an incredible legacy, and the next generation yet to come. 🏊‍♀️💙

What's on at City Venue Management

City Venue Management appointed to manage Gold Coast aquatic centres

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.

Get to know CVM

Working together through the transition

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.

For customers, our priority is to provide welcoming, safe and well-managed facilities, with programs and services that help more people enjoy the benefits of swimming, fitness and aquatic recreation. We also recognise the important role these centres play beyond the pool. We value our role in supporting local swimming clubs, schools, community groups, events, programs and partnerships that bring people together.

As we get to know each community, we’ll listen to customers and local stakeholders to understand what is working well and where there may be opportunities to improve, grow participation and create even more value for the community.

Gold Coast Aquatic Centres

Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
Helensvale Aquatic Centre
Miami Aquatic Centre
Nerang Aquatic Centre
Palm Beach Aquatic Centre
Pimpama Sports Hub Aquatic Centre
Upper Coomera Aquatic Centre
Mudgeeraba Aquatic Centre (currently closed for renovations)

What does CVM do?

Managing a community aquatic centre is about much more than opening and closing the pool.

Our teams are responsible for a broad range of operational and customer-focused services, including:

Facility operations – day-to-day management and presentation of facilities
Lifeguarding and water safety – maintaining safe aquatic environments for customers
Customer service – creating welcoming and positive experiences
Aquatic programs – programs that encourage participation at every stage
Learn to Swim – helping children develop essential swimming and water safety skills
Squad and performance swimming – supporting swimmers to develop their skills and reach their potential
Community programs – activities that encourage health, wellbeing and participation
Events and activations – bringing communities together through experiences and events
Workforce management – supporting and developing the people who deliver services every day
Compliance and governance – meeting regulatory, contractual and operational requirements
Marketing and community engagement – connecting customers with programs, services and opportunities
Safety and risk management – identifying and managing risks across our facilities and operations

Frequently Asked Questions

Will CVM listen to the community?

Yes. Listening to customers and local communities will be an important part of the transition.

CVM has a long-standing connection with the Gold Coast community and will continue to work with customers, staff, clubs, schools, community groups and local partners to understand the needs of each centre and its community.

Customers will have opportunities to provide feedback and help inform opportunities to improve the customer experience across the aquatic centre network.

Will CVM change how each centre operates?

The move to a single strategic partner is intended to provide a more consistent experience across the City’s aquatic centre network while maintaining the individual role each centre plays within its local community.

Our focus will be on consistent standards for safety, service and operations, while continuing to understand each centre’s customers, clubs, schools, community organisations and existing programs.

Where opportunities for improvement are identified, they will be considered carefully with a focus on customer experience, participation and community outcomes.

Will my existing swimming lessons continue?

Yes. Learn to Swim lessons will continue as usual.

There are no changes to current lesson days or times as part of the transition, and customers can continue attending their usual lessons and programs as normal.

If any future improvements affect an existing lesson or program, customers will be communicated with directly.

Will Learn to Swim continue?

Yes. Learn to Swim programs will continue, and customers can continue to enrol and attend lessons as normal.

Learn to Swim and water safety will remain an important part of the City’s aquatic centre network, with opportunities over time to support greater participation and access to services across more locations.

Rackley Swimming is CVM’s Learn to Swim program and swim school, with a long-standing presence across Queensland. Rackley Swimming delivers swimming lessons for children of all ages and abilities, with a focus on developing water confidence, swimming skills and lifelong water safety.

Will my membership or existing bookings be affected?

No. Existing memberships, visit passes, classes, bookings and facility access will continue as normal.

Members can continue to use their memberships as usual, including accessing the gym, pools and booking group fitness and aqua classes where these are currently available.

Existing lane, pool, room and other facility bookings will also continue. Customers do not need to take any action as a result of the transition.

Will opening hours change?

There will be no reduction in the minimum opening hours of the aquatic centres as part of the transition.

What will CVM do differently?

The move to a single strategic partner creates opportunities to provide a more consistent customer experience across the City’s aquatic centre network and to give customers access to more services across more locations.

Over time, this may include opportunities to expand Learn to Swim, aquatic participation, health and wellbeing initiatives, community programming, school holiday activities and family-focused experiences.

Our focus will be on identifying improvements that deliver value for customers and local communities while building on the programs, relationships and services that already work well.

Why is the City of Gold Coast moving to a single strategic partner?

The City undertook an extensive review of its aquatic centre operations to identify a sustainable and efficient way to deliver aquatic services into the future.

The review considered customer experience, service consistency, safety and long-term value for ratepayers. Moving to a single strategic partner is intended to provide a more consistent experience across all City aquatic centres while the City retains ownership and oversight.

Following a competitive procurement process, City Venue Management was appointed as the City’s single strategic partner. Learn more about our existing council partners here.

What does the transition mean for existing centre staff?

Existing staff are an important part of each centre and bring valuable local knowledge, experience and community relationships.

CVM will work closely with existing centre teams throughout the transition, with a focus on supporting continuity and retaining local knowledge and experience wherever possible.

What can customers expect during the transition?

Customers can continue using their local aquatic centre as normal.

Existing memberships, Learn to Swim programs, visit passes, classes, bookings and facility access will continue as usual.

CVM will work closely with the City of Gold Coast and existing centre teams to support a smooth transition, maintain continuity of services and minimise disruption to day-to-day operations.

Further information will be communicated to customers as arrangements are confirmed.

Will local clubs, schools and community organisations still be supported?

Yes. Local partnerships and community programs will continue to be an important part of the City’s aquatic centres.

CVM will continue working with swimming clubs, schools, community groups, sporting organisations and other local partners to support participation, aquatic development, water safety, health and recreation across the Gold Coast.

The move to a single strategic partner also creates opportunities over time to expand services and community programming across the network.

Will Council still own the aquatic centres?

Yes. The City of Gold Coast will continue to own all eight aquatic centres.

CVM has been appointed as the City’s single strategic partner to manage and operate the centres. The City will retain ownership and oversight of the facilities and remain responsible for determining service levels and ensuring community outcomes.

Who will set the prices at the centres?

The City of Gold Coast will continue to be responsible for setting fees and charges across its aquatic centres.

CVM will not independently set fees and charges. These will continue to be reviewed through the City’s annual process and referred to Council for approval.

There are no changes to current fees and charges as a result of the decision to appoint a single strategic partner.

Six Brisbane Aquatic Centres achieve Gold Safety Status

Every day, thousands of people visit public pools to learn to swim, exercise, train, spend time with family and enjoy their local community. Creating an environment where people can participate with confidence requires a strong commitment to safety, compliance and high operational standards.

Safety is at the heart of every aquatic facility.

That commitment has been recognised across six Brisbane City Council aquatic facilities, which have achieved Gold Safety Status through Royal Life Saving’s aquatic safety assessment program.

Congratulations to the teams at:

Runcorn Aquatic Centre
Colmslie Aquatic Centre
Chermside Aquatic Centre & Water Park
Hibiscus Aquatic & Leisure Centre
Parkinson Aquatic Centre
Jindalee Aquatic Centre

What does Gold Safety Status mean?

Royal Life Saving’s Aquatic Facility Safety Assessment provides an independent assessment of an aquatic facility’s safety performance, legislative compliance and risk management.

The assessment considers a range of operational areas and is aligned with the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations (GSPO), relevant Australian Standards and applicable state and territory requirements.

Achieving Gold recognition is an important acknowledgement of a facility’s commitment to maintaining strong safety and operational practices.

For customers, that work happens largely behind the scenes. It is reflected in the everyday processes, procedures, training and attention to detail that help aquatic facilities operate safely and effectively.

A team achievement

While the recognition is attached to each facility, it represents the collective effort of the people who work there every day.

From lifeguards and duty managers to customer service teams, swim teachers, maintenance staff and centre leadership, maintaining high safety standards requires everyone to understand their role and work together.

Aquatic environments are constantly changing. Customer numbers fluctuate, programs operate across different areas of a facility, weather conditions can change and different groups use the centre throughout the day.

Maintaining a high standard therefore requires more than having policies in place. It requires teams who are trained, attentive and committed to putting those standards into practice every day.

The Gold Safety Status recognises that ongoing commitment.

Preparing for a busy summer

The recognition comes at an important time of year as Brisbane’s aquatic centres prepare for the warmer months.

Summer is one of the busiest periods for public aquatic facilities, with more families visiting pools, children participating in swimming activities and communities making the most of their local facilities.

For the teams at Runcorn, Colmslie, Chermside, Hibiscus, Parkinson and Jindalee, Gold Safety Status provides an opportunity to recognise the work that has already gone into preparing their facilities and teams for the season ahead.

It is also a reminder that safety remains an ongoing responsibility.

Every swim, every lesson, every training session and every family visit relies on the commitment of the people working behind the scenes to create a safe and welcoming environment.

Congratulations to our Brisbane teams

We are incredibly proud of the teams at all six facilities and the professionalism they demonstrate every day.

Gold Safety Status is not simply an achievement to celebrate, it reflects an ongoing commitment to safety, compliance, continuous improvement and the communities these facilities serve.

As we head into summer, congratulations to everyone involved in achieving this recognition and thank you for the important work you do every day to help Brisbane’s aquatic communities swim, move, connect and thrive. 💙

Congratulations to the teams at Runcorn, Colmslie, Chermside, Hibiscus, Parkinson and Jindalee Aquatic Centres.

Four CVM Operated Logan Pools Achieve Platinum Safety Status

Logan pools recognized for aquatic safety excellence ahead of summer

Safety is at the heart of everything we do, which is why we’re incredibly proud to share that four CVM-operated aquatic centres in partnership with Logan City Council have achieved Platinum Pool Endorsement from Royal Life Saving Society Queensland Inc.

The Platinum Pools Program is Queensland’s leading aquatic safety recognition program and the highest level of recognition for aquatic facility safety. It acknowledges facilities that demonstrate excellence in safety management, risk mitigation, supervision systems and operational performance.

The four CVM-operated centres recognised are:

🏊 Beenleigh Aquatic Centre
🏊 Logan North Aquatic & Fitness Centre
🏊 Logan West Aquatic Centre
🏊 Gould Adams Park Aquatic Centre

Each centre achieved 100% compliance across rigorous aquatic facility safety assessments, maintaining this standard across consecutive years and demonstrating an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.

The accreditation process includes a combination of independent safety assessments and mystery guest evaluations, ensuring facilities consistently meet the highest standards of aquatic safety and risk management.

A shared commitment to safety

The Platinum Pool Endorsement recognises more than a result on paper. It reflects the systems, supervision practices, operational controls and everyday actions of the teams working behind the scenes to reduce risk and create safer environments for the community.

Royal Life Saving Queensland State Manager Nikki Thornhill highlighted the achievement as a demonstration of a strong and consistent culture of safety across Logan’s public aquatic facilities.

For CVM, this recognition is a reflection of the commitment and professionalism of our teams across Logan.

CVM CEO Jay Clarke said safety remains paramount across every facility.

“Ultimately, this builds community confidence. When Logan families and swimmers visit these centres, they can feel confident they’re in a safe, well-managed facility that meets the highest standards.”

The four Platinum Pool Endorsements were announced by Logan City Mayor Jon Raven and presented by Paul Barry, Executive Director of Royal Life Saving Society Queensland Inc, with Cr Karen Murphy and Cr Mindy Russell joining the celebration.

Accepting the awards on behalf of CVM were Nicky Sloan, Chief Operating Officer; Tom Mills, Director of Safety & Systems; Nick Myler, Director of Operations; and Eugene Swart, Regional General Manager for our Logan pools.

We’re incredibly proud of the teams represented by these awards and the work they do every day — from lifeguard supervision and safety procedures to risk management, operational planning and continuous improvement.

Keeping Logan’s communities safe

Safety is particularly important as Logan’s aquatic facilities continue to welcome more visitors each year.

The city’s aquatic centres recorded more than 493,000 visits last financial year, a 23% increase on the previous year, while more than 94,800 learn-to-swim lessons were delivered across Logan’s six facilities.

New technology is also helping strengthen aquatic safety. AI drowning prevention technology is now operating at the new Beenleigh Aquatic Centre, following its initial Queensland rollout at Gould Adams Park Aquatic Centre in 2024. The technology uses cameras and artificial intelligence to help lifeguards identify swimmers who may be in distress.

As summer approaches, we look forward to welcoming Logan families, swimmers, learners and visitors back to our facilities.

Together with Logan City Council and Royal Life Saving Society Queensland, we’re proud to deliver aquatic environments where our communities can feel safe, welcome and confident.

Four centres. Platinum recognition. 100% compliance. One shared commitment to safety. 💙

Logan Aquatic Centre Open Days

To celebrate the start of the swim season, Logan’s six aquatic centres will also be hosting Open Days:

Logan North Aquatic & Fitness Centre: 12 September
Beenleigh Aquatic Centre: 12 September
Gould Adams Park Aquatic Centre: 12 September
Logan West Aquatic Centre: 13 September
Eagleby Aquatic Centre: 19 September
Bethania Aquatic Centre: 19 September

Caption: Mayor Jon Raven (centre) with (from left) Cr Mindy Russell, Royal Life Saving Society Queensland Executive Director Paul Barry, Cr Karen Murphy and CVM Director of Safety Tom Mills at Beenleigh Aquatic Centre.

Rackley Swimming Recognised at the 2026 ASSA Awards

What a night at the 2026 ASSA Awards of Excellence!

On 26 August 2026, the swim school community from across Australia came together at QT Gold Coast for an unforgettable evening of celebration and recognition.

As part of the ASSA SPARK 2026 Aquatics Conference, the Australian Swim Schools Association Awards of Excellence Gala celebrated the incredible swim schools, leaders, educators, teachers and industry professionals who continue to make a difference across swimming and water safety in Australia.

For Rackley Swimming, it was an incredibly proud night.

Across national and Queensland categories, our teams and people were recognised for the work they do every day to deliver exceptional swimming experiences, develop our people, support our communities and help shape the future of swimming and water safety.

From national gold awards to Queensland regional wins, national finalist recognition and highly commended awards, these achievements represent the dedication, passion and hard work of so many people across our organisation.

National Gold Awards for Rackley Swimming

🥇 Water Safety — Australia
Received by Shani Gold & Michelle Scudamore

🥇 Marketing & Communications — Australia
Received by Codi Tiedeman

Queensland Regional Winners for Rackley Swimming
🏆 Water Safety
🏆 Emerging Talent — Sophie Vickery, Rackley Swimming Kingston
🏆 Inclusive Swim School
🏆 Community Service
🏆 Marketing & Communications
🏆 Customer Service Excellence
🏆 Staff Development & Training — Rackley Swimming Colmslie
🏆 Swim School of the Year (up to 1,000 lessons per week) — Rackley Swimming Tobruk

National Finalists for Rackley Swimming
⭐ Emerging Talent — Sophie Vickery, Rackley Swimming Kingston
⭐ Inclusive Swim School
⭐ Community Service
⭐ Customer Service Excellence
⭐ Staff Development & Training — Rackley Swimming Colmslie
⭐ Swim School of the Year (up to 1,000 lessons per week) — Rackley Swimming Tobruk

Highly Commended
👏 Swim School Turnaround — Rackley Swimming Toowoomba
👏 Swim School Coordinator & Manager of the Year — Kim Rigby, Rackley Swimming Kawana
👏 Swim School of the Year (over 1,000 lessons per week) — Rackley Swimming Kawana

These awards represent so much more than certificates and trophies.

They recognise the people behind the programs, the lessons, the customer experiences and the communities we serve.

They celebrate the swim teachers who show up every day to build confidence and teach essential water safety skills. The managers who lead and support their teams. The facility teams who create welcoming environments. The leaders who continue to challenge what is possible. And every member of the Rackley Swimming family who contributes to the experience our customers have in our pools.

We are incredibly proud to see Rackley Swimming recognised alongside some of the best swim schools and aquatic professionals in Australia.

A huge congratulations to Sophie Vickery, Kim Rigby, Rackley Swimming Colmslie, Rackley Swimming Tobruk, Rackley Swimming Kawana, Rackley Swimming Toowoomba and every member of the Rackley Swimming team who contributed to these achievements.

And thank you to the Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) for creating an evening that celebrates the people and organisations working to make swimming and water safety better across Australia.

We’re proud to be shaping the future of swimming in Queensland and Australia.

Sam Short on the SPARK Stage

Sam Short, Rackley Swim Team athlete, Australian Olympian and proud Swimming Australia Dolphin, is taking his performances in the pool to new heights, and at the Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) SPARK 2026 National Aquatics Conference, he took to the stage to share the mindset, lessons and determination behind them.

Representing Rackley Swim Team on a national stage, Sam joined the Pathways to Purpose panel, speaking to an audience of swim school leaders, aquatic professionals and industry representatives from across Australia.

Alongside Rob Woodhouse, CEO of Swimming Australia; Jon Harker, Managing Director of Hark Attack and former President of ASSA; and Tim Welsford, CEO of Water Polo Australia, Sam shared his experiences as an elite athlete and the lessons he has taken from an extraordinary year in the pool.

The panel was hosted by Duncan Armstrong OAM OLY, motivational speaker and leadership consultant.

And what a year it has been.

In 2026, Sam claimed four gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, becoming the first man in Commonwealth Games history to win the 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle at the same Games. But behind those performances are lessons that extend far beyond the results.

For a room full of people who help teach Australia’s next generation of swimmers, it was a powerful reminder that the pathway from the learn-to-swim pool to the world stage is built one step, one lesson, one training session and one belief at a time.

Sam represents what is possible when talent is matched with commitment, patience and the willingness to keep improving. And perhaps the most important message he can share with the swimming community is a simple one: It all starts with the belief that you can keep getting better.

We couldn’t be prouder to see Sam representing Rackley Swim Team on the national stage, not just as an elite athlete, but as an inspiration to the next generation of swimmers coming through our pools. 💙

Every journey to the world stage begins with a first step in the water.