Following an incredible and action-packed month that saw our athletes compete on the international stage at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the momentum continued as our Rackley Swim Team athletes travelled straight to Irvine, California, to represent Australia at the 2026 Pan Pacific Championships.

Across several days of world-class competition, our athletes delivered some truly outstanding performances, including gold and silver medals, personal bests, championship records and Australian records.

For everyone at Rackley Swimming, it was another incredible opportunity to watch our athletes race against some of the best swimmers in the world, and a wonderful reminder of what can be achieved through dedication, consistency and hard work.

Sam Short
A Record-Breaking Pan Pacs

It was an extraordinary competition for Rackley athlete Sam Short, who finished the Championships with an incredible three gold medals across the 400m, 800m and 1500m Freestyle.

Sam opened his campaign with a sensational 3:40.52 in the 400m Freestyle, securing gold and breaking the Pan Pacific Championships record previously held by Australian swimming legend Ian Thorpe, set back in 1999.

He continued his record-breaking run in the 800m Freestyle, clocking 7:37.02 to claim another gold medal and establish a new Pan Pacs record.

But Sam wasn’t finished.

In the 1500m Freestyle, he produced another extraordinary performance, stopping the clock at 14:33.97 to break Grant Hackett’s Australian Record, a record that had stood since 2001.

Three races. Three gold medals. Three major milestones.

To cap off an incredible Championships, Sam was also awarded Male Swimmer of the Meet, recognising his outstanding contribution across the competition.

What a performance from our distance star. 🏆

Meg Harris
Pan Pacific Champion

Meg Harris also had an outstanding Championships, representing Australia with the honour of serving as the Aussie flag bearer for the competition.

Meg produced an incredible finish in the 100m Freestyle, unleashing a powerful final 25 metres to race to the Pan Pacific title and claim gold.

She followed that up with a personal best of 23.89 in the 50m Freestyle, securing bronze in a historic final.

Meg also played an important role in Australia’s relay success, helping the Dolphins claim silver medals in both the 4×100m Freestyle Relay and 4×100m Mixed Medley Relay.

Another huge international campaign from Meg, showcasing the speed, determination and racing ability that have made her such an important part of Australian swimming.

Charlie Hawke
Speed and Relay Success

There was plenty to celebrate for Charlie Hawke, who produced some seriously fast swimming throughout the competition.

Charlie played a key role in Australia’s silver-medal-winning 4×200m Freestyle Relay, delivering an impressive 1:44.37 split as part of the Dolphins’ performance.

Individually, Charlie continued to show his versatility and speed across the Freestyle events, claiming silver in the B Final of the 200m Freestyle, finishing fourth in the 400m B Final and recording an impressive 48.91 in the 100m Freestyle.

Another valuable international racing experience for Charlie and another strong step forward in his development on the world stage.

Tiana Kritzinger
Pool to Open Water

Tiana Kritzinger showcased her incredible versatility at the Pan Pacific Championships, representing the Dolphins across both pool and open water competition.

In the 10km Open Water event, Tiana finished 11th overall in a time of 1:59:21 — an impressive result considering it was only her fourth-ever open water race.

She also backed up her open water campaign with strong performances in the pool, recording 16:16.43 in the 1500m Freestyle and 8:36.36 in the 800m Freestyle.

Tiana’s ability to step outside her traditional events and compete across both disciplines is a fantastic reflection of her adaptability, determination and willingness to challenge herself at the highest level.

Representing Miami Swimming Club, Max Giuliani finished sixth in the A Final of the 200m Freestyle before helping Australia secure silver in the 4×200m Freestyle Relay. A fantastic campaign from Max and another strong example of the incredible depth of talent coming through Miami Swimming Club.

Moesha Johnson delivered a historic Pan Pacs campaign, making history by winning Australia’s first-ever Pan Pacific Championships 10km Open Water gold medal. Moesha claimed victory in Long Beach in an impressive 1:55:33 before backing it up in the pool with bronze in the 1500m Freestyle in 15:53.49.

Congratulations to Rackley Swim Team Coaches Damien Jones and Tim Dilger, Miami Swimming Club Coaches David Proud and Paul Crosswell, and all of the coaching and support teams who work tirelessly behind the scenes to develop, prepare and support these athletes.

We are incredibly proud to support the swimming communities that help athletes progress from their very first swim through to competing on the world stage.

A Proud Moment for the Rackley Pathway

Behind every international performance is a huge team of people who make these moments possible.

A massive congratulations goes to Rackley Performance Head Coach Damien Jones, alongside the coaching and support staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare our athletes to perform at their best.

We also want to recognise the families, teammates and wider Rackley Swim Team community who continue to support our athletes throughout every stage of their journey.

From the pool deck to the stands and everything in between, high-performance swimming is a team effort.

The performances in Irvine are a wonderful reflection of the depth of talent coming through the Rackley pathway and the dedication, resilience and commitment of our athletes.

Coming off the back of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and straight into another major international competition, our athletes have shown incredible consistency and determination throughout an incredibly demanding period of racing.

We couldn’t be prouder.

Congratulations to Sam, Meg, Charlie, Tiana, Moesha and Max. 👏

We can’t wait to see what comes next. 💙🏊‍♂️

Keep pushing. Keep racing. Keep representing.

City Venue Management proud to host AusTriathlon’s new High Performance Hub in partnership with the City of Gold Coast

Gold Coast, Queensland | August 2026: City Venue Management (CVM) is proud to support the next generation of Australian triathlon with the official opening of AusTriathlon’s new High Performance Hub at Miami Aquatic Centre.

Operated by City Venue Management on behalf of the City of Gold Coast, Miami Aquatic Centre will now play an important role in supporting Australia’s elite and emerging triathletes as they prepare for major international competition, including the LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The purpose-built High Performance Hub provides athletes and coaches with a dedicated environment to train, recover, collaborate and connect, strengthening the Gold Coast’s position as a leading destination for high-performance sport.

The Hub will also become home to AusTriathlon’s Ascent Academy, supporting more than 90 national pathway athletes as they progress through the Australian triathlon performance pathway.

For City Venue Management, the opening represents much more than a new high-performance facility. It is an opportunity to see one of the Gold Coast’s community aquatic facilities contribute to the development of athletes who may go on to represent Australia on the world stage.

City Venue Management (CVM) is proud to announce the community partnership with Baby Give Back, creating official donation collection points across selected aquatic and recreation facilities to support children and families experiencing vulnerability across Queensland.

Beginning this month, customers, staff and members of the local community will be able to donate quality pre-loved and new baby and children’s essentials at participating CVM venues.

Accepted donations include baby and children’s clothing from size 00000 through to size 5, nappies and wipes.

The initiative reflects City Venue Management’s ongoing commitment to creating healthier, stronger and more connected communities by supporting families both in and out of the water.

“Our venues are community hubs that welcome thousands of families every week. Partnering with Baby Give Back provides a simple but meaningful opportunity for our communities to support families while ensuring our commitment to social impact goes beyond recreation,” said Shani Gold, Programming, Partnerships & Strategic Development.

Baby Give Back works with frontline organisations including health, education and community services including domestic violence services, homelessness providers and child protection agencies to ensure donated items reach families along with the wraparound support they need.

“Every donation helps give babies and children a safer, healthier start in life. We are incredibly grateful to City Venue Management for opening their venues as community collection points and helping us reach even more families across Queensland,” said Deb Smith, Regional and Remote Coordinator, Baby Give Back.

The first collection points will launch in Townsville at:

• Tobruk Memorial Pool
• Kokoda Memorial Pool
• Long Tan Memorial Pool
• Northern Beaches Leisure Centre

Following the pilot, opportunities to expand the initiative across additional City Venue Management venues will be explored.

Community members are encouraged to donate:

• New or pre-loved baby and children’s clothing (up to Size 5/6)
• New nappies
• Baby wipes

All donations will be collected, sorted and beautifully packed by Baby Give Back volunteers and distributed to families experiencing hardship across Queensland.

Together, City Venue Management and Baby Give Back are making it easier for local communities to give back one item at a time.

What an extraordinary fortnight it has been in Glasgow, and we couldn’t be prouder of our Rackley Swim Team athletes who proudly represented Australia at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Rackley athletes shine on the world stage in Glasgow

After months of dedication, commitment and preparation, including a number of Rackley athletes competing at the Australian Swimming Trials in the lead-up to international selection, our swimmers stepped onto the world stage ready to showcase the results of their hard work.

The Commonwealth Games provided another incredible chapter in the journey of our athletes, and their achievements are a testament to the strength of Rackley Swimming’s high-performance program, coaches, support staff and the wider swimming community that continues to inspire excellence.

A historic Games for Meg Harris

Congratulations to Meg Harris on an incredible Commonwealth Games campaign, delivering a phenomenal performance across six events and securing six gold medals.

Meg’s events & medal tally included:

🥇 50m Freestyle
🥇 100m Freestyle
🥇 4x100m Freestyle Relay
🥇 Mixed 4x100m Freestyle Relay
🥇 Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay
🥇 4x100m Medley Relay

Meg dominated the pool throughout the Games, claiming Commonwealth titles in both the 50m and 100m Freestyle while playing a crucial role in four Australian relay victories.

Her outstanding achievements saw her equal the record for the most gold medals won by an Australian athlete at a single Commonwealth Games, becoming the first Australian swimmer since Emma McKeon to win six gold medals at a single Games.

Meg’s consistency, speed and determination continue to set the benchmark at the highest level of swimming, and we couldn’t be prouder to see her represent Rackley Swimming, Queensland and Australia on the international stage.

Sam Short makes Commonwealth Games history

Congratulations to Sam Short on an unforgettable Commonwealth Games campaign, where he secured four gold medals and was recognised as the recipient of the Keiran Perkins Award for Australian Male Swimmer of the Meet.

Sam’s events included:

🥇 400m Freestyle
🥇 800m Freestyle
🥇 1500m Freestyle
🥇 4x200m Freestyle Relay
🏊 200m Freestyle

Sam delivered a historic performance, becoming the first man in Commonwealth Games history to win gold in the 400m, 800m and 1500m Freestyle events at the same Games.

His achievements highlight his incredible consistency, resilience and ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage. Sam continues to redefine what is possible in distance swimming, and we are incredibly proud of the way he represented Rackley Swimming and Australia.

Tiana Kritzinger celebrates an incredible Commonwealth Games debut

Congratulations to Tiana Kritzinger on an outstanding first Commonwealth Games campaign.

Making her debut on the international stage, Tiana competed in two individual distance freestyle events:

🏊 800m Freestyle — Finalist (5th)
🏊 1500m Freestyle — Finalist (6th)

Tiana’s appearance in two Commonwealth Games finals, including reaching her first individual Commonwealth Games final in the 1500m Freestyle, is a remarkable milestone and a reflection of her continued growth as an athlete.

Her breakthrough 2026 season has been a reflection of her dedication, determination and continued growth as an athlete. We know this is only the beginning for Tiana, and we can’t wait to see her continue to represent Rackley Swimming and Australia on the world stage.

A celebration of Rackley Swimming excellence

Together, Meg, Sam and Tiana contributed an incredible 10 Commonwealth Games gold medals, an achievement that reflects years of hard work, dedication and commitment from everyone involved in their journey.

A special congratulations also goes to Head Coach Damian Jones, whose athletes combined for 10 gold medals at these Games, a phenomenal coaching achievement and a testament to the world-class high-performance program at Rackley Swim Team.

From the athletes who competed at the Australian Swimming Trials, to those who continue to push themselves every day across our programs, squads and venues, these achievements represent the strength and depth of the Rackley Swimming community.

Australia’s swimming team delivered a historic campaign in Glasgow, claiming 37 gold medals in the pool, showcasing the strength of Australian swimming on the international stage.

To Meg, Sam, Tiana and every Rackley athlete who has chased their goals this season, thank you for inspiring our swimmers, our families and our entire community.

You have proudly represented Rackley Swimming, Queensland and Australia, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.

Once a Rackley swimmer, always part of the Rackley family 💙💚💛

What an incredible day for the Miami Aquatic Centre community as swimmers, families, coaches, staff and supporters came together for Swim For A Cure, a meaningful event that showcased the incredible strength and generosity of the aquatic community.

Held in partnership with JAYD Swimwear and Cure Cancer Australia, Swim For A Cure was organised by Madi in honour of her late father, who sadly passed away from cancer in August last year. The event was created to celebrate his life while raising vital funds to support cancer research and continue Madi’s mission of making a difference.

More than 200 people attended the event, with 120 participants taking on the ocean swim, bringing together members of the Miami Aquatic Centre community, Rackley Swimming staff, coaches, swimmers and supporters from across the Gold Coast.

The day began with the premiere of a special short documentary sharing Madi’s story, the inspiration behind Swim For A Cure, and her incredible journey as she prepares to take on the challenge of swimming the English Channel in September. Through this challenge, Madi will continue raising funds and awareness for Cure Cancer Australia.

The event was a powerful reminder of what makes our aquatic community so special, the ability to come together, support one another and make a positive impact beyond the pool.

Together, the Swim For A Cure community raised an incredible $50,000+ for Cure Cancer Australia, helping contribute to life-changing cancer research and supporting a cause that has touched so many lives.

City Venue Management is incredibly proud to be part of a community that embraces initiatives like Swim For A Cure. Events such as these highlight the compassion, connection and community spirit that exists within our aquatic facilities and the people who make them so special.

We would like to thank everyone who participated, donated, volunteered and supported the event. Your generosity helped create a truly memorable day for the Miami Aquatic Centre community.

We wish Madi all the very best as she continues her preparation for her English Channel challenge in September. We’ll be cheering her on every step, and stroke, of the way. 🌊

Together, we swim stronger.

The Rackley Swimming Centenary National Pathway Squad recently travelled north to Rockhampton for a unique training camp experience, combining high-performance preparation with regional connection.

Fourteen swimmers from Centenary, all part of Rackley’s National Pathway Squad, spent the week training at the iconic Rockhampton 2nd World War Memorial Pool, embracing the opportunity to step outside their usual training environment and experience a different style of preparation.

Led by Coach Dan Busch, with support from Kelly from Rackley East Brisbane, the camp provided swimmers with the chance to develop as athletes, strengthen team culture and continue building the skills required on their performance journey.

Sometimes the best preparation comes from changing the environment. Taking our swimmers to a regional community, training at a local pool and immersing themselves in the experience provided a valuable reminder that growth happens both in and out of the water.

The team also enjoyed exploring the Rockhampton region, including a visit to Koorana Crocodile Farm, creating opportunities for connection, learning and memories beyond the pool deck.

The camp was a significant step in the journey for these athletes, with:
– 14 Centenary National Pathway Squad swimmers attending
– 1 swimmer preparing for Junior Pan Pacific Championships later this year
– 2 swimmers heading to Canberra this week for the Next Wave Invitational, a week-long program of training and racing for Australia’s next generation of swimmers

This was the first Rockhampton camp experience for the Centenary squad, building on the long-standing connection Coach Damien Jones has developed with the region through previous high-performance camps.

A huge thank you to the Rockhampton swimming community for welcoming our team and supporting another important step in our athletes’ journey.

Last week, City Venue Management welcomed team members from across the organisation to The Glen Hotel & Suites for Citypedia 2026, an annual conference dedicated to learning, collaboration and connection.

Bringing together leaders and teams from across our diverse business, Citypedia provides an opportunity to reflect, share ideas and align on the future as we continue to grow and strengthen our culture.

Investing in Our People

At City Venue Management, we know our success is built on the passion, knowledge and commitment of our people. Citypedia is a reflection of our ongoing investment in creating opportunities for development, encouraging collaboration and fostering a culture where individuals and teams can thrive.

Through shared learning and meaningful conversations, the conference reinforces our commitment to delight, engage and grow together.

Learning from World-Class Experience

A highlight of the day was hearing from special guest speaker Toby Jenkins OLY, whose unique blend of lived experience, world-class frameworks and evidence-based tools provided valuable insights into leadership, mindset, performance and values.

Drawing on his experiences as an Olympian, elite performance coach and entrepreneur, Toby challenged attendees to think differently about achieving success and thriving in high-pressure environments.

Looking Ahead to FY27

Throughout the conference, leaders from across the business shared updates and outlined their vision and priorities for FY27.

Presentations from Kirsty Davies (Chief Financial Officer), Jay De Lee (Senior Accountant), Shani Gold (Director of Programs & Partnerships), Nick Myler (Director of Operations), Anastasia Ellerby (Director of Aquatic Sport Pathways) and Cameron Speechley (Director of Swim Schools) highlighted the exciting opportunities and strategic direction across our programs and operations.

Our executive leadership team, including Jay Clarke (Chief Executive Officer), Nicky Sloan (Chief Operating Officer) and Alana Jones (Chief Marketing Officer), also shared insights into the broader direction of the business and the opportunities ahead as City Venue Management heads confidently into FY27.

Strengthening Our Culture

Citypedia 2026 was made possible through the efforts of many people, with special thanks to Ashley Inns for bringing together another exceptional conference experience. Through thoughtful planning and execution, Ashley created an engaging and inspiring day that showcased the strength of our culture and the power of bringing our people together.

As City Venue Management continues to grow, our commitment to learning, inclusion and development remains at the heart of everything we do.

Because when our people thrive, our communities thrive.

Delight. Engage. Grow.

At City Venue Management and Rackley Swimming, we believe that learning to swim is more than just a life skill, it’s a fundamental opportunity that every child deserves.

That’s why, since 2025, Rackley Swimming has proudly partnered with the AWSOM Project to help deliver life-saving swimming and water safety education to children in Vietnam through the Survive and Thrive Program.

The program provides children with disabilities access to swimming and water safety lessons, helping them build confidence, develop essential skills, and reduce the risk of drowning. Recognising that transportation can often be a barrier to participation, the program also provides transport assistance to ensure children can safely attend their lessons.

As part of our ongoing commitment to water safety, each Rackley Swimming and City Venue Management venue sponsors a child through the Survive and Thrive Program. This support helps create opportunities for children who may otherwise never have access to formal swimming education.

For many Australians, swimming lessons are a normal part of growing up. However, for thousands of children around the world, access to swimming and water safety education remains out of reach. Through our partnership with AWSOM, we’re helping change that reality one child at a time.

Every child deserves the chance to feel safe and confident around water. Together, we can help create a future where more children have access to the skills they need not only to survive but to thrive.

How You Can Help

For just $62, you can sponsor a child for an entire year of swimming and water safety lessons through the AWSOM Project’s Survive and Thrive Program.

Your support can help provide access to life-changing education and give a child the opportunity to learn skills that could one day save their life.

To learn more or sponsor a child, visit:
https://www.awsomproject.com/surviveandthrive

Together, we’re working towards a world where every child has access to water safety education — because every child deserves water safety.

At City Venue Management, creating safe, inclusive and connected communities is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we are incredibly proud to stand alongside Challenge DV and strengthen our partnership in support of such an important cause.

Domestic and family violence continues to impact individuals, families and communities across Australia. By supporting Challenge DV and participating in Darkness to Daylight 2026, we are helping to raise awareness, start meaningful conversations and contribute to a future where everyone can feel safe, respected and supported.

Taking on 110km for Change

On Thursday 18 June, fifteen members of our Site Support Team will take on the incredible challenge of completing the 110km Darkness to Daylight overnight walk and run through Brisbane.

More than just a physical test of endurance, Darkness to Daylight symbolises the journey from fear and uncertainty towards hope, safety and healing. Every kilometre walked represents a commitment to ending domestic and family violence and supporting those affected by it.

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

Challenge DV recently recognised City Venue Management for our ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for people to learn, grow, connect and stay safe.

For more than 25 years, City Venue Management has been dedicated to delivering safe and welcoming environments through our aquatic facilities, community programs, employment pathways and recreational spaces. These values closely align with the mission of Challenge DV, which works tirelessly to support victim-survivors and advocate for lasting change.

Together, we believe that stronger communities are built through inclusion, education, safety and support.

Every Step Matters

We know that creating change requires collective action. By participating in Darkness to Daylight, our team is helping to raise vital funds that enable Challenge DV to continue delivering essential services, education programs and advocacy initiatives.

We invite our community, partners and supporters to stand with us and support this important cause.

Every step matters.
Every contribution counts.
Together, we can help bring people from darkness into daylight.

To support Team CVM and make a donation, visit:
https://www.darknesstodaylight.org/page/CityVenueManagement

Thank you to Challenge DV for the important work they do every day, and for welcoming Team CVM to our first Darkness to Daylight event. We look forward to making every step count.

We are absolutely thrilled to officially share some exciting news for our North Queensland community! City Venue Management (CVM) has been appointed as the new operator for both the Kokoda Memorial Pool and Long Tan Memorial Pool, effective from 01 July 2026.

This milestone marks a proud expansion of our partnership with the City of Townsville. These two iconic local venues in Townsville will be joining our established regional family alongside Tobruk Memorial Baths and the Northern Beaches Leisure Centre, bringing our total managed network to 34 premier aquatic facilities across Queensland.

Honoring a Local Legacy

Before we dive into what the future holds, we want to take a moment to look back and extend our heartfelt gratitude. We would like to sincerely acknowledge David and Kristie from Love2Swim School for their years of dedication, tireless care, and immense contribution to water safety education across the Townsville community.

The positive impact they have made on local families is immeasurable, and our team is fully committed to honoring that legacy by ensuring a seamless, positive transition for all existing students, squads, and recreational swimmers.

Looking Ahead

“These iconic memorial pools play a critical role in promoting water safety, health, wellbeing, and community connection. Together with Council, we will ensure these facilities remain welcoming, vibrant, and accessible spaces that support people of all ages and abilities to lead active, healthy lifestyles.”

— Jay Clarke, CEO of City Venue Management

Whether you are training hard in the squad lanes, bringing your toddlers down for their first splashes, or keeping active with your morning laps, we cannot wait to welcome you poolside from 01 July 2026.

Rackley Swimming has announced a new partnership with the Gold Coast Titans, bringing together two iconic Gold Coast organisations united by a shared commitment to community, participation and performance, connecting local families with one of the region’s most recognised sporting clubs.

As part of the agreement, Rackley Swimming will become the Exclusive Swimming Partner of the Gold Coast Titans, creating a dynamic platform to engage members, fans and families while promoting active, healthy lifestyles across the region.

With almost 30 years of swim education heritage and a strong presence across Queensland, Rackley Swimming plays a vital role in building water confidence and safety for thousands of children and families each week.

From first strokes in learn-to-swim classes through to high performance pathways, Rackley Swimming has built a reputation for developing swimmers at every stage of their journey, including Olympians Maximilian Giuliani, Sam Short, Meg Harris and Tommy Neill.

At Rackley Swimming, generations of teachers have spent decades dedicated to teaching water safety and building swimming confidence in children of all ages. Rackley Swimming believes learning to swim is more than just a life skill, it’s a vital part of growing up in Queensland.

This partnership highlights the natural crossover between swimming and rugby league, discipline, resilience, performance and confidence, while creating new opportunities for the Titans to connect with their community beyond game day.

Jay Clarke, Chief Executive Officer of City Venue Management, said:

“Our team at City Venue Management is passionate about creating environments that bring communities together, and this partnership with the Titans is a strong reflection of that vision.

There’s a natural alignment between what we do, building confidence, encouraging participation and creating positive experiences for kids and families, and we’re excited to bring that to life together across the Gold Coast.”

Steve Mitchell, CEO of the Gold Coast Titans, said:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Rackley Swimming and City Venue Management to the Titans family. This partnership strengthens our connection with the Gold Coast community and gives us new ways to engage our members and fans beyond game day.

Rackley has taught generations of Queenslanders to swim, and its strong local presence makes this a natural fit for our club as we continue to inspire healthy, active lifestyles across our community.

We’re proud to use this partnership to connect grassroots participation with elite sport, strengthening engagement with Titans members and fans while reinforcing the role both organisations play in shaping stronger, more confident communities across the Gold Coast.”

Exciting news!

We’re proud to announce that City Venue Management has been appointed to manage Riverway Lagoon in Townsville, in partnership with Townsville City Council.

One of North Queensland’s most iconic community spaces, Riverway Lagoon offers a unique place for locals and visitors to swim, relax and connect along the beautiful Ross River.

We’re excited to bring our expertise in aquatic operations, safety and community programming to this incredible facility, while preserving the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere the lagoon is known for.

This appointment strengthens our presence in North Queensland alongside Tobruk Memorial Baths and Northern Beaches Leisure Centre, continuing our commitment to supporting active and healthy communities.

We look forward to working closely with Townsville City Council and welcoming the community to Riverway Lagoon.

hashtag#Community hashtag#Aquatics hashtag#Townsville hashtag#CityVenueManagement

📸: Townsville City Council

That’s a wrap on the City Venue Management Summit Planning for FY27, held on the Gold Coast, and what an incredible few days it was.

Bringing together leaders from across the business, this year’s summit embraced the theme “Dive On In”, setting the tone for open conversation, bold thinking, and a shared commitment to what lies ahead.

Setting the Vision

Day one was all about alignment, energy, and setting the foundation for the future. With teams coming together in one room, the focus was on exploring our strategy and identifying the opportunities that will shape the next financial year.

There was a strong sense of momentum throughout the day, leaders challenging each other to think bigger, push boundaries, and approach the future with clarity and purpose. The collaboration and ideas shared were a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we are aligned and working toward a common goal.

Turning Ideas Into Action

Building on that momentum, day two saw the energy continue to rise. Sessions focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and how we can elevate the standard across all venues.

Through open discussion and shared insights, teams explored practical ways to bring ideas to life—ensuring that the inspiration from the summit translates into meaningful action across the business.

A clear theme emerged: when we collaborate, support one another, and commit to excellence, the possibilities are limitless.

Looking Ahead

As the summit comes to a close, the focus now shifts to execution. With a clear vision, renewed energy, and strong alignment across the business, City Venue Management is well-positioned for a successful FY27.

The conversations, ideas, and connections formed over the two days will continue to shape the way we move forward, together.

Onwards and upwards.

#DiveOnIn

Rackley Squad Swimmers take on the Australia’s Biggest Stage. The one they’ve worked all season for 🔥

Rackley Swimming Squad Programs partner with  13 local swim clubs, including Rackley Swim team, which has swimmer training across pools in Brisbane. Over 150 athletes from 9 of these clubs compete at the 2026 Australian Age Swimming Championships (11-18 April 2026) at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre!  

They have done the training, now it’s time to race. This week is the pinnacle of the year for them. Racing the best in the country, stepping up when it counts, and doing it alongside their teammates.  We know it’s not just about results, it’s the smiles, the tears, and the memories that stick long after the Championships are over, and well beyond their swimming careers. 

As we move through the Championship week, Rackley Swim Team would like to thank City Venue Management for their generous and ongoing support of our club and swimming programs across the southeast region. We are incredibly proud to be part of the CVM family and affiliated with such a strong and passionate community of swim clubs working together to develop athletes and coaches across Queensland. 

We wish all the Rackley Squad Swimming athletes from all our sister clubs the very best as they take on Australia’s best this week and embrace every moment of this incredible experience. 

8 from Centenary Dolphins Swim Club

9 from Helensvale Swim Club

10 from Kawana Waters Swim Club

3 from Lightning Swim Club

6 from Logan Vikings Swim Club

43 from Miami Swimming Club

10 from P​elican Waters Swim Club

3 from Townsville Tourist Swim Club

The opportunities provided by CVM’s commitment to swimming continue to play a vital role in the growth of our swimmers and the strength of our club. 

Racing hard. Backing each other. Living every moment. This is Swimming. 

Miami Aquatic Centre has been awarded the prestigious Platinum Pools Endorsement, recognising the venue as one of the highest-performing aquatic facilities in the industry. Out of 453 pools assessed nationally, only four facilities achieved this elite status, placing Miami Aquatic Centre among the top 1% for aquatic safety and risk management.

The Platinum Pools Program recognises aquatic facilities that consistently demonstrate exceptional standards in safety, compliance, and operational excellence. To achieve Platinum Endorsement, facilities must successfully complete a rigorous combination of assessment processes annually and achieve a 100% compliance score on the Safety Assessment each year over successive financial years.

With only a limited number of Platinum Endorsements available, this recognition highlights Miami Aquatic Centre’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards for the community, ensuring a safe, well-managed, and high-quality aquatic environment for all visitors.

A New Chapter for Community and Connection

City Venue Management was proud to officially open the Beenleigh Aquatic Centre on 21 March 2026, marking a significant milestone for the City of Logan and its community.

This redevelopment represents far more than a refreshed facility, it is the continuation of a story that has been part of Beenleigh for over 50 years. Generations have learned to swim, trained, competed, and created lifelong memories at this site. Now, with a $24.7 million transformation, the centre has been reimagined to support the community for decades to come.

A Meaningful Beginning

The opening ceremony began with a Welcome to Country by Aunty Robyn Williams, a respected Yugambeh Elder, educator, and passionate First Nations advocate. Her words were a powerful reminder of the importance of connection, to community, to culture, and to place.

Celebrating Collaboration and Investment

The official opening was hosted by Jay Clarke, CEO of City Venue Management, who shared a clear vision for the centre’s future—highlighting that this is not simply a reopening, but a place where future generations will build confidence, develop skills, and thrive in the water.

We were honoured to hear from a number of distinguished speakers who played a key role in bringing this project to life:

• Mayor Jon Raven, Logan City Council, who spoke to the importance of investing in community infrastructure
• Karen Murphy, Division 12 Councillor, who expressed her pride in delivering a facility for the Beenleigh community
• Rowan Holzberger, Federal Member for Forde, who highlighted the value of national investment in active, healthy lifestyles
• Michael Crandon, State Member for Coomera, representing the Deputy Premier of Queensland and acknowledging the State’s support

This redevelopment was delivered through the SEQ Liveability Fund under the SEQ City Deal, with $15 million invested by Logan City Council and a combined $9.7 million contribution from the Australian and Queensland Governments. The vision was brought to life through the expertise of Mode Design and Box & Co, whose work has delivered a truly state-of-the-art aquatic facility.

Honouring a Lasting Legacy

A special moment during the ceremony was the recognition of Robert Nay, an Australian Olympic and Commonwealth Games swimmer who competed at the 1972 Munich Olympics. It was a privilege to welcome Karin Nay, representing the Nay family, as we continue to honour his legacy at the centre.

Built for the Future

The upgraded Beenleigh Aquatic Centre will provide a wide range of opportunities for the community, including:

• Learn to swim programs for all ages through Rackley Swimming
• Competitive squad training in the new 50m pool
• Expansion of the Logan Vikings Swim Club as the resident club
• Group fitness, aqua classes, and family recreation
• A dedicated splash park to help young children build water confidence

Looking Ahead

City Venue Management is incredibly proud to operate and care for the Beenleigh Aquatic Centre as it enters this exciting new chapter.

By honouring its rich history while embracing innovation and opportunity, the centre is set to become a cornerstone for community connection, health, and aquatic excellence for generations to come.

Exciting news from our team at Kawana Aquatic Centre on the Sunshine Coast!

Our team has been working with Bloomhill Cancer Care to support an upcoming charity swim event on 29 March 2026. What first started as a small community idea has quickly grown into a 10-team charity swim, bringing together local swimmers, supporters and the wider community for an important cause.

The event will also welcome special guests including the Sunshine Coast’s Mayor Rosanna Natoli, alongside Olympic swimmers Kaylee McKeown, Taylor McKeown, and Jake Packard.

It’s fantastic to see our venues supporting initiatives that bring the community together while raising awareness and support for organisations making a real difference. We look forward to seeing this event make a meaningful impact across the Sunshine Coast.

We’re proud to support #swimming at every level of the sport. 🏊‍♀️

Across more than 22 venues throughout South East Queensland, our squad programs support over 3,000 swimmers training each week, helping athletes of all ages build confidence, endurance and a lifelong love of the water through Rackley Swimming.

A special acknowledgement goes to our coaching leadership team, Anastasia Ellerby, Josh Smith, and Tim Dilger, whose dedication and expertise continue to support swimmers, coaches and clubs across our network.

Behind every great swimmer is a strong support system, from passionate coaches and committed families to the wider Rackley Swimming and City Venue Management community.

For swimmers who have mastered the fundamentals, Rackley Squad Training provides the next step in their journey. Our programs support both junior and adult swimmers, offering structured pathways from skill development through to performance and competitive swimming.

Club swimming provides the opportunity to put training into action, with swimmers competing at local, regional and national meets, while building resilience, teamwork and confidence along the way.

From Junior Squads through to Gold and Performance Squads, swimmers train under the guidance of highly qualified coaches, developing technique, fitness and focus in a supportive team environment.

💦 Ready to take your swimming to the next level?
Book a free squad assessment at your nearest venue and discover the Rackley Squad community.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/ghvrk_Dq

Summer is here 😎

Now in its third year running, we’re proud to support Brisbane City Council’s initiative to make swimming more accessible for everyone this summer.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has announced the return of the $2 Summer Dips program, giving residents entry to 22 pools across Brisbane for just $2 from 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026.

We are thrilled to help bring this program to life once again and welcome our community in for a safe, fun, and affordable summer.

Acacia Ridge Leisure Centre
Centenary Pool
Chermside Pool
Colmslie Aquatic Centre
Hibiscus Sports Complex Pool
Jindalee Pool
Parkinson Aquatic Centre
Runcorn Pool
Spring Hill Baths

Centenary Aquatic Centre was the place to be last week for our festive ‘Candy Cane Lane’ Dive-In Movie Night!

Guests enjoyed a fun-filled evening by the pool, and the event was a fantastic success. A big thank you to everyone who joined us in making it such a memorable night!

✨ Exciting news from Helensvale Aquatic Centre! ✨

As part of City Venue Management’s vision to make our venues more accessible and inclusive for all customers, we’ve introduced new accessibility tools in partnership with Cérge.

From virtual tours to white-label website integration, these tools help ensure every visitor can plan, explore, and enjoy our facilities with confidence.

A series of Accessible Tools have been developed for Helensvale Aquatic Centre to ‘Know before you go’ and understand our venue’s accessibility ahead of time: https://lnkd.in/gUuCsBCr

We’re proud to take this step towards creating more inclusive spaces in our community. 🌊

hashtag#Accessibility hashtag#Inclusion hashtag#Community hashtag#Aquatics hashtag#CityVenueManagement

Last week, Rackley Swimming was honoured with the ASSA 2025 National Award for Marketing & Communication for our Swim to Win campaign! 🏆💙

A huge congratulations to our incredible Marketing team, our CMO Alana Jones, and all of our venue teams who brought this campaign to life.

We’re also proud to celebrate our amazing nominees recognised at the ASSA National Awards in Sydney:
👏 Swim School of the Year – Rackley Swimming Robina
👏 Swim School of the Year – Rackley Swimming Parkinson
👏 Swim School Manager of the Year – Jade Hornbuckle (Rackley Swimming Parkinson)
👏 Emerging Talent Award – Kaya Coupe (Rackley Swimming Runaway Bay)

Well done to everyone involved – what an incredible achievement for our team 💙

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Aquatic and recreation facilities play an important role in strengthening local communities, providing spaces where people of all ages can connect, exercise, and develop lifelong skills.

City Venue Management works in partnership with local councils and community organisations to ensure aquatic facilities are more than just places to swim, they are welcoming hubs for health, wellbeing, and social connection.

Across its network of venues, City Venue Management supports a wide range of community-focused initiatives including learn-to-swim programs, school partnerships, local sporting clubs, and inclusive recreational activities designed to encourage participation across all age groups and abilities.

These programs help build stronger, healthier communities by increasing access to physical activity while fostering confidence in aquatic environments.

Community engagement is also central to the organisation’s approach to facility management. By working closely with local stakeholders, City Venue Management ensures that each venue reflects the needs and priorities of the community it serves.

This collaborative approach enables aquatic centres to support important outcomes including water safety education, youth development, active ageing, and community wellbeing.

Through continued investment in programs, partnerships and facilities, City Venue Management remains committed to empowering local communities and creating spaces where people can come together, stay active, and thrive.

Water safety remains a critical priority across Australia, and City Venue Management plays an important role in helping communities develop the skills needed to stay safe in and around water.

Through its swim school brand Rackley Swimming, the organisation delivers structured learn-to-swim programs for children and adults across numerous aquatic facilities. These programs are designed to build confidence, safety awareness and swimming ability from an early age.

Lessons begin with early childhood water familiarisation and progress through to advanced stroke development and squad training.

Beyond individual skill development, these programs contribute to broader community safety outcomes by ensuring more Australians develop essential water confidence.

By integrating learn-to-swim programs within professionally managed aquatic facilities, City Venue Management helps create environments where families feel safe, supported and encouraged to participate in lifelong aquatic activity.