Cannonball into Excellence! Monbulk Aquatic Centre Wins Venue of the Year in VIC

Ever wondered where to find award-winning waters in Victoria? Look no further than Monbulk Aquatic Centre, who have made a splash at the 2025 Belgravia Leisure Awards. The venue took out the award for Venue of the Year, VIC. 

After servicing the communities of Belgrave, Belgrave South, Emerald, Menzies Creek, Selby, Tecoma, Kallista and Olinda for over 40 years, the venue has been touted as the premier leisure venue in the family of Belgravia Leisure venues across the entire state of Victoria.  

The facility stood out for its ability to maintain high standards and deliver exceptional service, operational performance, customer satisfaction, community engagement, contract delivery and financial outcomes, even in the face of significant challenges this year. 

At the beginning of 2025, Monbulk’s gym sustained damage from a fallen tree, causing major disruptions to programs and services. In response, the team quickly adapted by temporarily relocating the gym and moving some group fitness classes to the Living and Learning Centre, while others were creatively relocated to the café space.  

Despite these interruptions, the venue’s member base remained loyal and supportive, continuing to engage with programs and showing incredible patience and positivity. 

Rachel Scott, Venue Manager of Monbulk Aquatic Centre, said of the win, “Winning this award is a proud moment for Monbulk and a testament to what we can achieve when we work together with purpose and heart. Even through disruptions, we stayed focused on our members and delivered a year we can all be proud of. 

“The team’s dedication in achieving excellence in operational performance, customer satisfaction, community engagement, contract delivery and financial outcomes reflects the strength, adaptability and heart of our team. 

"This result is a credit to the entire team’s focus, strength, adaptability and commitment to delivering value to both our members and our Council partner, Yarra Ranges Council.  

“A special thanks to Christine Rasmussen, Linda Fernando, Hannah Plummer, Kelly Parker, Tania Ray and Sam Davidson – your support, leadership and dedication throughout the year helped me navigate the challenges and drive the centre forward. I’m incredibly grateful to work alongside such a capable and committed team.” 

With resilience, heart and an unwavering commitment to community, Monbulk Aquatic Centre has truly cannonballed into excellence setting the gold standard for leisure venues across Victoria. Visit Monbulk Aquatic Centre to discover what makes them Belgravia Leisure’s Victorian Venue of the Year.