This engagement closed on Friday 1 March 2024.
Thank you to the 2,500 who participated in our engagement program which sought feedback on the programs and services offered at our Aqualink facilities.
During March 2024, in collaboration with our external consultant, we held focus group sessions and pop-up stalls across all our leisure sites to ensure we captured various views and feedback.
Engagement report
The downloadable engagement summary highlights the input and feedback shared by the participants, including the engagement program’s background, purpose, and key findings.
Next steps
Thank you to everyone who participated in our engagement program. Following our extensive community engagement process we have evolved the procurement plan in response to the feedback received.
As part of the procurement plan, Council will go out to market with an Expression of Interest (EOI) to run the Learn to Swim program at Aqualink Box Hill and/or the Learn to Swim program Aqualink Nunawading.
Learn to Swim (EOI) announcement – July 2024
Whitehorse City Council is inviting suitably experienced providers to express their interest to manage the Aqualink Learn to Swim programs.
The Expression of Interest (EOI) process encompasses the management of the Learn to Swim programs at Aqualink Box Hill and/or Aqualink Nunawading and will help determine the best operator for the Whitehorse community, while delivering value to Council and its rate payers.
The Learn to Swim programs have a combined enrolment of approximately 5,700 students (Term 1, 2024).
The process commences on Thursday 15 August and closes on Thursday 5pm, 12 September 2024. It is expected that the contract will start on 1 July 2025.
All suitable and interested providers are encouraged to consider the Learn to Swim EOI.
For more information or to download the EOI documents, please visit Whitehorse City Council’s Tender portal at Tenders | Whitehorse City Council from Thursday 15 August 2024.
Background information
Council is currently exploring changing the management model of our two Aqualink facilities from an in-house model to an external contract management model.
We're exploring this change to ensure we can continue delivering a high customer service standard and provide quality and diverse programs. We want to ensure our leisure services are accessible to all and meet community needs now and in the future.
Council will go out to market with an Expression of Interest (EOI) to run the Learn to Swim program at Aqualink Box Hill and/or the Learn to Swim program Aqualink Nunawading.
Once the approach to Learn to Swim is determined, then Council will proceed with a tender process for the remaining services.
The public tender process for the facility management contract will invite external management companies to submit a proposal to manage our Aqualink facilities from March 2026 onwards (dates are subject to change).
Once we receive proposals from management companies, Council will consider them and decide on the next steps. Any decisions made by Council will incorporate our community’s needs and preferences for the services and programs offered at our Aqualink centres.
To find out more, read our FAQs.
