Celebrating over 20 ACT and NSW finalists at the ARI Awards of Excellence

Belgravia Leisure’s teams, venues and leaders across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory have been recognised with 22 finalist nominations in the 2026 Aquatics and Recreation Institute (ARI) Awards of Excellence, to be held this October.

The finalists span venue operations, customer service, health clubs, marketing, innovation, diversity and inclusion, social impact and individual leadership, reflecting an ongoing commitment to connecting communities to move more and live well.

Pictured in header image: Belgravia Leisure‘s Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales teams at the 2026 Get Connected Conference

Recognised NSW venues include Liverpool’s Michael Wenden Aquatic Leisure Centre and Michael Clarke Recreation Centre, Wollondilly Leisure Centre, Dubbo Aquatic Centre, Inverell Aquatic Centre, Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre, alongside ACT venues Stromlo Leisure Centre, Gungahlin Leisure Centre, and Dickson Pool.

The ACT’s MOVE IT Canberra campaign and two City of Sydney initiatives, ‘Swim + Gym for your School’ and ‘Online Lane Availability’ also secured finalist positions, while Belgravia Leisure’s Safe Holds & Supportive Techniques program was shortlisted in the Safety & Innovation category.

Notably, eight individual finalists have been announced with a fifth consecutive nomination in the Emerging Leader category, demonstrating a continued commitment to developing future leaders within the aquatic and recreation industry.

Belgravia Leisure’s General Manager Operations NSW/ACT Katherine Forman said:

“Seeing our venues, teams and leaders across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory recognised for delivering exceptional guest experiences and making a positive social impact whilst driving excellence across our operations is incredibly rewarding.

“Congratulations and good luck to all of the finalists this year!”

Celebrating teams helping communities live well

Held at Waterview in Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park, the awards recognise outstanding initiatives, people and venues driving real impact in the aquatic and recreation industry.

The extensive list of nominations follows Belgravia Leisure’s recognitions at the 2025 ARI awards, where the organisation secured five award wins in celebration of helping more people lead active, healthy and connected lives.

Bernice Hay, Area Manager ACT, said:

“I am incredibly proud of our ACT teams who were nominated; it’s a testament to the dedication and hard work that is making a difference in our communities.

“I’m also deeply honoured to be an Award of Excellence finalist, and proud to be recognised alongside such outstanding leaders within the aquatic industry.”

2026 ARI Awards of Excellence finalists

Venue and program finalists:

ACT: Memorial Facility of the Year Award – Stromlo Leisure Centre
ACT: Customer Service Team Award– Gungahlin Leisure Centre
NSW: Seasonal Facility of the Year – Dubbo Aquatic Centre and Dickson Pool
NSW: Social Impact Award– Wollondilly Leisure Centre – Side by Side Employment and Michael Clarke Recreation Centre
NSW: Regional Facility of the Year– Inverell Aquatic Centre
NSW: Diversity & Inclusion Award– Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre
NSW: Innovation & Technology Award – City of Sydney, Online Lane Availability
NSW/ACT: Health Club of the Year– Michael Clarke Recreation Centre, Gungahlin Leisure Centre
NSW/ACT: Marketing & Communications Award – ACT’s ‘MOVE IT Canberra’ campaign and City of Sydney, ‘Swim + Gym for your School’
Safety & Innovation – Belgravia Leisure, Safe Holds & Supportive Techniques

Individual finalists:

ACT: Award of Excellence– Bernice Hay, Area Manager ACT
ACT: Emerging Leader Award – Luke Trindorfer, Operations Manager at Gungahlin Leisure Centre
ACT: Aqua Instructor of the Year Award – Kathy Jarvis, Gungahlin Leisure Centre
NSW/ACT: Lifeguard of the Year:
- Patrick Hua, Michael Wenden Aquatic Leisure Centre
- Emily Gardiner, Gungahlin Leisure Centre
NSW/ACT: Duty Manager of the Year:
- Hunter Harlor, Stromlo Leisure Centre
- Alex Beckerely Martin, Michael Wenden Aquatic Leisure Centre
- Wayne Groenweg, Dickson Pool