Focus on community at WSAC
Published on 14 April 2021
Experienced leader Penny Hargrave will bring a renewed focus on community in her new role over the coming year.
Ms Hargrave has been appointed to the role of Wangaratta Sports and Events Precinct Manager for the next 12 months.
It comes after former manager Chloe Davies oversaw the transition from YMCA to Council management of the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Ms Hargrave was the inaugural manager of the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre and has extensive private sector experience including leading Brown Brothers’ Guest Services team from 2002 to 2008, the WPACC team from 2009 and previously Food & Beverage Management & Hotel Sales for Southern Pacific Corporation and InterContinental Hotels Group.
As an added bonus Ms Hargrave has worked as a fitness instructor at the centre for the past 19 years so is a familiar face to staff and members.
She said she was focused on building community enjoyment at the WSAC.
“My focus is on enabling more people to be more active more often and to be fit and healthy to be able to enjoy life and all that it brings. After all that is what is important,” she said.
“The centre is really coming to life at the moment, as new and existing members and user groups are able to make the most of the facilities now there are very few Covid-safe rules in place.
“Over the past few weeks we’ve been able to re-open the café and get swimming lessons back up and running.
“Pleasingly, we’ve also seen a return of community-focused fundraisers, with the first taking place on Saturday 17 April when a Mega Aqua Class will raise money for Give Wangaratta.
Ms Hargrave said the focus on community was what made the WSAC special.
“There are some amazing staff and members here at the WSAC,” she said.
“Nothing gives me more joy than seeing someone achieve their goals – whether it’s in a fitness class, the gym, one of our pools, or other facilities.
“If you haven’t visited the WSAC for a while I encourage you to come along and join in.”