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Aqua Energy's $23M upgrade delivers inclusive, accessible facilities for all ages, abilities and support needsWellington Shire's $23 million Aqua Energy redevelopment delivers inclusive, accessible facilities supporting people of all abilities, families, schools and carers, ensuring everyone can safely enjoy aquatic and health-based activities. By news@gippsland - 30th July 2025 - Back to News Wellington Shire Council's $23 million redevelopment was sensitively designed to ensure Aqua Energy is a welcoming facility where everyone in the community can enjoy the day-to-day activities that many people take for granted. 
Aqua Energy's redevelopment is jointly funded by all levels of government and The John Leslie Foundation, with completion expected by September this year Changing places upgradeSupported through the state government's Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Changing Places Fund, the new Changing Places toilet space, located near the hydrotherapy pool, is specifically designed for people with high support needs and their carers to have a safe, hygienic and dignified toilet experience. The Changing Places suite includes a height-adjustable adult-sized change table, a ceiling track hoist system that supports lifting people into aquatic wheelchairs or the open shower, a toilet and privacy screen, generous clearances and an automatic door with a wider opening. The space has passed rigorous testing to ensure it meets specific technical standards. Inclusive change facilitiesOnce opened, it will be registered on the official Changing Places website, allowing those who cannot use standard accessible toilets to locate it easily. The space is exclusively available to certain users via a key card. The Changing Places suite is in addition to four other accessible change rooms. As part of the redevelopment, an accessible changeroom was also added to the gym, as well as a new ramp entry. Adjacent to the kid's pool, a new family-friendly 'Change Village' consists of six individual partitions which allow parents with multiple children or prams to change safely together. The Change Village will give mothers with young sons or fathers with young daughters the option to change without taking their children into the larger public changerooms. Accessible aquatic featuresTo the side of the children's pool is a new accessible zero-depth water play area with fountains and splash pads, allowing young children and individuals with mobility limitations to enjoy indoor water activities safely. The elimination of all internal stairs throughout the pool area creates a single level, universally accessible facility, with ramps into the hydrotherapy and 25 metre pool, and sloped entry into the children's pool. Dedicated school changing rooms were also included in the design, allowing school and water education user groups the opportunity to have their own dedicated changing space, in line with Child Safe Standards. Inclusive aquatic upgradeWellington Shire Council Mayor Councillor Scott Rossetti said everyone deserved the opportunity to enjoy public facilities, regardless of age, ability or mobility. "In Wellington Shire, a significant portion of the population at almost 30% self-report having a disability, with 7.1% requiring assistance with core daily activities." "Aquatic activities offer numerous physical and mental health benefits, including improved mobility, cardio health, rehabilitation support and social connection. This refurbishment will ensure these benefits are available to everyone in our community," Cr Rossetti said. The Aqua Energy Redevelopment project is funded by Wellington Shire Council, the Victorian government through a Changing Places Grant and Local Sports Infrastructure Fund (Sport and Recreation Victoria), the federal government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and local philanthropic trust, The John Leslie Foundation. Construction on the Aqua Energy redevelopment is expected to be completed in September this year. Pictures from Wellington Shire Council Facebook page.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Darren Chester welcomed Community College Gippsland’s new Morwell facility, celebrating its role in empowering students, supporting vocational education, and strengthening Gippsland’s workforce and regional communities. - Applications open for 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program Supporting Local Skills Development until 13 February 2026
Applications are open for the free 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program, helping locals build skills, connect with peers, and positively impact Bass Coast and South Gippsland communities. Apply by February 13. - Darren Chester urges Dicky Bill workers, families to attend Maffra Support and Services Expo on 10 December 2025
Federal Member Darren Chester urges Dicky Bill workers, families to attend Maffra Support & Services Expo December 10 for employment, training, financial, and wellbeing assistance from 20 local exhibitors. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to honour veterans and support the annual poppy appeal this Remembrance Day
Danny O'Brien is urging Gippslanders to honour veterans this Remembrance Day and support the annual Poppy Appeal, helping fund vital services for veterans and their families across the region. - Melina Bath urges communities to honour veterans' families and support Legacy Week fundraising efforts
Melina Bath urges communities to support Legacy Week, honouring veterans' families. Funds raised provide financial, educational and emotional support, continuing Sir Stanley Savige's century-old vision of care, compassion and mateship. - Melina Bath urges East Gippsland cricket clubs, schools and community groups to apply for Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund grants by 27 March 2026
Melina Bath encourages regional cricket clubs, schools, and community groups to apply for Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund grants supporting facility upgrades and inclusive participation opportunities. Applications close 27 March 2026. - East Gippsland Council opens impact grants applications to support local community and environmental projects
East Gippsland Council’s Impact Grants program offers $3,001 - $20,000 to community groups for projects strengthening communities or supporting environmental sustainability, with applications closing 31 October 2025. - South Gippsland immunisation sessions extended with extra times to support community after Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure
Following Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure, immunisation sessions have been extended, offering full-range vaccines for children, adults, pregnant women, and at-risk groups, with extra times available for community bookings. - Darren Chester welcomes nearing completion of $2.2M Ensay Recreation Reserve redevelopment project
Darren Chester welcomed nearing completion of the $2.2 million Ensay Recreation Reserve redevelopment, praising community volunteers. The project delivers modern facilities, boosting sport, tourism, resilience, and connections. - Wedge Performing Arts Centre in Sale to undergo $3.4M redevelopment enhancing accessibility, creativity, and engagement
The Wedge Performing Arts Centre in Sale will undergo a $3.4 million redevelopment, improving accessibility, artistic spaces, technical facilities, and community engagement, ensuring it remains a vibrant regional cultural hub. - Latrobe City Council enhances Seymour Street Car Park safety, lighting, access, and parking experience
Latrobe City Council upgrades Seymour Street Car Park with improved lighting, safety measures, CCTV, and future real-time signage, ensuring accessible, secure all-day parking and enhanced confidence for CBD workers and visitors. - Latrobe Health Assembly to continue, thanks to strong community support and new independent, community-owned future
Defunded in the 2025 State Budget, the Latrobe Health Assembly will continue as a leaner, community-owned organisation tackling local health and wellbeing challenges through collaboration and grassroots leadership. - Bass Coast Council adopts 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to support responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, promoting responsible pet ownership, wildlife protection, and safer shared spaces shaped by extensive community consultation and environmental stewardship goals. - Gippsland's diverse landscapes and bold winemakers offering flavours as varied and unforgettable as the region itself
From wild coastlines to rugged ranges, Gippsland delivers bold landscapes and diverse wines. At Eat Drink Play Gippsland, explore unique flavours, passionate winemakers, and stories bottled across this Switzerland-sized wine region. - Darren Chester backs Stratford runner's 300 km charity challenge supporting free 3D hands in Sale
Stratford ultra-runner Chris Dixon will run 300 km in Sale to raise $50,000 for Free 3D Hands, supported by Darren Chester and local runners backing the inspiring community event. - Darren Chester celebrates completion of $2M Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve redevelopment ahead of grand final
Darren Chester welcomed the $2 million Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve redevelopment, delivering modern facilities, improved amenities, and new courts, officially opening September 6 as the community hosts its first grand final in 25 years.
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