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Wellington Shire Council reopens $23M redeveloped Aqua Energy Leisure Centre, providing inclusive, modern and wellness facilities

Wellington Shire Council has reopened the redeveloped $23 million Aqua Energy Leisure Centre in Sale, featuring inclusive aquatic, fitness, and wellness facilities, modern amenities, and accessible spaces for the whole community.

By news@gippsland - 7th October 2025 - Back to News

Wellington Shire Council has reopened the doors to its redeveloped Aqua Energy Leisure Centre in Sale, following the completion of a $23 million transformation that has redefined one of the region’s most cherished community facilities.

Wellington Shire Council reopens redeveloped $23 million Aqua Energy Leisure Centre, offering inclusive aquatic, fitness, wellness facilities, seven-lane pool, zero-depth play area, 24-hour gym, sauna, and accessible change rooms

Inclusive aquatic transformation

The two-year project delivered a more inclusive and sustainable aquatic and fitness facility, with features including:

• Brand-new seven-lane 25-metre indoor pool
• Zero-depth water play area
• 24-hour gym
• Modern sauna and wellness room
• Improved change facilities, including a family ‘Change Village’, dedicated schools changerooms and Changing Places amenities
• Dedicated Learn to Swim office and new viewing platforms
• Cutting-edge air treatment system
• Fully accessible single-level pool deck for universal access

"This wasn’t just an upgrade; it’s a transformation of one of our most loved community facilities into a space where everyone can swim, train, play, recover and connect. We’ve created a space that welcomes everyone - regardless of age, ability or background. For me, I’m particularly overjoyed at what this means for the next generation. Thanks to this $23 million redevelopment, Aqua Energy is ready for a whole new generation of memories," said Mayor Scott Rossetti during the opening.

Project funding partners

Cr Rossetti acknowledged the many partners who made the project possible, including:

• John Leslie Foundation, which contributed $950,000
• Victorian government, which provided $2 million from the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, $10 million from the Community Sports Infrastructure Loan Scheme, and $180,000 through the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing’s Changing Places Program; and
• Federal government, which contributed $3.16 million through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program

The remainder of the project was funded by Wellington Shire Council.

Community fitness hub

Cr Rossetti also extended his thanks to the project delivery team, consisting of Council’s own projects team, Haskell Architects and Brooker Builders, as well as the Leisure Services team for their resilience and juggling service disruptions.

"To our passionate residents: this is your space," he said. "A space to work out, to swim, to play, to rehabilitate, to practice wellness, to feel welcome and to thrive. You’ve been patient while we got this done, and today is your reward. This centre belongs to you. Let’s all dive in, enjoy and create some new memories here at the redeveloped Aqua Energy."

Aqua centre upgraded

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh, who helped open the facility, was thrilled to see the finished refurbishment. "This is a fantastic upgrade for generations to come in Sale and surrounds, and I'm pleased it's been so well supported by all levels of government. Congratulations to the team on delivering an excellent accessible facility for the whole community."

A family fun day is scheduled for Sunday 19 October from 8am until 5pm, with free entry, come and try group fitness classes, Swim School fun and games, activities in the outdoor pool space and membership and visit pass deals. There will also be a free sausage sizzle between 12pm and 1pm.

The brand-new Aqua Energy website is now live, designed to make your experience easier. To plan your next swim, workout or family visit, see Aqua Energy Leisure Centre website. Aqua Energy is offering expanded memberships to include wellness amenities. For more information on memberships, visit Aqua Energy in person or phone 5142 3700.

Pictures from Wellington Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Latrobe City Council has opened expressions of interest for an organisation to establish an ongoing residency at Moe Town Hall, delivering regular arts, cultural and community activities while keeping the venue accessible.
• Live and Loud at GPAC brings AFL Grand Final action, family fun and entertainment to Traralgon on 26 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host Live and Loud at GPAC on September 26, featuring family activities, entertainment, a ticketed musical-acrobat performance and free live screening of the 2026 AFL Grand Final.
• Latrobe City extends Phoenix partnership, securing NBL matches and delivering sporting, community and economic benefits
  Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits.
• Latrobe City opens nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame honours, nominate by 11 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame, recognising outstanding community contributors and sporting achievers. Entries close September 11, 2026.
• Latrobe City launches Forestree platform showcasing 63,000 public trees across urban and rural townships
  Latrobe City Council has launched Forestree, an interactive platform showcasing more than 63,000 public trees, 600 species and ongoing tree planting, watering and maintenance efforts.
• Mirboo North stadium funding still awaited after decade of community campaigning for modern sporting facility
  Mirboo North continues seeking funding for a new stadium after more than a decade of campaigning. Danny O’Brien is urging the Education Minister to support redevelopment.
• East Gippsland outdoor venues prepare for summer with school holiday activities, swimming programs and swim teacher opportunities
  East Gippsland outdoor facilities are preparing for summer, with Orbost Pool opening early, seasonal swimming programs returning, Aqua Run activities planned and Council recruiting and training new swim teachers.
• Gippsland secures $288M country roads and bridges commitment under national government
  The Nationals will restore the Country Roads and Bridges Program, providing Victoria's 48 regional councils $1.5 million annually for four years to repair roads, bridges and local infrastructure.