Excitement was in the air at the official grand reopening of the newly upgraded Galston Aquatic and Leisure Centre (GALC) last Saturday, 3rd February.
Representing The Hon Stephen Kamper MP, Minister for Sport, Hornsby Shire Councillor Janelle McIntosh was joined by Hornsby Shire Mayor The Hon Philip Ruddock AO and Member for Hornsby Matt Kean MP at GALC for a ribbon-cutting and an official unveiling of the Centre’s new features and accessibility improvements, designed to enhance the facility and extend its life for many more years of use by local swimmers.
Delivered with support from the NSW Government through a Greater Cities Sport Facility Fund grant, the refurbishments to GALC included the installation of a new roof and the addition of a large, family changing room as well as a multi-purpose changing area equipped with hoists and adult changing tables – greatly improving accessibility for people with disability or undergoing rehabilitation.
In addition to functional improvements, a modernisation of the Centre’s aesthetics makes for a more comfortable, family-friendly environment suitable for the diverse needs of the surrounding community, from the learn-to-swim families, attendees of the popular aqua fitness classes as well as squad training and events for local swimming groups.
“It was an honour to cut this ribbon today and reopen the doors to such a treasured community asset in Galston. The Galston Aquatic and Leisure Centre is an important amenity of the area and crucial for our local children to learn to swim and be pool-safe,” said Hornsby Shire Mayor The Hon Philip Ruddock AO.
“The improvements to change rooms and enhanced accessibility are simply essential to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and safe at our pools, whether they’re learning to swim or swimming for fitness or leisure. Who knows, they could be Hornsby Shire’s next swimming Olympian!”
Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, said projects like these show the Government’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that meets the current and future needs of the community.
“Projects such as these show the vital role that sporting infrastructure plays in keeping communities healthy, active and connected by providing a place for people of all ages and abilities to swim for fun, fitness or their Olympic aspirations.”
Councillor Janelle McIntosh was buoyed by the accessibility improvements she experienced at the centre.
“As a Councillor, I am passionate about representing and supporting our residents living with disability along with seniors in our community.
The upgrades ensure that the facility is accessible for all. I am delighted and proud that their needs, and those of their families and carers, have been considered and addressed through these upgrades so they too can enjoy the health benefits of swimming.”
