Peninsula Leisure has announced the appointment of a new CEO to spearhead the successful operation of Frankston City Council’s much loved aquatic facilities, Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (PARC) and Pines Forest Aquatic Centre.

Katherine Thom, an experienced and senior leader who has made significant contributions within the aquatics, recreation and leisure sector for the past 20 years, was appointed to the role by the Peninsula Leisure Pty Ltd Board after an extensive national recruitment process.

Peninsula Leisure Board Chair, Julie Busch, said that Ms Thom’s experience leading multi-disciplinary workforces within complex and fast-paced environments was the perfect fit for the company, particularly as it builds back up from its COVID closure last year.

“The Board and I were extremely impressed with Katherine’s industry knowledge and enthusiasm for creating, building and maintaining constructive workplace culture coupled with her strong track record of delivering positive outcomes for councils, communities and not-for-profit organisations.

“Katherine has successfully managed large teams, facilities and programming in both NSW and Victoria and applies a long-term, systems-thinking approach to her work which sits alongside her strong passion and commitment for improving the industry and health outcomes for all of our community,” Ms Busch added.

Ms Thom has previously worked for City of Yarra (Yarra Leisure), Life Saving Victoria and Royal Life Saving Society. She has also been a Non-Executive Director for AUSTSWIM for the past two years, is Chair of the AUSTSWIM Advisory Committee in Victoria and was a key member of last year’s Victorian Aquatic Industry Alliance (VAIA), advocating for the safe re-opening of the industry.

Peninsula Leisure Pty Ltd is a subsidiary company wholly owned by Council and charged with the management of PARC and Pines Forest Aquatic Centre.

Frankston City Council CEO, Phil Cantillon, said: “We’re looking forward to working with Katherine and believe she will be a great asset to the Peninsula Leisure team.

“Her expertise and reputation within the industry was notably what made her a stand out candidate. We wish her all the best with the role,” Mr Cantillon said.

Ms Thom has contributed to panels, workshops and working groups within aquatics, recreation, lifesaving and Local Government for many years. She has also grown a strong professional network that connects to the grass roots of the industry.

Ms Thom added: “I’m greatly looking forward to the opportunity to work with such a strong and dynamic team at Peninsula Leisure and to build on the successes of both facilities for Frankston and surrounding communities.”

Peninsula Leisure is committed to providing quality sports, recreation and leisure products and services with a focus on community engagement and innovation alongside a reputation for delivering exceptional service.