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Peninsula Leisure appoints new CEO

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.

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Dive into swimming lessons and water safety! 🏊‍♀️ 

Enrol in a PARC Swim Start in-water assessment in time for term 4. 

Our PARC Swim Start in-water assessments allow you to: 

- Experience our PARC Swim program before your first lesson 
- Familiarise yourself with our pools and qualified teachers 
- Ensure your child (or you as an adult learner) is placed in the correct level for age and skill level 
- Secure the right time and day for your lesson, to suit your schedule 
- Enjoy specialised sign up directly with the PARC Swim Team 

To book into a PARC Swim Start call our friendly team on 9781 8444 or talk to our friendly team in Centre. 

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Splash Island is almost here. 💦 

Splash Islands returns next Monday 22 September as a part of the PARC County Fair School holiday program. 

Our lifeguards have been training “hard” to ensure that Splash Island meets the minimum excitement and fun levels. We can safely say that is passes with flying colours. 

Bookings open this Friday so make you reserve your spot. 

For more information on our upcoming school holiday program please see our blog via the link in bio.

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From Member to Motivator 🚲 

9 years ago, Laura went from being a dedicated member at PARC to leading from the front as a Group Exercise instructor. 💪 

Every Saturday morning, you’ll find her running The Trip, delivering energy and motivation with a smile that keeps our members coming back week after week. 

Join Laura for Les Mills the Trip at 9.25am every Saturday. We hope to see you there. 

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🎪 Roll up, Roll up! It’s the PARC County Fair 🎪 
 
These school holidays we’ve planned the best party on the Peninsula, with hours of activities and entertainment kids of all ages will enjoy. 
 
🤩 Our inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island (bookings essential) 
☀️ Rafter waterslides 
💦 Aquatic Playground 
😎 Scavenger hunt 
🎈 Balloon entertainment and face painting 
🎪 Carnival games 
🙌 Prizes and giveaways 
 
Our PARC County Fair school holiday program will run from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Visit our website to learn more about pricing and booking information via the link in bio.

#PARCFrankston #PARCCountyFair #SchoolHolidays #thingstodofrankston #SplashIsland #Games #Fun
Father’s Day Gift Hampers 🎁 

Spoil your dad or special person this Father’s Day with a PARC Hamper. 

Hamper includes a PARC hoodie, towel, drink bottle, cap and resistance band. 

Come in Centre and grab yours today. 

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