<div class="block-wrapper" data-block-id="9305a545-6a0e-4a38-a61f-8cd975a65e95"><p>On Wednesday, 15th October, Hurstville Aquatic and Leisure Centre joined industry leaders, peers, and partners to celebrate outstanding achievements in community recreation at the annual Aquatics &amp; Recreation Institute (ARI) Awards.</p><p>Bringing together department management and support teams, the evening offered a valuable opportunity for networking, reflection, and peer recognition. The spotlight shone brightly on Hurstville, with the facility earning finalist nominations across three major categories:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Lifeguard of the Year:</strong> Rhett Andrew</p></li><li><p><strong>Swim Teacher of the Year:</strong> Casper Lau</p></li><li><p><strong>A.H. Pierce Memorial Facility of the Year:</strong> Hurstville Aquatic and Leisure Centre</p></li></ul><p>Being shortlisted across facility operations, learn-to-swim programming, and overall centre management stands as a proud testament to the dedication, skill, and care delivered by the on-ground team every single day.</p><p>While Hurstville did not take home the category wins, the night was a resounding success for the broader BlueFit family, which secured five major industry awards across Australia. This collective achievement highlights an ongoing commitment to raising benchmarks and delivering high-quality leisure services nationwide.</p><p>The celebration was made even more meaningful by the attendance of Georges River Council representatives, Luke and Margaret, who joined the table to commemorate these shared milestones. Partnering closely with local government stakeholders reinforces a united vision for Hurstville Aquatic and Leisure Centre as it continues to provide vibrant, safe, and community-focused outcomes for the entire Georges River community.</p></div>