The Splashez Aquatic Centre has a new face – Manager Matt Kelly, who started when the Centre restarted its operations in late October.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mayor Joyce McCulloch said she was pleased to have Mr Kelly on board as the new manager of Splashez and looked forward to seeing the facility thrive under his leadership.
Mr Kelly is originally from Brisbane and has a background as a plumber, but is also a qualified pool lifeguard, having previously worked as a surf lifesaver for four years with the Dicky Beach Surf Club on the Sunshine Coast.
He started out at Mount Isa City Council by carrying out some plumbing work, as well as working as a lifeguard at Splashez, and the opportunity eventually came up to manage the Aquatic Centre.
Mr Kelly thanked members of the public for their understanding and patience while the renovation work at Splashez took place, as well as for their positive and constructive feedback since the facility reopened.
While the Centre had a “soft” reopening on October 25 – coinciding with Mr Kelly’s first day in his new role – the facility will host an official reopening when all works are complete, with free entry, games and entertainment.
“We’re really happy with how it’s all going,” Mr Kelly said.
He said he was looking forward to the new kiosk being completed and operational later this year.
“We’ve had good use on the barbecues as well, so it’s been a really big winner for the pool. Families have been coming in and utilising that.”
“They can watch the kids play, or go for a swim if they want,” he said.
A new electronic clock has been placed over the canteen, to replace the aging analogue clock at the southern end of the swimming pool.