Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre takes triple award win

The Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre (AFAC) took home their third major award since August, on Friday 11 October 2024.

AFAC won the Quality Accredited Business of the Year – Ausactive, naming them the best recreation centre in Australia for AUSactive. AUSactive is recognised by the Federal Government as the peak body for fitness accreditation and education in Australia.

The Quality Accredited Business award is the highest award a business can achieve within the fitness industry from AUSactive. This award can only be won when a facility becomes accredited or after three years when the business is required to re-complete their accreditation. To gain accreditation, businesses must demonstrate their commitment to industry best practices and principles, which are elements of the AUSactive National Quality Business Framework.

The business with the highest marked score in 2023 – 2024, assessed by Global Mark and endorsed by AUSactive’s Standards Council and Board, saw AFAC take the win. This prestigious award is a shining example of the entire teams adherence to industry best practices and their commitment to every single member that comes through their doors.

A second award saw AFAC’s Rachel Morgan win the 2024 Swim Teacher of the Year in September 2024 by Royal Life Saving WA. The Swim Teacher of the Year Award is a prestigious opportunity to recognize and celebrate the dedication, passion, and professionalism of outstanding swim instructors.

With over 17 years of experience in competitive and open water swimming, Rachel's passion for the sport has been the driving force behind her successful career as a swimming instructor. 

This deep-rooted enthusiasm shines through in every lesson, where she creates a supportive and encouraging environment, ensuring that each student leaves feeling valued and respected. Her natural ability to engage, motivate, and inspire makes her an exceptional teacher.

Her dedication to inclusivity is especially evident in her work with Active Abilities students, guiding individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions with respect, sensitivity, and care. She extends the same level of attention to multicultural adults, fostering an inclusive and respectful learning atmosphere that builds trust.

Beyond her teaching roles, Rachel actively participates in community initiatives. Her involvement in events such as the Starlight Super Swim and Royal Life Saving’s ‘Don’t Drink and Drown’ campaign highlights her commitment to promoting water safety and engaging with the broader community.

If that isn’t enough, AFAC was awarded SwimSAFER Award of Excellence 2024 by SWIM Australia for the second year in a row. Recognised for its outstanding commitment to water safety and community engagement. SWIM Australia has over 50,000 members and more than 600 swim school registrations across the nation.

Since opening in 2019, AFAC Swim School has grown from 700 to over 3,900 students by March 2024. In 2023 and 2024, AFAC was as the WA Ambassador for SWIM Australia in water safety awareness.

AFAC’s Swim School integrates themed Safety Weeks into its curriculum, reaching thousands of children and adults throughout the year. Collaborations with community, businesses and local educators ensure tailored, interactive lessons that teach vital water safety skills. In addition, AFAC runs dedicated programs for multicultural communities, ensuring water safety education reaches all demographics. The Swim School’s social media campaigns also extend their SWIMSAFER message to a wider audience, encouraging water safety practices at home, on beaches, and in community pools.

Mayor Ruth Butterfield said: “Congratulations to the team at AFAC for this impressive list of recent award wins. Water safety is important year-round, and as the weather gets warmer, it becomes even more critical. Swim School is a great way for all ages, levels and abilities to ensure they are learning the skills to increase their awareness and competence in and around the water.”

For more information you can visit the AFAC website.