Melbourne City Baths (MCB) is continuing to lead the fitness industry, taking out the Fitness Centre of the Year Award at the recent Fitness Victoria 2008 Industry Awards. The centre was also a finalist at the Australian Fitness Centre of the Year Awards, held in Sydney in April. Managed by Melbourne City Council, the City Baths facility comprises the largest swimming pool in the CBD area, along with a state of the art gymnasium and cardio studio.
The centre promotes the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and provides a range of opportunities to enhance the health, fitness and wellbeing of people who work, live, study in and visit the City of Melbourne.
The Fitness Centre of the Year Award was awarded to the City Baths for its outstanding customer service, excellent professional development opportunities for staff, excellence in business management, and for its contribution to the development of the fitness industry. It competed against all fitness centres in Victoria, including other Local Government facilities, YMCAs and private sector facilities.
Lord Mayor John So said that MCB best met, and in some instances exceeded, the awards criteria.
“This marvellous result demonstrates the hard work and effort that has been put in over the last year by City of Melbourne staff,” he said. “The award recognises MCB as the leader in its field.”
MCB Operations Team Leader, Sahil Bhasin, said MCB’s focus on customer service is extensive in all facets of the facility. He said close attention is paid to all customer needs, from clean change rooms and an abundance of equipment, to comprehensive and professional advice from staff.
“We go a step further in the services we provide, offering our members the opportunity to participate in complimentary members seminars on topics such as back care, nutrition and motivation, as well as up to 12 sessions with a personal trainer each year,” Sahil Bhasin said. “We also offer the opportunity to forge friendships for life through activities such as footy tipping competitions, fun runs and member breakfasts.”
The centre is also strongly committed to the ongoing development of its staff.
“Staff participate in an annual Performance and Development Review Process, 50 per cent of which is allocated to agreed performance objectives,” Sahil Bhasin said. “The other 50 per cent is allocated to the organisational values of courage, excellence, respect and integrity. This process assists staff in identifying areas of strength in their performance and areas in need of support and further development.”
Sahil Bhasin said all MCB staff have access to an extensive calendar of learning activities provided through Council’s Corporate Learning and Development program.
“In addition, staff are supported in undergoing additional role specific training for their work areas,” he said. “For example, in 2007 a number of facility staff participated in the AquaRec conference, Russian Kettle Bell training workshop and Impact Sales Training, just to name a few. Impact Sales Training provides management with a better understanding of their sales team and sales systems, and also teaches participants up to date sales and management techniques.
“We also encourage staff to extend their skills and training to allow divergence from their specific roles. Leisure service officers and personal trainers have the opportunity to undergo additional training to work as duty managers, which can lead to greater ongoing workplace responsibilities, business and management experience.”
For further information on the awards or MCB contact Mark Jones, Manager MCB, on (03) 9663 5888.
