Monash Memo - 1 August 2001

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Partnership in strength and fitness

A joint partnership between Monash University and the Latrobe City Council will see a significant facelift to the Monash Churchill Leisure Centre opposite the Gippsland campus.

Improvements to the pool and other sporting facilities within the complex, owned by the council, will take place as part of a general upgrade of facilities aimed at increasing public and student membership.

While the existing three-year lease arrangement is likely to continue, the joint partnership arrangement takes the association between Monash and the council one step further.

Sports and Recreation Association director Mr James Voght said the university was keen to build on its existing relationship with Latrobe City.

"We are eager to promote the use of these facilities to both students and residents and to help guarantee the comfort and safety of all users," Mr Voght said.

Latrobe City Mayor Cr Brendan Jenkins described the announcement as a win-win situation for both the university and council.

"Having a leisure centre on the doorstep of a world-class university is an important additional attraction for students, who in this case are able to participate in a wide range of activities that would not otherwise be readily available," Cr Jenkins said.

"Additionally, Latrobe's citizens greatly benefit from the expertise of the Monash Sports and Recreation Association, which oversees the day-to-day operations of the centre on behalf of council."

The move comes as the university introduced the new centre manager, Mr Rob Paterson, who has previously worked as an administrator for the Victorian Institute of Sport.

Mr Voght said Mr Paterson brought a wealth of knowledge and experience from the recreation industry to Monash.

"As well as working at the Institute of Sport, Rob has managed the Feel Good Fitness Centre in Albury and worked as the strength and conditioning coach for the Port Melbourne Football Club," Mr Voght said.

Mr Paterson's sporting interest include Australian Rules, triathlon, swimming, cycling and strength and conditioning.

Caption: (From left) Latrobe City Council mayor Cr Brendan Jenkins, Monash Churchill Leisure Centre manager Mr Rob Paterson and Monash Sports and Recreation Association director Mr James Voght.