New Supervisors Spark Exciting Changes at Tieri Recreation and Aquatic Centre

New Supervisors Spark Exciting Changes at Tieri Recreation and Aquatic Centre

With a new senior team at the helm, 2024 is already shaping up to be a big year for Tieri Recreation and Aquatic Centre.

Long time Tieri resident and Centre-employee, Genna Pfeifer, has been promoted to the role of Gym Supervisor, whilst newcomer Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Casey arrived here in November 2023 to take on the role of Pool Supervisor.

Susan Hickey rounds out the leadership team in her role as 2ic to Genna and overall support for the Centre.

“The three of us have quickly formed a really strong, cohesive unit,” says Genna. “We all have the same vision of what we want to achieve for the pool and gym, and the motivation and strong work ethic to pull that off.”

“We’re lucky to be surrounded by an equally passionate team, including Chantel McLaren, Shari Sewpersad, Meg Angel, Jaqui Walker – who has been with the aquatic centre for a few years now – and two Junior Lifeguards: Shilah Pfeifer and Mia Healy. They are all just as excited as we are about the improvements that have already happened and the plans for the future of the Centre,” adds Charlie.

The catalyst for many of these plans was a much-needed upgrade to the central software system the Centre operates from, which was completed in January.

The new system has meant improvements across both the gym and pool, from a new fob entry system, to making it quicker and easier to enrol new members and renew existing ones, to enabling communication with members via SMS and email.

“The old system was outdated which meant everything took so long to do. It was all disjointed, making it hard to get any consistency,” explains Genna.

“The new system allows things to run much more smoothly, meaning it’s much quicker. We are saving heaps of admin time which frees us up to focus on the member experience, where we can improve and how we can bring new elements into the Centre.”

What new elements?

“Watch this space!” she laughs. “We’re still doing our research and working out what the best options are, but some of the things we’re exploring include new equipment at the gym, the possibility of group training classes, getting a personal trainer in, and adding Water Polo for Adults to the social calendar.”

Charlie adds: “We’ll be running more events and challenges throughout the year too, in the hope of encouraging more people to join in at their local facilities. We kicked this off in January with our Pool Challenge and it’s been great to see an increase in people from Tieri and the surrounding areas come to use the pool and participate in the challenge.”

The Pool Challenge is for the community to swim from Tieri to Brisbane, a distance of around 1,000 kms, depending on where the finish line is. Anyone can join the challenge. You simply log your individual distance and it will be added to the community’s collective efforts.

“Together, Tieri has already swam over 250 kms, which means we’re somewhere around Canarvan,” says Charlie.

“A big shout out to Tracey Ryder who just hit 100 kms, Andrew Montgommery, Amy Scott and Kelly McGrath who have all put in some pretty big kms! Andrew was a big inspiration for this challenge as he’s currently training to swim the English Channel again this year – we’re all with you, Andrew!”

Extended opening hours catches the early birds (or should we say ‘fish’?!)

In an effort to be more accommodating so more people have the opportunity to use the facilities, the team has extended the opening hours.

• Monday – Friday: 4:30am – 5:30pm (lifeguards on duty from 5:30am – 5.30pm)
• Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 11:00am – 6:00pm (lifeguards on duty until 6pm)

Winter opening hours will be announced shortly.

“It’s been great to see people taking advantage of our extended morning opening hours – we’ve definitely seen an increase in membership for both the gym and pool since we extended the hours,” explains Genna.

FREE Kids Club Attracts Mums

The team is also passionate about making the Centre more accessible to Mums in the area, which is why the Kids Club is FREE for kids of any age and open to Mums (or any parent or carer) wanting to use the pool or the gym.

There are two time slots available between Monday to Friday, each one able to accommodate up to 10 children:

• 1st session: 9:00am – 10:30am
• 2nd session: 10:45am – 12:15pm

To book your child in, simply call 4984 8711 or message the team via the Tieri Gym Kids Club Facebook page.

“It’s easy: just book your spot then bring some snacks for the kids and Susan, Chantel, Shari, and Meg will take good care of them whilst you get your workout or swim in,” says Genna. 

“We have a really good group of Mums and bubs at the gym, but we want to spread the word and let other Mums know they don’t have to miss out!”

Keen to join?

Sign up today! There are plenty of different options available depending on your requirements:

Download Price Sheet

If you are interested in running classes or PT sessions at the gym, or know someone who might be suitable, please get in touch with Genna on 07 4987 7700 or at tierigym@glencore.com.au.