Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre

Artist impression of the front entry to the Wulanda Convention and Recreation Centre

UPDATE: Facility opening December 2022

For over 30 years there have been community discussions about the need for an indoor aquatic centre and more recent discussions have incorporated other indoor sporting facilities into the conversation.

The Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre is a multi-purpose facility designed to be a community space, with facilities and activities for all ages and abilities including children, families, youth, community groups, recreational and organised sports and those with special needs.

This development will provide substantial year round indoor facilities, addressing many community needs both now and for future generations to come.

The Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre will increase the ability for Mount Gambier to host major sporting competitions, conferences, events and performances providing significant social and economic benefits.

Council has committed to work alongside our community to ensure that this development fulfils the needs and aspirations of all potential users.

Find out more about this exciting project by:

following the progress through the project updates
watching the Community Videos
reading through the FAQ's
viewing the detailed design
asking us a question using the Q&A section

UPDATE: Facility opening December 2022

This development will provide substantial year round indoor facilities, addressing many community needs both now and for future generations to come.

Council has committed to work alongside our community to ensure that this development fulfils the needs and aspirations of all potential users.

Find out more about this exciting project by:

following the progress through the project updates
watching the Community Videos
reading through the FAQ's
viewing the detailed design
asking us a question using the Q&A section

Mayor responds to survey comments

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City of Mount Gambier Mayor Andrew Lee has moved to respond to commentary about the cost of a survey for the proposed Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre and how it should be administered throughout the community.

At a meeting this week, Council resolved the timing for an elector survey on the proposed facility after the Local Government Elections in November.

“This proposal is the largest single infrastructure project in the city’s history and it has always been Council’s intention to conduct an extensive engagement process to identify the level of support or otherwise, once all the facts and costings are available to ensure the community is able to make an informed decision,” Mayor Lee said.

The survey will be distributed to 19,270 people on the Electoral Roll which includes both ratepayers and non-ratepayers.

To do this independently, Council endorsed an estimated budget of $65,000 from the 2018/19 forecast operating surplus to engage external specialist support to conduct the survey.

“Council must gauge community opinion through a formal and credible process. It’s not as simple as asking a question or conducting a poll on a social media website like Facebook which anyone could respond to, or even using an email program like Survey Monkey which also has limitations as not all electors have an email address,” Mayor Andrew Lee said.

“We are also unable to conduct the survey as part of the November Local Government Elections run by the Electoral Commission as the notices have already been issued. Council is currently developing plans, documentation and analysis on the project and therefore did not have the information available in time for Electoral Commission lead times.”

The Mayor said it was vital to engage a professional company to administer the survey to ensure the community can be satisfied that the process was independent when the results are collated and released.
In the meantime, Council continues to develop concept plans, documentation, financial analysis and cost estimates to inform the community about the operating costs of the proposed project.
Take a look at the information available on this page and provide your feedback via the "Have Your Say" forum, ask a question in the Q&A section or directly contact the team, listed in the "Who's listening" section on the right.
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Sport and Rec survey to be held after elections

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At its August Council meeting, City of Mount Gambier resolved to conduct an elector survey on the proposed Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre after the Local Government Elections in November.
During an election period, Council moves into a caretaker period to avoid actions and decisions which could, or could be perceived as intended to influence voters, or otherwise have a significant impact on the incoming Council.
“Consistent with our caretaker policy, Council will go into a caretaker period from 4 September until mid-November 2018, which means that a comprehensive elector survey about the proposed facility will be held as soon as practicable after the election in November,” City of Mount Gambier Mayor Andrew Lee said.
“Importantly, electors comprise those on the Electoral Roll which includes both ratepayers and non-ratepayers as it does for Local Government Elections.”
In the meantime, Council will continue to develop concept plans, documentation, financial analysis and cost estimates to inform the community about the operating costs of the proposed project.
“Council has endorsed an estimated budget of $65,000 from the 2018/19 forecast operating surplus which includes the engagement of external specialist support to conduct the survey.”
The proposed facility will not proceed without community support and external grant funding. Council is seeking $20million in funding from the Federal Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF). The State Government will be requested to provide $10million and Council will contribute up to $10million to the project, but only if the community decides that it is in favour of the facility.
The Community Reference Group (CRG) representing local schools, swim clubs, allied health care providers, sporting/recreation club representatives and other community groups to inform the design of the facility will go into recess for the duration of the election period.
“Before caretaker period commences, Architects Design Inc Adelaide and CO-OP Studio Melbourne will be in Mount Gambier on Tuesday 28 August and Monday 3 September to meet with the CRG to discuss the concept, building plans, sports court surfaces and metrics, provide updated floor plans, 3D images of the proposed building and pool plant options.”
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Help us to determine the operating costs by providing your input into the design....

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The City of Mount Gambier is developing a project proposal for the Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre (MGRSRC), an all-weather aquatic, sports and recreation facility.

As part of this process we are working with the community to identify ways the facility can fulfill our communities interests and aspirations, including the delivery of both cultural and sporting activity at the site. This information will be invaluable in ascertaining how such a facility can be used, the design elements required and the financial implications in its delivery.

Here is some of the input we have received so far:

Music and culture think tank
13 August
- Engineered sound and lighting provisions
- Access to three phase power
- Fit for purpose stage
- Green rooms
- Loading access
- Flexible lighting options
- Performance standard accoustics
- Robust and durable flooring
Community Reference Group
7 August 2018
- large group access points
- Flow between indoor and outdoor spaces
- Interactive displays and galleries
- Function space - size and use
- Alternative onsite location of cafe
- Parking
- A central and visible creche
- Disability access
- Storage and office space
- Flexibility to cater for multiple sports
Business Feedback
"The proposed facility could be just what we need moving forward as we require access to a large central space in town with good kitchen facilities to continue to jost major events such as our biennial trade show which attracts more then 500 visitors, suppliers and industry representative." Jo Morris, The Distributors Mt Gambier

Workshops with young children
9-13 August 2018
- Aniaml themeed play equipment
- Water mushrooms
- Big splashpad
- Inclusion of small slides
- Things to climb
- Ample space to play with family and friends
- Inflatable and temporary installations
- Colourful, bright and fun
Help us to determine the operating costs by providing your input into the design.
View the draft concept plan and provide your input via the "Have Your Say" forum, directly to a member of the Community Reference Group, email city@mountgambier.sa.gov.au(External link) or contact a member of our team listed in the "Who's Listening" section (bottom right).
Have your say on the sport and rec centre design

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The community is encouraged to have their say in the design engagement stage of the proposed Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre.

Architects DesignInc Adelaide and CO-OP Studio Melbourne are working on the internal concept design with community input to explore multiple uses for the facility.

“The Community Reference Group (CRG) has already provided its first round of feedback to the architects. The group represents local schools, swim clubs, allied health care providers, sporting/recreation club representatives and other community groups,” City of Mount Gambier Mayor Andrew Lee said.

Council continues to engage with a broad range of stakeholders in developing the design and functionality of the proposed centre.

“Council has met with various community groups in recent weeks, but we also want the wider community to participate in the design engagement stage."

"Your comments and feedback are important, as input from the community regarding the use, purpose and design is the information that will determine the operating costs that both Council and the community are keen to know."

The proposed project will not proceed without external grant funding and community support. Council is seeking $20million in funding from the Federal Government’s Regional Growth Fund. The State Government will need to provide $10million and Council will contribute up to $10million to this project, but only if the community decides that it is in favour of the facility.

“It’s important to remember that at this stage the facility is not a done deal. Community consultation will continue throughout the entire process and we will know more about operational costs in September.”

The City of Mount Gambier is yet to hear whether or not its submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) for funding under the Federal Government’s Regional Growth (RGF) for the proposed facility has been successful.

“We’re waiting to hear of any news, but in the meantime we are moving forward with designs to ensure that if we are successful in receiving an invitation to submit an application for the second stage of the funding application, that this major project will be shovel ready,” City of Mount Gambier Mayor Andrew Lee said.
View the draft concept plan and provide your input via the "Have Your Say" forum, directly to a member of the Community Reference Group, email city@mountgambier.sa.gov.au or contact a member of our team listed in the "Who's Listening" section (bottom right).

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Council and CRG meet with architects

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The Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre Committee and the Community Reference Group (CRG) met with architects at the Civic Centre on 7 August to inform planning for second stage designs for the project funding proposal.
DesignInc Adelaide and architectural partner CO-OP Studio Melbourne shared their project vision to design a high quality facility that reflects the character of the Limestone Coast.
“The architects outlined their aim to design a facility that caters for the physical, cultural and inter-generational needs of our community. They will seek a sustainable outcome which balances competing social, economic and environmental factors and incorporates adaptable spaces to facilitate the diverse and changing needs of the community,” City of Mount Gambier Mayor Andrew Lee said.
Twelve members of the CRG were present to provide their feedback at the meeting, representing local schools, swim clubs, allied health care providers, sporting/recreation club representatives and other community groups.
Elected Members and the CRG collaborated to provide their thoughts on what the proposed community facility should incorporate.
"Some key themes emerged throughout our discussions including safety, child protection and a central and visible crèche" Mayor Andrew Lee
“Further specific needs were identified for school groups and those in our community with access issues.”
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Swimmers cross fingers and toes for indoor pool

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Blue Lake Y and Mount Gambier Swimming Clubs returned from Portland this week more enthusiastic than ever about the proposed Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre after participating in highly ranked swimming clinics at the Portland Leisure and Aquatic Centre with former Swimming Australia head coach Leigh Nugent.

Forty swimmers took part in the clinics with a focus on refining all aspects of stroke technique, dives and turns. Earlier this month, local swimmers also attended Gold Class Swim Clinics in Geelong and the State Short Course Swimming Championships in Adelaide.

“It is really disappointing that we could not hold the state clinic in Mount Gambier but our city just doesn’t have the facilities to cater for such an event,” Mount Gambier Swimming Club Coach Julie Moran said.

Talented local swimmers selected to represent the state in school swimming during the past few years have had limited pool access and restricted training in the lead up to national events. This year, swimmers travelled over the border to use Portland’s pool during winter for intensive training sessions in the lead up to State Short Course Swimming Championships.

“Regular trips over the border in the past month have really highlighted the need for an indoor pool in our local community.”

The swimming coach said that while the clubs are grateful to train at Swimskool in Mount Gambier during the winter months, swimmers are disadvantaged because they are not able to practice all of the necessary skills required to compete at swim meets.

Both clubs agree that the indoor 25 metre heated pool proposed as part of the Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre would adequately cater to training needs and provide an opportunity for clubs to host major carnivals, generate tourism and create economic benefit within the region.

“We love the idea that one day we might be able to host our own winter inter-district and cross border swim meets to bring swimmers and their families to our region.”

“With the current 50 metre pool at Olympic Park and the addition of the proposed 25 metre indoor pool as part of the centre, there would always be a pool open for public swimming in Mount Gambier, unlike when we currently host the South East Swimming Association summer carnivals. Even Adelaide clubs have welcomed the proposal and have indicated that they would consider running training camps in Mount Gambier.”

“The proposed sporting facility will provide benefits to many sporting groups incorporated within the plan and the dry area will be fantastic to help offset the running expenses of the pool.”

Mrs Moran and Blue Lake Y Swim Club counterpart Jamie MacDonald are members of the Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre Community Reference Group (CRG), which plays an important role in representing the community by providing input into the design, functionality and operations of the proposed community centre to ensure current and future needs of potential users are considered.

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Mayor responds to Sport and Rec Centre comments

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I wish to respond to recent commentary surrounding the proposed Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre.

This issue has been a talking point within the community for more than 30 years. It arose in the public arena once again in March this year, when Council was encouraged by the Federal Member for Barker, Mr Tony Pasin MP as the driving force, to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a major proportion of the proposal’s funds as part of the Federal Government’s Regional Growth Fund.

I would like to thank Mr Pasin for his enthusiasm and support in organising and facilitating a public meeting on Wednesday 21 March 2018, called to discuss the possibility of a regional indoor sport and recreation facility, with Mr Pasin even paying for the hire of the venue.

This enthusiasm was buoyed when over 300 community members attended the public meeting, and also by the receipt of a petition to Council with more than 10,000 signatures in favour of the concept. The petition was presented at a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday 24 April 2018. Following the strong show of community support, Council endorsed the submission of the EOI at that meeting, noting the very short timeframe for delivery of submission by Friday 27 April 2018.

It is the responsibility of Council to provide accurate information and we are now working through the process of design, costing and financial modelling to meet the grant documentation requirements for the Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre. The centre will provide a community hub and incorporate other multipurpose activity spaces for youth and community use. We are committed to the development of a funding proposal that is shovel ready and the preparation of accurate and detailed information is essential to assist in making an informed decision. As we have previously indicated, once this process has been completed and Council has assessed the operational costs against the long term financial plan, an extensive engagement process will be undertaken with the community to assist them in making an informed decision regarding the proposal.

This proposal is the largest single infrastructure project in the city’s history and will provide us with a multipurpose sport, recreation and community facility for use well into the future. It has always been Council’s intention to conduct an extensive engagement process to identify the level of support or otherwise within the community.

State and Federal Government sources are being asked to contribute $30million to the project, while Council may contribute up to $10million. The proposed State and Federal Government funding is specific to regional growth – if our submission is successful the funding must be used for the project which has been presented. If our submission is unsuccessful in this round of funding, the project will not go ahead and the $30million will be allocated to another project in another region.

The majority of people I have spoken to personally are in support of the proposal. Graham Greenwood included a footnote in his comment published in The Border Watch on Friday 13 July 2018 calling on those who wish to contact me and other Elected Members to express their views on the indoor sports centre and request a ratepayer's poll. Mr Greenwood’s request has not resulted in significant formal feedback to Council. I have personally received responses from 11 people calling for a poll, including one from Mr Greenwood. In addition, Council has received a total of 13 emails in relation to the proposal, six in favour of the concept and seven against.

We are appreciative of the assistance provided by the Federal Member for Barker Mr Tony Pasin MP and Member for Mount Gambier Mr Troy Bell MP. Their ongoing commitment to the project is important. I trust this response will clarify Council’s current position and reassure the community of our commitment to seek your input during the community engagement process. We want you to have all the facts to enable you to make an informed decision.

Remember, YOU – the members of our community are the most important stakeholders of this project. In the end, it is up to you to decide if we proceed or not. Your opinions matter.

If you would like to learn more about the work Council is doing on this proposal, please take the time to read the information available on this page. Questions can be submitted using the Q&A section.

We also encourage community feedback through the 17 member Community Reference Group that Council has established to provide the community with an ongoing voice during the development stages.

If you have any questions about the Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre please feel free to contact our Elected Members or me directly on 8721 2507 or mayorlee@mountgambier.sa.gov.au

Yours sincerely
Andrew LEE
MAYOR
Architects appointed for the Sport and Rec Centre

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DesignInc Adelaide and architectural partner CO-OP Studio Melbourne have been appointed as the architectural firms to provide the next stage of intermediate drawings required for funding submissions for the proposed Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre.
The DesignInc and CO-OP Studio joint venture was one of 21 complying Expressions of Interest received by Council. They have delivered many projects in the community recreation sector including the redevelopment and expansion of the $24million Campbelltown Leisure Centre - the ARC, the Sunbury Aquatic Centre expansion and the George Bolton Swimming Centre at Burnside.
DesignInc Managing Director Richard Stafford and Architects Ben Luppino and Nick Cini visited Mount Gambier on Friday 20 July 2018 for a site visit, inspection and scope briefing with Elected Members.
Mr Stafford said that the Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre design would be informed by best practice management, operational principles and strategies, including maintenance and cleaning considerations early in the design process to ensure the centre is sustainable end to end.
"We are committed to design working group meetings with stakeholders during the concept phase to capture as much information as possible and ensure the core requirements of the facility are captured in the conceptual design response," said DesignInc Managing Director Richard Stafford
DesignInc and CO-OP Studio are experienced architectural teams with strong personal connections to the Mount Gambier community. Three members of the team of five, Richard Stafford, Ben McPherson and Doug McCusker were born and educated in Mount Gambier.
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Community Reference Group Appointed

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On Tuesday 17 July 2018, Council endorsed 17 members of the Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre Community Reference Group (CRG).
The community members represent local schools, swim clubs, allied health care providers, community youth groups, sporting/recreation club representatives and other community groups.
The CRG were inducted and provided with a project update at their first meeting on Wednesday 18 July 2018.
This group will play an pivotal role in representing the community by providing input into the design, functionality and operations of the proposed community centre to ensure current and future needs of potential users are considered. They will consult with their networks to inform the architect design process specifically in regards to the warm water pool, health and wellness room, court surfaces, show courts, wet areas, change areas, trainer and umpire rooms, water play and splash pad, mezzanine area, storage and office spaces.
The proposed project will not proceed without external grant funding. Council is seeking $20million in funding from the Federal Government’s Regional Growth Fund along with a further $10million funding from the State Government. Council will contribute up to $10million to support the project. If successful this means that Council would achieve a $40million facility for a capital outlay of $10million.
Council is committed to the development of a funding proposal that is shovel ready ready.
The funding breakdown and process for developing the Mount Gambier Regional Sports and Recreation Centre project are highlighted in the below infographics.
Funding Infographic
Process Infographic
These can also be viewed and downloaded from the document library.
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Simply Great Leisure Consulting Group (SGL) to begin a demand analysis

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Planning continues for the proposed Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre as demand analysis begins.

Simply Great Leisure Consulting Group (SGL) has been contracted to complete a demand analysis to support the business case.

In the coming week SGL will be contacting key stakeholders including schools, sporting organisations and community groups to ascertain the level and type of demand within the community to help inform business modelling.

SGL’s research is one component of an overall engagement strategy for the design phase of the project. The strategy also includes the establishment of the Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre Community Reference Group.
If you are interested in being involved in the Community Reference Group submit an application or contact City of Mount Gambier Strategic Project Officer Danielle Leckie (08) 8721 2555. Applications close 5:00pm, Thursday 5 July 2018.