If you can, take a few minutes to read this incredible comment made by supporter Tanya Mulley... Wow, and thank you! Tanya Mulley - I wish to address my repugnance in relation to the recommendation from Council to approve the tender to Soyuvu Southern Operations who manage remotely three (3) other surrounding areas local pools namely, Laurieton, Kendal and Wauchope. I would like to address the tender with the remark that I am taken aback by how Council could fail to notice the countless hours that Swimwell, Michael Mullens and his experienced and highly sort after management team have made in implementing significant improvements at the Olympic Pool over the past ten (10) years. Michael Mullens himself has over 30 years experience in running and operating Olympic size pools. Michael Mullens, Cindy Mullens and Beau Taggart’s (Beau, Duty Manager) is a lifeguard, maintenance operator and also runs and operates the Evolve Fitness program their accreditations are superior to their competitors. I raise the question to Council does Soyuvu Southern Operations have the same or similar experience of that of Michael Mullens in managing a pool with larger numbers of patrons, working longer hours per day throughout eleven (11) months of the year, not just seasonal operations, operating both junior and senior squads, learn to swim programs and toddlers swimming lessons and all other conveniences listed below? Does one man operating out of one remote company hold same if not similar credentials to that of Michael Mullens? The preservation and maintenance of the facilities alone have come a long way in those ten (10) years in view of the fact that Michael and Cindy Mullens took over occupancy in overseeing how the pool would operate. By example of this they include but are not limited to: - Laying green turf in place of undeveloped red soil. - Carrying out of picnic tables with timber shading. - Execution of a 6 metre by 12.5 metre indoor teaching pool. - Installation of shade sales over the toddler pool. - Placing lane ropes in the 25 metre pool. - Setting up Inflatable Aqua Scramble and Jumping Castles and the like. It is without doubt Michael Mullens’ upkeep of the premises is meticulously maintained year round and goes above and beyond the expected standards of any pool manager or facilitator alone. In reference to OH&S it is very noticeable that when entering the premises it is free of rubbish, obstructions to all pedestrian traffic, constant and vigilant supervision of pool patrons by the lifeguarding staff. Daily cleaning of toilets and grandstand facilities. Any repairs reported are immediately and visibly cordoned off with safety signs and repaired as quickly and as safely as possible. There are visible first aid policy and procedures manuals. Again, I ask the question its great Soyuvu Southern Operations can propose a business plan on paper but why have they not demonstrated professionalism in operating and maintaining the other pools. It’s great they have objectives in place but these objectives are already in place at the Port Olympic Pool. Why has Soyuvu Southern Operations not made these recommendations ten (10) years ago? Why is it suddenly important at their three (3) other pools to run identically and smoothly as Port Olympic Pool does? Actions speak louder than words. What it comes down to is during the tender inspection at the Port Town Pool on 6 May 2013 Soyuvu Southern Operations witnesses first-hand the differences of facilities offered at their three (3) local pool did not measure up to those offered at Town Pool. Too little to late I believe the phrase is! Cheryl and Michael have an outstanding attendance record at the pool. Both coaches are fair, open and honest and more importantly they provide individual care and advice irrespective of one’s capabilities. Both coaches are approachable. Yes the front desk customer service is to be commended but so too are the swimming teachers in the learn to swim programs and in the toddlers swimming programs. The swimming instructor’s custom suit styles and techniques to every child’s abilities and/or disabilities. The business plan submitted by Soyuvu Southern Operations outlines that if they are appointed to manage and operate Council’s pools they will establish a number of initiatives amongst all three (3) pools. The only mention of any establishments or upgrades for the Port Olympic Pool is a cash register and interchangeable pool pass system for all pools. Is Soyuvu Southern Operations going to offer same or better services amongst all the pools? What upgrades will be included in the Port Olympic pool and what about the continuation of learn to swim and both junior and senior squads? What are their plans on running this tight ship? We have structure and routine at our pool and we want it to stay this way! I ask the question why has this information not been disclosed or mentioned of in their business plan? With all due respect the tenders do vary in costs. It is my understanding Soyuvu Southern Operations tender is around $50,000 cheaper over five (5) years. That being said, this is $10,000 per year, and $2,500 per year over each pool in the body of voters. All in all it is a more expensive tender but in saying this what comes along with the higher tender is a continuation of dedicated service not only to the upkeep of the facilities but to the community of Port Macquarie. A financial saving while important cannot replace a feeling of wellbeing and familiarity with long serving knowledgeable, dedicated and committed staff and providing exceptional customer service for “locals by locals”. One of the wonderful things about our town is the opportunity we have to support local business, support Swimwell and Michael Mullens and help keep financial resources in the area instead of distant corporate headquarters. In summary, it is my belief that if you look behind the scenes at any civic activity that contributes to the common wellbeing of the community, you are likely to find a local business person, giving their time, product and often their money, to the common goal. Michael and Cindy Mullens are the unsung heroes of our community. They are the leaders, the ambitious, hard working people who have ideas and act on them.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:30:36 +0000
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