For many construction projects, the end result becomes part of a community. At the Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre, many of the people helping build it are already part of that community.
Project Manager Sam Gallagher, Contract Administrator Jack Minter and Site Manager Jimmy Hunt are among the many local Kane team members helping bring the landmark facility to life, working alongside a workforce made up largely of trades and subcontractors from the Surf Coast and Greater Geelong region.
With construction well advanced, Wurdi Baierr is quickly taking shape as a landmark community facility. For the local team delivering the project, each milestone represents another step towards creating a place their families, friends and neighbours will enjoy for generations.
For Project Manager Sam Gallagher, who lives on the Bellarine Peninsula, working on the project has been a rewarding experience.
"It is a fairly challenging structure, so it has been great to work with a good architect who is detailed with what they want, a fantastic group of people, including Surf Coast Shire Council," Sam said.
For Contract Administrator Jack Minter, who was born and raised in Torquay, the project is especially meaningful.
"I think it is pretty special. It has been something that has been spoken about for my whole life and it is finally coming together and I am part of it, so that is pretty cool," Jack said.
"We have a great group of subcontractors, everyone is local and works well together."
Site Manager Jimmy Hunt, from nearby Ocean Grove, says the strong local connections have helped create a collaborative project environment.
"Everyone kind of knows everyone here. We have worked together on different jobs before, have a good time and get along really well."
"There is an extra layer of care and it makes for a very collaborative team."
Named Wurdi Baierr, meaning 'big gathering place' in Wadawurrung language, the new aquatic and recreation centre has been designed as more than a sporting facility. Once complete, it will provide the growing Surf Coast community with a 25-metre pool, warm water pool, learn to swim pool, splash park, spa, sauna, gym, allied health suites, café and a range of supporting community spaces.
For Jimmy, there is one moment he is looking forward to most.
"It is going to be a great pool, great gymnasium. To be able to bring the kids down and go for a swim, I cannot wait. It is going to be awesome."
Projects like Wurdi Baierr demonstrate the value of investing in local people, local businesses and strong partnerships to deliver facilities that will serve communities for generations.
The centre is jointly funded by the Victorian Government, the Australian Government and Surf Coast Shire Council.
