SOCIAL IMPACT OF PARRAMATTA AQUATIC CENTRE CONTINUES
23 Oct 2025
The social effects of the award-winning Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC) continues to be felt two years after opening, with the PAC making a splash at the 2025 Aquatic & Recreation Industry NSW Awards of Excellence.
The venue, which opened in September 2023, was designed by Andrew Burges Architects, Grimshaw Architects and McGregor Coxall. Not only a place to relax and cool off in the summer months, the PAC provides a range of health and wellness offerings all year round. The design of the aquatic leisure centre, which was informed by extensive community consultation, features a 10-lane 50m outdoor pool, 25m indoor pool, learn-to-swim facilities, café and fitness centre.
The Centre is in Parramatta Park, which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and is situated in a distinct landscape concept which acknowledges the site’s historical vocation as a gathering place.
The annual Aquatic & Recreation Industry (ARI) NSW Awards of Excellence celebrates, "the people and programs making real impact in our community, from water safety education to inclusive fitness and swim programs."
PAC was recognised for its excellence, innovation and community impact, winning the following:
- Social Impact Award
- Swim Teacher of the Year – Tara Berry
- Award of Excellence – Sue Raven
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said this is a proud moment for Parramatta with the awards reflecting the City’s commitment to health, inclusion and community wellbeing.
“These awards are a testament to the incredible work being done at our state-of-the-art Aquatic Centre,” Cr Zaiter said. "From water safety to inclusive fitness programs, our team is setting the standard for what it means to truly serve and connect with the community."
The Social Impact Award acknowledged PAC’s work in building social cohesion and wellbeing across Parramatta’s diverse communities, from running seniors’ events and refugee swimming programs to inclusive youth fitness and trauma-informed water safety education.
PAC’s innovative and inclusive programs, from refugee swim initiatives to youth wellness programs and senior fitness clubs, have made a tangible difference to thousands across the Parramatta LGA including seniors, youth, CALD and people with disabilities.
Click here for our article on the PAC's architecture win in 2024
Images from McGregor Coxall
