SARAH PODESTA
Frankston South,VIC
Summary
Enhance the industry profile to be further recognised and prioritised by Government and Community, through promoting careers as well as, linking what we do (swimming lessons) in effort to reduce drowning statistics.
20 years of experience in Recreation and Leisure, specialising in Aquatics Programming.
3x Winner: ARV Swim School of the Year, 2011, 2016 and 2018.
Conscientious, creative, and effective operator who excels in business improvement, leadership, inclusion, retention and systems.
Proven to work well in a team environment as well as the ability to self-motivate, communicate effectively, network, and thrive under pressure whilst achieving goals and outcomes.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
STATE AQUATICS MANAGER VIC/TAS
Belgravia Leisure
02.2018 - Current
- Provide support and strategic direction for all Aquatic Programs at 20 Belgravia Leisure year round venues in VIC/TAS
- Portfolio including over 22,000 GOswim (Learn to Swim) students, achieving an 11% growth in student enrolments from FY22-FY23
- Exceeded financial budget for FY23 by $3,475,000, achieving an increase of 62% from FY22
- Provide operational and programming direction and support to 55 seasonal outdoor pools
- An active member on the Belgravia Leisure National Aquatics Leadership group, contributing to the overall strategic plan for the business.
- 2023/24 Project lead for the National rollout of curriculum and program, review and improvements. Facilitating national consultation, briefing and resources.
- Assist venues with recruitment and succession planning, including successfully obtaining over $160,000 in funding for training and qualifications through government and industry initiatives
- Key liaison for Belgravia Leisure for industry
AQUATICS MANAGER, WATERMARC
Belgravia Leisure
02.2017 - 02.2018
- Achieved record number of enrollment for the venue
- Improved communication through implementing a proactive approach and NPS score
- Developed and implemented Aquatic department staff structure to enhance efficiency
- Supervised aquatic staff and administered performance evaluations
- Conducted in-service training, meetings, and conferences.
AQUATICS PROGRAMS CO-ORDINATOR
Active Monash
02.2013 - 02.2017
- Management of swim school across all three Aquatic Centre's
- Increased the enrollment at MARC to over 3000 for the first time
- 1 Full time and 110 casual staff reported directly to this role
- Identify, implement, and maintain inclusive programs
- Successfully implemented the re-development of the Learn to Swim program
- Provided staff coaching, development and mentoring
- Designed and implemented Aquatics business unit staff re-structure
- Increased the Direct Debit enrolment uptake
- Increased the occupancy rate of enrolments
- Increased program growth.
AQUATICS PROGRAM CO-ORDINATOR
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
08.2007 - 02.2013
- Demonstrated success in achieving 92% occupancy
- Achieved highest recorded enrolments
- Increased the Swim Squad program
- Promoted a collaborative environment, fostering strong relationships amongst staff and members.
- Performed duties in accordance with applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
Education
Diploma - Sport And Recreation
Swinburne University of Technology - Melbourne, VIC
12.2005
Skills
- Safety Focus
- Leadership
- Operational skills
- Operational efficiency
- Methodical Approach
- Problem Solving
- Customer Service Excellence
- Program Development Expertise
- Community Outreach Initiatives
- Effective Communicator
- Coordination of Services and Programs
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Self-Motivated
- Networking
- Innovative
qualifications and industry
- AUSTSWIM: Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety
- AUSTSWIM: Teacher of Infant Aquatics
- AUSTSWIM: Teacher of Access and Inclusion
- AUSTSWIM: Towards Competitive Strokes
- Pool Lifeguard Qualification
- Level 2 First Aid Certificate
- Business Systems, CENTAMAN, LINKS and ACTIVE WORLD
- Annual attendance to Aquatics and Recreation Victoria Conference
- ARV Advancing Women 2021
- Victorian Aquatics Industry Alliance (VAIA) Industry Covid Response group
- Chair ARV Aquatics Networking Committee
- Play it Safe by the Water representative for Belgravia Leisure
- Learn to Swim Committee - facilitated by LSV
- 2023 World Conference on Drowning Prevention- Perth
REFERENCES
Available upon request
Timeline
STATE AQUATICS MANAGER VIC/TAS
Belgravia Leisure
02.2018 - Current
AQUATICS MANAGER, WATERMARC
Belgravia Leisure
02.2017 - 02.2018
AQUATICS PROGRAMS CO-ORDINATOR
Active Monash
02.2013 - 02.2017
AQUATICS PROGRAM CO-ORDINATOR
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
08.2007 - 02.2013
Diploma - Sport And Recreation
Swinburne University of Technology - Melbourne, VIC