Our people are the key to our success.
Aquarena has developed its wonderful reputation throughout the Manningham community and the fitness industry as a whole not only because of its standard of facilities and services but also because of the friendliness, skills, experience and knowledge of its dedicated staff team.
Employing over 100 fulltime, part-time and casual staff committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for centre users Aquarena's ongoing success has been largely because of its people. Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with the dedicated management team and access the contact link to send a message directly to the department supervisor best positioned to respond.
Management Team:
Adam Hawken, Chief Executive Officer
Adam has been employed by the Manningham YMCA since he initially began working at our major health and fitness centre, Aquarena, in 1998. Since those early days Adam has succesfully progressed from the position of Personal Trainer / Hydrotherapy Coordinator, through to Health and Fitness Director, Centre Manager and now Chief Executive Officer.As the current CEO of Manningham YMCA, Adam leads the strategic and financial management, planning and control of the entire organisation and all sub business units / entities. Adam enjoys many outside recreational activities, including mountain bike racing, water skiing and sailing. His past heavy involvment in outdoor sporting associations, higher education achievements, and several years experience in the military has ideally equiped him with the necessary skills to meet all the day to day challenges that exist in this busy business environment. Adam currently lives close to the City of Manningham, with his wife Gill and young daughter.
Rob Lazzarotti, Group Marketing Manager / Bus. Devmt.
Rob has over twenty five years experience in the health and fitness industry and currently oversees the marketing, brand strategy and communications for the Manningham YMCA and associated business units. Previously he has spent over ten years as a leading personal trainer, four years as a fitness director and the past eight years in marketing / brand management. Rob continues to be focused on building value and equity in the MYMCA and sub business units, and leveraging current and new revenue opportunities that maximize returns for all stakeholders. Rob has presented at leading industry conferences, promoted health and wellness in the media and advised the broader fitness industry nationally on all aspects of health club and business operations that meet customer needs, enhance the brand experience and deliver long term sustainability.
Damien Ear, Group Finance Manager
Damien has been employed with the YMCA since 1988 and was the inaugural finance director for Aquarena. As a result of this consistency, Damien's knowledge and assistance has ensured significant growth in the financial systems necessary to control a business operation that now has a turn over of $4m per annum. With the recent growth and diversification by Manningham YMCA into a range of other business activities.
Damien is very well respected by both Manningham YMCA personnel and his fellow financial peers as a caring and honest leader who is committed to the mission and values of the YMCA. Married with two children, Damien enjoys a work environment that is centred on community involvement rather than the harshness of the corporate financial sector.
Fiona Miller, Group Administration Manager
Fiona has worked in the health and fitness industry since 1989. She has worked at Aquarena since the day the centre opened in 1992. Fiona oversees general administration, member billing, customer service and Aquarena's childcare facility. She has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Melbourne, and Bachelor and Master Degrees in Education from Deakin University. In 2002 she completed a Diploma of Recreation and in 2007 she completed the Certified Customer Service Managers Course (Dip. Bus. CCSM).
Alan Rowe, Group Operations Manager
Alan is responsible for the recruitment, training and supervision of Pool Lifeguards and Duty Managers at Aquarena. He oversees building maintenance and security, centre cleaning, equipment maintenance, Occupational health & safety and first aid, gardening, pool water treatment plant maintenance and pool water quality and the supply of electricity, gas and water. Alan has extensive experience as a secondary teacher and in business in Papua New Guinea. He subsequently spent five years in the oil industry working in operations. His primary interests are family and physical wellbeing, particularly cross-country running and resistance training, hence his move to Aquarena in 1994.
Steven Marquis, Centre Director
Steve is responsible for the management of the Aquarena Programs, including the recruitment, induction and training for the staff teams that provide dedicated service to ensure the Manningham community enjoy the facilities and achieve their goals. Steve has a wide range of industry experience with a background in aquatic education, lifeguarding and management which also includes being a conference presenter and trainer for the broader industry. Steve has been involved in sport and recreation at a variety of levels, and takes pride in the premier facilities on offer to the range of groups that access the facilities at Aquarena to help improve their health and fitness with a larger goal of a happier and healthier lifestyle.
Vesna Bogdanovich, Group Exercise Coordinator
Vesna is responsible for the development and promotion of all group exercise programs. She recruits, evaluates and schedules a staff of over 40 instructors.In addition to managing the area, Vesna is a VICFIT accredited group exercise and fitness instructor. She has been teaching group exercise classes in some of Melbourne's leading health clubs since 1995 and is a certified BodyPump, BodyStep, BodyJam, Precision Cycling and Aerostrike (Tae Box) instructor. She received her Bachelor of Business (Marketing) in 1994 from RMIT. Her passion for fitness has evolved from her background in dance which has seen her conduct dance/funk masterclasses at various gyms. Vesna is a member of Network for Fitness Professionals and the Golden Key Honour Society.