Fleurieu Aquatic Centre Social Value results demonstrate strong community impact

Fleurieu Aquatic Centre has released its 2024 to 2025 Social Value results, confirming that local participation in swimming lessons, aquatic recreation and fitness programs is creating meaningful benefits for the region. The annual Social Value report shows $3,331,722 in measurable community benefit generated through the facility this financial year.

Social Value is an evidence based approach used across Australia to assess how physical activity improves community health and wellbeing. The calculation model was developed by KPMG in partnership with Sport Australia and is now applied nationally by councils and recreation providers. The model translates real participation data, including frequency, activity type and age group, into financial values linked to recognised health, education and economic indicators.

When individuals meet physical activity guidelines, evidence shows they experience a lower risk of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. They also benefit from improved mental health, greater productivity and enhanced educational outcomes. These personal outcomes add up to savings for the broader community and health system, which is why Social Value reporting is now a standard method used to justify investment in community recreation infrastructure.

At Fleurieu Aquatic Centre, chronic health savings accounted for more than $2.3 million, while acute benefits such as mental health improvements and productivity gains contributed more than $916,000. Learn to Swim participation continued to play a key role in reducing drowning risk, supported by $151,000 in safety-related community benefit.

Fleurieu Aquatic Centre’s programming, community access and focus on skills development all contribute to these outcomes. YMCA South Australia, which manages the centre, acknowledged the role of members, swim school families and visitors whose participation drives the impact reflected in the report.

Explore the full breakdown of indicators, methodology and charts by downloading our 2024-2025 Social Value Snapshot.

Hear from locals about the social impact we're having at the centre: