Richmond Football Club has done an outstanding job of diversifying their business over the years, including the success of launching Richmond Institute and Aligned Leisure.
Most members within the Albury Wodonga community would know that the Wodonga Sports and Leisure Centre is managed by Aligned Leisure and is also home to the regional Richmond Institute campus.
Alan Anderson, the Wodonga Sports & Leisure Centre Manager, highlighted just how important this centre is for locals.
“We (Aligned Leisure) provide a wide variety of options for the community that range from group exercise classes, gym facilities, and swimming programs” he said.
Students currently studying with Richmond Institute in collaboration with Swinburne University of Technology are given the opportunity to participate in placements all around the centre and have the chance to have a positive impact on the centres members.
“It’s brilliant having students support us in all areas, and it’s great to see them start the course with us and go on to employment opportunities with the Aligned Leisure family,” said Alan.
“We get to see so much growth over the year – it’s awesome”.
An example of this growth is Richmond Institute graduate, Jake Goddard. Jake completed the dual diploma program in 2021 and has never looked back.
As someone who wasn’t sure about what pathway he wanted to go down after completing school in 2018, he has recently been offered the role of Head of Facilities (Albury Wodonga) at Aligned Leisure.
“I’m extremely proud to announce that I have been appointed this role,” says Jake.
Since starting placement with Aligned Leisure in 2021, Jake has climbed the ranks from starting out as a Swim Instructor, to a Lifeguard, to Duty Captain and now to his new role.
“I’d like to thank everyone that’s a part of the Aligned Leisure team for this amazing opportunity and support,” he said.
When asked what the best part of his role is, he didn’t hesitate to mention that it’s getting to know the lovely regular customers.
Jake has shown outstanding efforts during his short time as a staff member which recently resulted in him being nominated for Richmond Football Club’s Bunjil Award – which is awarded to an individual who best displays what it is to be a Richmond person.
Although a runner up, it shows that there is so much to look forward to for Jake in his career at Aligned Leisure.
Richmond Institute’s Albury Wodonga Campus Manager, Todd Jeanes, is incredibly thrilled to see students go on and succeed in organisation’s such as Aligned Leisure.
“It’s great to see these young people have a positive impact on the local community and kickstart their career within the sporting industry,”.
“Our relationship with Aligned Leisure is pivotal to allow students the opportunity to stay local and hold jobs within the region and I’m extremely excited to see this continue,” says Todd.
This success story is a perfect example of the strong relationship between Aligned Leisure and Richmond Institute and highlights the importance of local students involved within the centre.
“There is an importance for us in regional communities and the relationship between all three parties allows us to offer courses and pathways to locals and provide opportunities for them to stay in Albury Wodonga,” said Alan.
“The depth of talent and a high-quality education pathway, coupled with a strong opportunity for employment is a real recipe for success”.
