The Richmond Football Club is delighted with the news that its subsidiary company, Aligned Leisure, has been appointed to manage the Yarra Ranges Shire Council’s six leisure facilities from 1 July 2026.
Richmond CEO, Shane Dunne, congratulated the Aligned Leisure team on the exciting news.
“We are thrilled Aligned Leisure has been appointed to manage the Yarra Ranges Shire Council’s six facilities,” Dunne said.
“The Club congratulates Ben Tudhope and the entire team on this fantastic news, which will strengthen Aligned Leisure’s positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the community.
“Aligned Leisure plays an important role in Richmond’s diversified revenue streams, which supports the long-term financial strength of the Club and ensures it remains in a strong financial position moving forward."
Health and wellbeing is a core part of being an elite sporting club, and Richmond is proud to be able to replicate this focus at a community level through Aligned Leisure.
Aligned Leisure was born as a 100 per cent subsidiary company of the Richmond Football Club in 2015, in response to a decision to diversify revenue streams.
Through the new partnership, Aligned Leisure will ensure the Council’s aquatic and leisure centres and facilities, and associated places, spaces and services, make a significant contribution to the physical activity and wellbeing of local residents.
The six facilities include Monbulk Aquatic Centre, Yarra Centre, Jack Hort Memorial Community Pool, Belgrave Outdoor Pool, Lilydale Outdoor Pool, and Healesville Outdoor Pool.
Aligned Leisure CEO Ben Tudhope said the organisation was committed to driving improved community health and wellbeing in the Yarra Ranges Shire for the long term.
“We look forward to working closely with Yarra Ranges Shire Council to support and enhance the health and wellbeing of the community,” he said.
“Our team has a strong track record and is passionate about delivering positive health and wellbeing outcomes and making a lasting impact in the communities we serve.
“We are thrilled to partner with Council and to play a role in supporting the physical activity and wellbeing of Yarra Ranges residents.”
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said we’re pleased to be partnering with Aligned Leisure as we begin a new chapter for community aquatic and leisure services across the Yarra Ranges.
“We’ll work with the Aligned team over the coming months, to ensure the transition is clear, respectful and as smooth as possible, ensuring we continue to deliver quality services to our community throughout,” he said.
“Our communities cherish their local aquatic and leisure facilities, and we’re looking forward to what the future brings with our new partnership.”
Aligned Leisure’s appointment to manage the Yarra Ranges Shire Council’s six facilities will take its total facility count to 57 across Victoria and New South Wales.
