Showstopper: Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre scores SA Venue of The Year

Those searching for a fitness hub in Mount Gambier need look no further than Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre, winner of SA Venue of The Year at the 2025 Belgravia Leisure Awards.  

With over 250,000 visitors engaging in its diverse programs and events across 2024/25, Wulanda has become a cornerstone of community connection, offering everything from tailored wellness programs, learn to swim lessons and elite sporting events to vibrant large-scale expos and conventions.  

This isn’t the first award win for the venue. Aquatics Team Member Archie Muller was named Pool Lifeguard of the Year at the prestigious 2024 SA Aquatic Industry Awards for Excellence, highlighting the high standards of professionalism and care upheld at Wulanda.  

Heidi Gajic, Venue Manager at Wulanda said of the win, “At the heart of Wulanda’s success is its amazing team, who consistently deliver incredible customer service and maintain a safe and welcoming environment for the community. I’m really proud of this award as it’s a testament to Wulanda’s commitment to excellence and innovation”. 

Wulanda’s GOswim aquatics program has thrived, teaching vital water safety skills to a range of ages with an average of 860 students participating each week. The venue also held a standout event: Wulanda’s Biggest Aqua Class, which brought together 46 participants in a moment of community connection. 

The team at Wulanda have also extended their program delivery to meet the diverse needs of patrons, tailored for disability groups, schools, private program providers and visiting sporting organisations. It has also delivered the 10-session Reboot Your Life Arthritis Program in partnership with Country SA Primary Health Network to assist those living with arthritis. 

 The venue’s regional competitions, cross border matches and regular sporting seasons regularly draw crowds of thousands, showcasing its reach and relevance across the region. The NBL1 South Season for the Mount Gambier Pioneers attracted regular crowds of 1,100+, and the 2025 SA Country Swimming Championships also attracted an attendance of over 500 people over five days. 

The action doesn’t stop there, with the Convention Centre facilitating an impressive array of events, community lunches, expos and exhibitions - all showcasing its versatility and capacity. These include a Disability and Inclusion expo, Women’s Health expo and Jobs & Skills expos, as well as commercial conferences and workshops ranging from 50-900 people. Memorials, dance competitions, markets and concerts have been held at the venue such as the Limestone Coast Market Network Community Markets and a professional wresting event with Riot Wrestling.  

To bring these events to life, just some of the venue’s valued partners include the Department of Education, Limestone Coast Local Government Association, the Australian Dental Association, Equestrian SA and SA Uni.  
With its award-winning team, inclusive programming and ability to unite thousands through sport, wellness and culture, Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre continue to redefine what a community hub can be. As it grows, so too does its impact: making Mount Gambier stronger, healthier and more connected than ever.