Cook Shire Council is excited to announce the appointment of Stephen Wishart as the new Manager of the Cooktown Events Centre.
Stephen brings extensive experience in community engagement and facility management as demonstrated by his leadership roles in Belgravia Leisure and Next Gen Health Clubs, where he worked closely with communities to deliver exceptional recreational and event experiences.
Known for fostering positive relationships across community, sporting, and event sectors, Stephen has a strong emphasis on collaboration and partnership building. His experience managing large-scale facilities and programs has equipped him to lead the Cooktown Events Centre into its next chapter, ensuring it continues to thrive as a hub for sports, recreation, and community life.
“Stephen’s wealth of experience and commitment to community make him an outstanding choice to lead the Cooktown Events Centre moving forward. His leadership will help us strengthen our connection with residents and visitors to ensure the Centre provides exceptional opportunities for sports, recreation and events.” – Mayor, Robyn Holmes
Mayor Robyn Holmes welcomed Stephen to the team, noting the significance of his appointment: “Stephen’s wealth of experience and commitment to community make him an outstanding choice to lead the Cooktown Events Centre moving forward. His leadership will help us strengthen our connection with residents and visitors to ensure the Centre provides exceptional opportunities for sports, recreation and events.”
Stephen shared his enthusiasm for the role and his commitment to the community: “I’m excited to join the Cooktown Events Centre at such a pivotal time. My immediate focus is on setting up robust systems and processes to ensure we deliver excellent customer service, particularly as we gear up for launch. In the New Year, I look forward to focusing on enhancing the programming and delivering activities and services that truly resonate with the community and meet their needs.”
“My immediate focus is on setting up robust systems and processes to ensure we deliver excellent customer service, particularly as we gear up for launch. In the New Year, I look forward to focusing on enhancing the programming and delivering activities and services that truly resonate with the community and meet their needs.” –Â Centre Manager, Stephen Wishart
Stephen’s appointment coincides with the facility reopening under Council management on 20 December 2024, and the launch of the Centre’s Merry Fit-mas! pre-opening gym membership campaign that offers no joining fees and up to six weeks free membership for people who sign up before 23 December 2024 (terms and conditions apply).
For more information about the Cooktown Events Centre, frequently asked questions or membership details, visit the Centre’s dedicated webpage: Cooktown Events Centre.
Key dates to remember:
- 11 December 2024: Launch of Council’s membership portal and launch of Merry Fit-mas! pre-opening special
- 17 December 2024: Current PCYC gym memberships cease at midnight
- 18–19 December 2024: Events Centre closure for systems upgrade
- 20 December 2024: Centre reopens under Council management
- 23 December 2024: Last day for members to register for Merry Fit-mas! special
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