Melton Waves: Diving into a Connected Community

From swim lessons and youth traineeships to local events and wellness programs, Melton Waves is empowering young people beyond their aquatic and gym facilities.

May 21, 2025

Melton Waves Aquatic Leisure Centre is not only the most popular wave pool in the West, but its variety of programs are dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles, fostering a strong sense of community and equipping youth with vital swimming skills.

Like dipping your toes into the water during summer or unwrapping an Icy Pole after you've dried off, the nostalgia experienced by those who grew up watching the aquatic centre’s developments has bridged the connection between families and leisure. 

Good News Melton spoke to Jackson Eekelschot, who began working as a Lifeguard at Melton Waves when he was just 16 years old. After progressing through various roles, he now works as the centre’s Facility Manager and beams about the growth of Melton Waves throughout the years. 

Empowering Youth Through Aquatic Programs and Career Pathways

Centered around providing young people with access to good-quality aquatic facilities, Melton Waves offers a wide variety of programs for all ages. According to Jackson, this includes their highly successful learn-to-swim courses, which teach “important safety skills for children aged four months old all the way through to their adult beginning classes, squad and swim fit classes”.

As such, the centre’s swimming facilities are particularly attractive amongst young people. The wave pool and outdoor 50 metre pool are very popular during the summer season, drawing large crowds of students and families. This popularity extends to the variety of fitness equipment offered, and active lifestyle encouraged by Melton Waves. “We have a very successful health club with an extensive group fitness timetable, offering a number of group fitness classes.” Jackson said. He adds that the best part of these initiatives is “inspiring members of our community to get out, be active and be the best version of themselves”.

Jackson Eekelschot with Melton Waves member and Ironman Triathlon World Championship competitor, Daniel Robson.

"The goal is to engage with as many community members as we can and hopefully invite them down to the centre"

Alongside leisure, Melton Waves also facilitates career development and work experience opportunities. They partner with Leisure Employment Australia and local schools to offer traineeships to Year 11 and 12 students hoping to work in the aquatic industry. These traineeships provide part-time lifeguard and swim instructor roles, allowing students to gain a Cert IV in Sport and Recreation and setting them up for a successful future career.

Building Community Through Aquatic Education and Outreach

Melton Waves is also an integral pillar within the community, educating the next generation on aquatic safety. "We do a lot of outreach work - kindergarten talks and attending local festivals. The goal is to engage with as many community members as we can and hopefully invite them down to the centre." Jackson said. 

He further emphasised the importance of outreach and local engagement for Melton Waves through the “heavily subsidised swimming lessons run for local schools” which ensured that “all children who may not have access to swim programs learn essential life skills.” 

The centre continues to successfully educate Melton and beyond, which is credited to the strong trust they have built with their community. “Our community knows that they can come here and enjoy themselves, learn valuable skills and get assistance like in the gym. That's really positive for us in ensuring that we're ultimately inspiring community activity.” Jackson said.

The Leisure centre set up with an inflatable for the summer holidays and school programs.

"Our community knows that they can come here and enjoy themselves, learn valuable skills and get assistance"

Expanding Future Facilities and Centre Development

With a future full of developments, Melton Waves holds a valuable role in shaping access to even better leisure and gym facilities. Jackson shared exciting news about their upcoming advancements planned in partnership with the Melton City Council. "We’re currently working on converting our gym to 24/7 access and we’re also installing Lynxight Drowning Protection, which will enhance experiences for the community.” Jackson said, demonstrating how these upgrades, particularly the beneficial water safety measurement tool will greatly serve Melton Waves and the leisure community.

However, these improvements are only the beginning. Jackson envisions a future where the aquatic centre remains both a nostalgic and central part of Melton, and a place for community members of all ages to learn essential swimming skills, stay active and create lifelong memories.

Connecting Melton Through Leisure, Learning, and Growth

As Melton Waves continues to undergo exciting developments, the aquatic centre is well positioned for further success in its mission of inspiring a strong Aquatic community. Whether it's through its swim programs, youth employment initiatives, or ongoing engagement with local schools and community groups, Melton Waves has played a pivotal role in connecting the community of Melton through leisure. 

Gym facilities within the Leisure Centre, including treadmill and weights.
Binusha is a passionate storyteller from Good News Melton, inspired about amplifying young voices, storytelling, and creating impactful, community-driven media.

Melton Waves Aquatic Leisure Centre is not only the most popular wave pool in the West, but its variety of programs are dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles, fostering a strong sense of community and equipping youth with vital swimming skills.

Like dipping your toes into the water during summer or unwrapping an Icy Pole after you've dried off, the nostalgia experienced by those who grew up watching the aquatic centre’s developments has bridged the connection between families and leisure. 

Good News Melton spoke to Jackson Eekelschot, who began working as a Lifeguard at Melton Waves when he was just 16 years old. After progressing through various roles, he now works as the centre’s Facility Manager and beams about the growth of Melton Waves throughout the years. 

Empowering Youth Through Aquatic Programs and Career Pathways

Centered around providing young people with access to good-quality aquatic facilities, Melton Waves offers a wide variety of programs for all ages. According to Jackson, this includes their highly successful learn-to-swim courses, which teach “important safety skills for children aged four months old all the way through to their adult beginning classes, squad and swim fit classes”.

As such, the centre’s swimming facilities are particularly attractive amongst young people. The wave pool and outdoor 50 metre pool are very popular during the summer season, drawing large crowds of students and families. This popularity extends to the variety of fitness equipment offered, and active lifestyle encouraged by Melton Waves. “We have a very successful health club with an extensive group fitness timetable, offering a number of group fitness classes.” Jackson said. He adds that the best part of these initiatives is “inspiring members of our community to get out, be active and be the best version of themselves”.

Binusha is a passionate storyteller from Good News Melton, inspired about amplifying young voices, storytelling, and creating impactful, community-driven media.

Read more good news stories

⬤ Find all of our stories here

Steve McGhie’s Journey Through Politics and Community Advocacy

Harmony with the Land: An Artistic Reflection by Keedan Rigney

Mike Li’s VCE Success Story: A 96 ATAR Without the Burn Out

Discover Local Flavours and Handmade Goods at Eynesbury Market

Ariel Mezzacappa Took the Lead as Youth Premier - Now She's Taking on Uni

From Melton to Canada: Jayde Young’s Rapid Rise in Athletics

Crafting Connection: How Craft Groups Are Weaving Community in Melton

Local Foundation Empowers Lives Through Compassion and Community

Melton Oceania Night Market: Savouring the Spirit of the Pacific

Strikes, Spirits, Stories: Lisa Houston Manages Bowling and Business

Melton Waves: Diving into a Connected Community

Circus Rio: A Thrilling Act for All Ages!

Melton European Night Market: A Taste of Tradition

Building a Better Melton: A Conversation with Mayor Steve Abboushi

Djerriwarrh Festival: The City We Create

From the Sidelines to the Court: Coach Powell's Netball Journey

Melton Unveils New Resale Shop

Celebrating the Volunteers Behind the Melton Botanic Garden

Empowering Youth in Melton’s South Sudanese Community

The Heart Behind Pay It Forward Melton

From Refugee to Community Lawyer: John Kon's Journey of Resilience and Community Impact

Melton Asian Night Market: Celebrating Culture and Cuisine

Aintree Community Comes Together for Annual Clean Up

Empowering the Future: the Aspiring Young Africans Foundation

GirlChat: Changing the World One Conversation at a Time!

Melton Welcomes New Citizens: Celebrating Australia's Diversity at 2025 Ceremony

Headspace Youth Advisory Group: Amplifying the Voices of Melton for Mental Health

Melton documentary ‘Reclaimed Voices’ makes its debut in Melbourne

Melton Local Makes New Mental Health App, Sevn Clouds

Mandalas in Melton

Headspace Melton: A Growing Tree of Hope for our Mental Health Services

Local Foodbank Helps Families During the Cost of Living Crisis

Steve McGhie’s Journey Through Politics and Community Advocacy

Harmony with the Land: An Artistic Reflection by Keedan Rigney

Mike Li’s VCE Success Story: A 96 ATAR Without the Burn Out

Discover Local Flavours and Handmade Goods at Eynesbury Market

Ariel Mezzacappa Took the Lead as Youth Premier - Now She's Taking on Uni

From Melton to Canada: Jayde Young’s Rapid Rise in Athletics

Crafting Connection: How Craft Groups Are Weaving Community in Melton

Local Foundation Empowers Lives Through Compassion and Community

Melton Oceania Night Market: Savouring the Spirit of the Pacific

Strikes, Spirits, Stories: Lisa Houston Manages Bowling and Business

Melton Waves: Diving into a Connected Community

Circus Rio: A Thrilling Act for All Ages!

Melton European Night Market: A Taste of Tradition

Building a Better Melton: A Conversation with Mayor Steve Abboushi

Djerriwarrh Festival: The City We Create

From the Sidelines to the Court: Coach Powell's Netball Journey

Melton Unveils New Resale Shop

Celebrating the Volunteers Behind the Melton Botanic Garden

Empowering Youth in Melton’s South Sudanese Community

The Heart Behind Pay It Forward Melton

From Refugee to Community Lawyer: John Kon's Journey of Resilience and Community Impact

Melton Asian Night Market: Celebrating Culture and Cuisine

Aintree Community Comes Together for Annual Clean Up

Empowering the Future: the Aspiring Young Africans Foundation

GirlChat: Changing the World One Conversation at a Time!

Melton Welcomes New Citizens: Celebrating Australia's Diversity at 2025 Ceremony

Headspace Youth Advisory Group: Amplifying the Voices of Melton for Mental Health

Melton documentary ‘Reclaimed Voices’ makes its debut in Melbourne

Melton Local Makes New Mental Health App, Sevn Clouds

Mandalas in Melton

Headspace Melton: A Growing Tree of Hope for our Mental Health Services

Local Foodbank Helps Families During the Cost of Living Crisis

Read more good news stories

⬤ Find all of our stories here

"1111 Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Duis mollis, est non commodo luctus, nisi erat porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit. Etiam porta sem malesuada magna mollis euismod."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
"Donec ullamcorper nulla non metus auctor fringilla. Vivamus sagittis lacus vel augue laoreet rutrum faucibus dolor auctor."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
"Aenean lacinia bibendum nulla sed consectetur. Sed posuere consectetur est at lobortis. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Cras justo odio, dapibus ac facilisis in, egestas eget quam."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
"Donec sed odio dui. Donec id elit non mi porta gravida at eget metus. Aenean lacinia bibendum nulla sed consectetur."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
"Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo. Donec id elit non mi porta gravida at eget metus. Sed posuere consectetur est at lobortis. Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
"Donec ullamcorper nulla non metus auctor fringilla. Fusce dapibus, tellus ac cursus commodo, tortor mauris condimentum nibh, ut fermentum massa justo sit amet risus."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
Button Text

Keedan Rigney, a multidisciplinary artist based in Melbourne, discusses his exhibition in Caroline Springs Gallery, 'Healthy Country, Healthy People’, and its exploration of the deep relationship between culture, community and environment.

➔ Read more
Button Text

Mike Li, a Melton Secondary College graduate, shares how he achieved a 96 ATAR through smart study habits, strong support systems, and a focus on balance over burnout.

➔ Read more
Button Text

With a wide variety of local products, artisan crafts, and delicious food, the Eynesbury Market is the perfect place to enjoy a Sunday with family and friends.

➔ Read more
Button Text

From a Grade 4 classroom to the chambers of Victorian Parliament, Melton-local Ariel Mezzacappa’s leadership journey is a testament to what’s possible when young people are empowered to speak up. Now, the 2024 YMCA Youth Premier is stepping into university life with the same passion for advocacy and change.

➔ Read more
Button Text

Jayde Young is a determined teen balancing school and sport, now set to represent Australia on the world stage - a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to chase big dreams.

➔ Read more
Button Text

At Melton Library, crafting isn’t just a hobby, it enables people to connect, create, and give back. The Night Crafters and Craft and Chat programs effortlessly turn yarn into community, kindness, and lifelong friendships.

➔ Read more
Button Text

The Rehmat Sandhu Foundation transforms lives across Melton with inclusive services, crisis support, and advocacy led by award-winning Founder and Director, Ravinder Kaur.

➔ Read more
Button Text

The Melton Oceania Night Market concludes the city’s three-part international market series in 2025 with a vibrant celebration of traditional dance, music and delicious food from the Pacific Islands and its neighbouring countries.

➔ Read more
Button Text

Owner of Xplosions Bar and Bowl, Lisa Houston, shares how her family-run entertainment venue has become a vibrant place for locals of all ages. With a passion for community and creating fun experiences, Lisa explores the inspiration behind Xplosions and its significance for young people.

➔ Read more
Button Text

From swim lessons and youth traineeships to local events and wellness programs, Melton Waves is empowering young people beyond their aquatic and gym facilities.

➔ Read more
Button Text

The Melton European Night Market is back for another enchanting evening filled with traditional foods, stalls and performances that transform you straight to the beautiful streets of Europe.

➔ Read more
Button Text

We spoke with City of Melton Mayor, Steve Abboushi, who shared his vision for the future, the community’s top priorities, and the steps currently being taken to build a more connected and vibrant Melton.

➔ Read more
Button Text

We visit Melton’s biggest event of the year for a day filled with fun activities and community spirit!

➔ Read more
Button Text

Burnside Springs United netball coach, Warren Powell, shares how their club shapes netball players to achieve their goals while enjoying the sport.

➔ Read more
Button Text

Visit the Melton Resale Shop for affordable second-hand treasures, and help create local jobs for people facing employment barriers with every purchase!

➔ Read more
Button Text

Robin, a volunteer with the Friends of Melton Botanic Garden, shares his experience creating a welcoming space for all through his hands-on contributions.

➔ Read more
Button Text

After a cancer diagnosis, Sonyia Hofherr turned hardship into hope, creating Pay It Forward Melton to support those in need. What began with small donations has grown into a vital community initiative, proving that one act of kindness can spark a movement.

➔ Read more
Button Text

After arriving in Australia as a refugee, John Kon turned his challenges into a drive to give back. Now a Lawyer at Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre, he’s helping others navigate the legal system - showing how lived experience can lead to lasting impact.

➔ Read more
Button Text

The Melton Asian Night Market kicks off a vibrant three-part series of cultural celebrations, bringing the community together through delicious food, live entertainment, and interactive experiences.

➔ Read more
Button Text

Dozens of people from the Aintree community come out to Deanside Wetlands for a vital clean up as part of the nationwide Clean Up Australia Day movement.

➔ Read more
Button Text

The Aspiring Young Africans Foundation (ASPYA) is a transformative movement empowering local African-Australian youth through mentorship, education, and community support.

➔ Read more
Button Text

GirlChat is a powerful grassroots movement empowering young women through open conversations, leadership, and community-driven change.

➔ Read more
Button Text

Hundreds of residents of Melton proudly became Australian citizens during a vibrant ceremony, marking a pivotal moment in their journey as part of a growing, multicultural community.

➔ Read more
Button Text

Reclaimed Voices is more than a documentary - it’s a movement that amplifies African Australian youth experiences, and sparks much needed conversations on justice, identity, and systemic change.

➔ Read more
Button Text

Melton mother Brooke created Sevn Clouds, a simple app offering instant relief for anxiety and panic attacks.

➔ Read more
Button Text

See how this local created Buddhist-inspired artworks and gave the Melton library the gift of meditation

➔ Read more
"Donec sed odio dui. Donec id elit non mi porta gravida at eget metus. Aenean lacinia bibendum nulla sed consectetur."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
"Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo. Donec id elit non mi porta gravida at eget metus. Sed posuere consectetur est at lobortis. Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
"Donec ullamcorper nulla non metus auctor fringilla. Fusce dapibus, tellus ac cursus commodo, tortor mauris condimentum nibh, ut fermentum massa justo sit amet risus."
Name Surname
Position, Company name