Emerton Leisure Centre has been named the Best Local Fitness and Sport Facility, it was announced at the 2008 True Local Business Awards presentation evening at St Marys Band Club on Tuesday evening, July 30, 2008.

The 2008 True Local Business Awards program recognises and celebrates excellence in local businesses across the Mt Druitt and St Marys area.

Businesses that entered the awards were required to undertake a staged process in their submission with ELC taking out the top award ahead of five high quality finalists.

The first stage involved members of the public nominating their favourite centre. The following stages involved the centre completing a business profile and questionnaire followed by a visit by a mystery shopper to evaluate the service experience and independently assess the business.

All finalists were then assessed by a panel of experts to determine the category winner.

"Council is extremely proud of this award that reflects the community's positive response to the centre and the excellence and dedication of the centre's staff," Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Leo Kelly said.

"Emerton Leisure Centre's mission is to contribute to the quality of life and wellbeing of the community and all patrons by encouraging participation in activities that promote active, healthy lifestyles. The centre continues to deliver excellent community events and programs that provide opportunities for the community," Mayor Kelly said.

While ELC is not yet two years old, the centre has already been awarded a string of accolades including winning Gold Medal at the Sports Safety Awards in 2006 for pioneering the Royal Life Saving Watch Around Water program. This program aims at improving safety by educating the public, providing clear directions on suitable adult supervision around water and providing learning tools for local children to engage in.

Emerton Leisure Centre will soon turn two having first opened to the public August 2006 after a $15 million refurbishment and design process, transforming it from a local pool into a state-of-the-art facility,

Emerton Leisure Centre offers many program and activities all year round including indoor sports, learn to swim, squad training, group exercise and aqua classes take place each week at the Centre and new visitors are always welcome.

For further information or general enquiries about Emerton Leisure Centre call 9628 7016.