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“If systems go down, we don't need promises - we need someone here. Subnet delivers that.”
 
Shane Stodden
Manager - Facilities, Assets & Systems -
South Australian Aquatic & Leisure Centre

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Keeping Operations Running at Adelaide Aquatic Centre - The Benefit of Always-On ICT

Case Study

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About Adelaide Aquatic Centre

The Adelaide Aquatic Centre, alongside the SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre in Marion, serves thousands of visitors each week. Both facilities operate from early morning until late evening, supporting community health, recreation, and safety. These extended hours place significant demands on technology infrastructure, including booking systems, access control, telephony, and network connectivity.


The Challenge

Extended Operating Hours Leave No Room for Downtime

Operating from 5:00am to 10:00pm, the Centre depends on uninterrupted access to critical systems. Even minor ICT issues can disrupt:

  • Customer bookings
  • Entry and access control systems
  • Safety and operational checks
  • Front desk communications

Limitations of Remote-Only IT Support

Previous support arrangements relied on interstate providers, creating a major gap between response promises and outcomes. While remote troubleshooting was available, critical failures—such as servers going offline—required physical intervention that could take hours or even days.

Need for a Strategic ICT Partner

Shane Stodden, Facility Systems and Asset Manager, required more than a traditional helpdesk. The Centre needed:

  • 24/7 availability aligned with operational hours
  • Rapid on-site response when required
  • End-to-end ownership across all IT systems
  • Deep expertise across infrastructure components

 

The Solution

Full-Stack Managed ICT Environment

Subnet implemented a comprehensive, end-to-end infrastructure solution across both aquatic centres, including:

  • Servers and storage
  • Network switches and connectivity
  • Wi-Fi infrastructure
  • Telephony systems

This unified approach eliminated vendor fragmentation and created a single, accountable ICT partner.

24/7 Monitoring and Support

Subnet provides proactive monitoring and around-the-clock support, ensuring issues are identified and resolved before they escalate.

Local, On-Site Capability

Unlike remote-only providers, Subnet delivers:

  • Rapid on-site response for critical incidents
  • Hands-on support for hardware failures
  • Local expertise aligned with South Australian operational requirements

Implementation Approach

Leveraging Existing Experience

Subnet’s long-standing partnership with the SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre enabled a smooth transition when extending services to Adelaide Aquatic Centre.

Standardisation Across Sites

Infrastructure was standardised across both facilities, delivering:

  • Consistent configurations
  • Shared management tools
  • Simplified support processes

Tailored Deployment

While standardisation provided efficiency, solutions were adapted to suit each site’s:

  • Physical layout
  • User demand patterns
  • Connectivity needs

 

Results and Outcomes

Improved System Reliability

  • Reduced unplanned downtime
  • More stable day-to-day operations

Faster Issue Resolution

  • Rapid remote response backed by immediate on-site support
  • Reduced time to resolution for critical incidents

Simplified IT Management

  • Single point of accountability
  • Streamlined escalation paths
  • No vendor confusion during outages

Enhanced Operational Confidence

Staff can focus on delivering services rather than managing IT issues, with confidence that systems will perform when needed.


Multi-Site Scalability

Subnet’s approach supports consistent service delivery across multiple locations. By applying proven infrastructure designs and processes, the Centres benefit from:

  • Predictable performance
  • Easier upgrades and planning
  • Shared learnings across sites

This scalable model ensures that future expansions or upgrades can be delivered efficiently and consistently.

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Why Local Expertise Matters

A key differentiator in this partnership is Subnet’s local presence. When critical systems fail, the ability to deploy skilled technicians on-site immediately is essential. Local expertise provides:

  • Faster response times
  • Real-world problem resolution
  • Understanding of local operational and regulatory requirements
This combination of technical capability and geographic proximity ensures minimal disruption to operations.

Key Takeaways for Other Facilities

Organisations with similar operational demands can learn from this approach:

  1. Align IT support with actual operating hours—not standard business hours
  2. Choose a provider that delivers full-stack ownership for accountability
  3. Prioritise local support alongside remote capabilities
  4. Standardise systems across sites to simplify management
  5. Invest in long-term partnerships that build operational knowledge over time

Conclusion

By partnering with Subnet, the Adelaide Aquatic Centre has transitioned to a proactive, reliable, and scalable ICT environment. With always-on support, local expertise, and a unified infrastructure strategy, the Centre is well-positioned to deliver continuous, high-quality service to the community—without disruption.