Australasian Leisure Management issue 159 2023 by ausleisure97

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ISSUE 159

ATTRACTIONS Australian Waterparks Introducing MENALAC

AQUATICS

Print Post Approved PP100022562

Watch Around Water Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre

VENUES

TECHNOLOGY Stadium Screens Innovation at ICC Sydney

Sydney’s Accor and CommBank Stadiums Stadium Safety

PLUS

John Menzies SPASA Australia Expands California Fitness Festival Football’s New National Second Tier

Let’s talk

1300 088 922

www.perfectgym.com.au

contents

Issue 159

features 18

Screen Sensation LED display and control technology

Turning Tragedy into Triumph Watch Around Water is approaching its 20th anniversary

Water Worlds Achievements and milestones in Australia’s waterparks

A New Movement The success of the inaugural California Fitness Festival

Aquatic Utopia The new Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre

42 Cover: The newly opened Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre. See page 36.

regulars 6 From the Publisher 8 Two Months in Leisure

Football Australia’s new National Second Tier

Sacked for wanting Stadium Safety? Adelaide Venue Management’s sacking of Anthony Kirchner

A Culture of Innovative Solutions Venue innovations for conferences and events

End of an Era New management at Sydney’s Accor and CommBank Stadiums

52 People 54 Products

Back to the Future

Introducing MENALAC The Middle East & North Africa Leisure & Attractions Council

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4 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

Theme Park Innovator John Menzies John Menzies’ career recognition

venuejobs.org

Venue Manager

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From the Publisher

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Editor Karen Sweaney Publisher Nigel Benton Advertising Inquiries Nigel Benton Tel: 0411 551 731 E: nigel@ausleisure.com.au David Stennett Tel: 0404 725 554 E: david@spasa.com.au James Croll Tel: 0488 090 904 E: jcroll@ausleisure.com.au Printed in Australia by Newstyle Printing Pty Ltd 41 Manchester Street, Mile End, SA 5031 Tel: 08 8154 3600, www.newstyleprint.com.au Annual subscriptions cost $99 in Australia and New Zealand. Details at subscribe.ausleisure.com.au or call 02 8227 6486. Members of ARI NSW, ARQ, ASSA, ExerciseNZ, IAKS, LIWA Aquatics, the Sports and Play Industry Association and the VMA receive the magazine as a membership benefit. The views contained in Australasian Leisure Management are not necessarily those of Leisure Media Limited or the Editor. While every care is taken with advice given, Leisure Media Limited and the Editor can take no responsibility for effects arising therefrom. Views expressed by contributors may be personal and are not necessarily the views of their employers or professional bodies/associations.

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Artificial Intelligence As 2023 comes to an end, it’s difficult to avoid discussion about how artificial intelligence is changing the world and, in this industry, its potential to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience, improve safety and security, and ultimately leading to higher profitability. In an era shaped by AI, it will enhance the way in which this industry’s ‘content’ is consumed and how activities are searched for, with businesses able to predict the behaviour of each type of user when they carry out any type of activity with algorithms that learn from each behaviour and offer important information for companies when planning their strategy to promote and sell products or services. Equally, in media, AI is changing news and journalism, as well as reader expectations. While misinformation rightly gains much of the negative attention, the speed at which AI abilities are changing presents challenges and opportunities in the way these tools learn. Nonetheless, AI can enhance the way news is reported and delivered, as well as improving workflow efficiencies. In our content, Australasian Leisure Management has begun to make use of the AI-driven ChatGPT platform to analyse text data, where it does have its uses with the research and gathering of information. However, it falls well short of its claims to be able to “identify and verify key facts” and does require verification and checking. And, as we use this technology, we will note this, adding the caveat that “this article was generated using artificial intelligence (ChatGPT).” Change of Ownership and a commitment to printing While the full story of the new ownership of Australasian Leisure Management is explained on page 16, it’s important to emphasise that the change will not impact the way in which this title and its related websites report on this industry. Rather, our new ownership will ensure we can deliver more content, and in greater depth, to inform professionals, owners and investors in this industry. In addition, our commitment to both print and online comes at a time when Parks and Leisure Australia has advised that its Australasian Parks and Leisure journal, produced by the association and its predecessor body the Royal Australian Institute of Parks and Recreation since the 1980s, is to cease publication as a printed entity. When retreating to a digital format, publishers often hide behind statements of wanting to reduce environmental impact. However, we can emphasise that the paper used in this magazine is a sustainable and renewable resource, sourced from plantation stock, which is 100% recyclable. In addition, the plastic flow wrap in which this magazine is mailed includes EcoPure® by Bio-Tec Environmental - an organic additive that enhances the biodegradation of traditional plastic products when placed in a biologically active landfill environment. It is the most sustainable flow wrap available on the market. Anthony Kirchner In this issue, we report on the sacking of Anthony Kirchner from his role of Chief Executive at the Adelaide Venue Management Corporation (AVM), the operator of the city’s Coopers Stadium, over his introduction of a ban on Melbourne Victory fans attending the next A-League fixture against Adelaide United. See page 45. We’d welcome your feedback, which will be treated in confidence if asked, whether it was right for him to be sacked. Comments are welcome at leisure@ausleisure.com.au Nigel Benton, Publisher

Dreamworld - Whitewater World, Gold Coast, QLD

North Star Holiday Resort, Hastings Point, NSW

Cockburn Aquatic & Recreation Centre, Cockburn Central, WA

The Big Banana Fun Park, Coffs Harbour, NSW

Aquatopia Waterpark, Prairiewood, NSW

BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park, Gold Coast, QLD

Oak Park Sports And Aquatic Precinct, Pascoe Vale, VIC

Dubbo Aquatic Centre, Dubbo, NSW

Raging Waters, Sydney, NSW

42nd Battalion Memorial Pool, Rockhampton, QLD

Tattersalls Hobart Aquatic Centre, TAS

Splash Aqua Park and Leisure Centre, Craigieburn, VIC

DESIGN CONSTRUCT SPECIALISTS

Outback Splash, Bullsbrook, WA

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Two Months in Leisure Some of the industry headlines over recent months. Daily industry news can be read at www.ausleisure.com.au

Optus Stadium reappoints KOJO as its in-house sports production team KOJO - market leader in fan first sport experiences - has been awarded a new multi-year contract with Optus Stadium as its in-house production suite services team. Reappointed by stadium operator, leading venue management and hospitality services provider, VenuesLive, following a competitive market process, the renewal follows a successful five-year appointment, cementing KOJO’s position as the principal sports production and presentation services provider in Australia.

Report shows sport and exercise save the Australian health system more than they cost in injuries An Australian Sports Commission funded report, ‘Economics of sport and physical activity participation and injury’, reveals Australians saved the health system more than $320 million in a single year by participating in sport and other forms of physical activity. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report shows that while there are costs to the health system from treating sport and other exercise-related injuries, this is outweighed by savings from benefits such as lower blood pressure, stronger bones and improved mental health. The report is part of a broader project funded by the Australian Sports Commission to progressively develop and test new methodology for gathering evidence about the costs of sports injuries and potential benefits to Australians from increased physical activity and improved injury prevention and management.

Queensland Performing Arts Centre flags employment opportunities With the new theatre at Brisbane’s Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) on track to be completed by the middle of next year, the leading cultural institution has been highlighting career opportunities that it offers. Encouraging those who are “passionate about the performing arts … eager to make your mark in an industry that thrives on creativity, expression, and captivating audiences” QPAC has a dedicated page on its website promoting its employment opportunities. It advises “at QPAC, we are proud to be a leading cultural institution, dedicated to showcasing the best of local and international talent across various artistic disciplines.” Expected to increase QPAC’s capacity by 300,000 visitors per year, its new 1,500-seat theatre will, when complete, make QPAC the largest performing arts centre in Australia.

SportWest launches employee and volunteer assistance program SportWest, the peak industry body for sport in Western Australia, has launched the True Sport Mental Health and Wellbeing initiative, supported by the Mental Health Commission, providing support and resources for the sporting community. Increased support by the Western Australia Government will also deliver an industry-wide pilot Employee Assistance Program for state sporting association employees while an industry-first, Volunteer Assistance Program will also be launched, providing critical incident support to sport volunteers across the state. Expert, comprehensive and safe mental health support will be provided to the sporting community in response to critical incidents that occur in and around a sporting club. 8 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

Darwin Waterfront achieves Accessible Tourism Accreditation The Darwin Waterfront Corporation has taken significant steps to ensure that its waterfront precinct is a welcoming destination for all visitors, regardless of their physical limitations, disabilities, or age. The corporation’s commitment to improving accessible offerings has led to its recent achievement of Accessible Tourism Accreditation under the Quality Tourism Framework (QTF).

Openings

Western Australia’s recently opened State Football Centre in Perth’s Queens Park has been renamed as the Sam Kerr Football Centre. The $15.5 million first stage of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre, with its newly constructed outdoor pool, has been officially opened.

The Round, a new performing arts venue in Melbourne’s east developed by Whitehorse City Council, has been opened. It offers a 600-plus seat proscenium theatre, 200 seat studio theatre, two multipurpose rehearsal studios and versatile function spaces. Part of the existing Wayville Sports Centre at the Adelaide Showground, the $17.2 million South Australian State Basketball Centre (SBC) has been completed with the sevencourt facility now able to cater for community through to highperformance and elite basketball.

Upstate Studios has opened their ninth fitness facility in the Melbourne suburb of Ascot Vale in an industrial space that once housed an F45 franchise.

The recently completed $950,000 amenities block at HBF Arena located in the northern Perth suburb of Joondalup will provide safer and more accessible bathroom facilities for netball and hockey sporting clubs based at the venue.

Residents in Wadeye, located in the Northern Territory’s remote west, have welcomed the long-awaited return of their swimming pool which has sat empty for five years. Luna Park Sydney has opened its new $15 million Dream Circus attraction - a world-first, immersive circus experience - located in the harbourside attraction’s Big Top. With funding from the Australian Institute of Sport, Diving Australia’s High Diving expert Joey Zuber has developed a two-metre ‘box’, to take the height of the diving tower at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre from 10 to 12 metres.

The $49.9 million multipurpose Stonnington Sports Centre in East Malvern aimed at meeting growing demand for community sport, especially from women and girls - has been officially opened.

Seven years after its closure the rebuilt IMAX at Sydney’s Darling Harbour has reopened delivering one of the biggest cinema screens in the world.

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Australian Sports Commission launches ‘Play Well’ program with $10 million grants program

TotalFusion opens Australia’s largest health and wellness precinct TotalFusion’s expansion in the Brisbane fitness market has seen it open a first-of-its-kind facility in the suburb of Newstead combining fitness, wellness, recovery, allied health, medical and beauty, along with a swimming pool. Presenting a “like no other” experience, the TotalFusion Platinum Health and Wellness Precinct is not only Australia’s largest luxury fitness and lifestyle facility but also, according to TotalFusion founder, Leon McNiece “marks an astonishing shift in the industry, revolutionising what one can truly expect from a health club.” McNiece has joined forces with World Gym Australia partners Jon Davie and Mike Nysten in a move to drive the brand’s expansion across Australia and New Zealand.

The Australian Sports Commission has launched their first co-designed Sport Participation Strategy aimed at ensuring all Australians have the opportunity to be involved in sport whether via competition or socially. The ‘Play Well’ program was spotlighted by Lynne Anderson from the Australian Sports Commission during a panel discussion on ‘Where Must New Sports Investment be Channelled?’ at Beyond Activ’s Asia-Pacific Health, Fitness, Wellness and Sports Festival held recently in Sydney. The ASC’s ‘Play Well’ Program follows on from the Federal Government’s endorsement in June 2023 of the Australian sport’s united vision ‘We win well to inspire Australians’. The Win Well Pledge was developed as a genuine commitment to hold the Australian high performance sport system accountable to the HP 2032+ Strategy and the vision of winning well.

Wellington’s Zealandia secures top honour at New Zealand Tourism Awards Wellington wildlife sanctuary Zealandia Te Mara a Tane has been named New Zealand’s top tourism attraction for 2023. Zealandia was presented with the Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award at the New Zealand Tourism Awards with judges saying Zealandia was a local icon and a “worthy exemplar” for others to follow, consistently demonstrating the qualities that the tourism industry held dear.

Australia’s first Synthetic Turf Recycling Hub on track for April 2024 opening The coming together of major synthetic turf providers Tuff Group and Sport Group to provide an industry-focused solution to synthetic turf waste in Australia will see RE4ORM, the nation’s first artificial surface recycling facility, open in 2024. The partnership - which will provide a closed-loop solution for Australia’s synthetic turf industry - will offer a sustainabilityfocused recovery and recycling service for end-of-life synthetic turf. Through the design and development of cutting-edge mechanical recycling machinery, RE4ORM will be able to break down synthetic turf into its core components - silica sand, rubber granule and polyethylene. Located in Barnawartha, Victoria - on the Hume Highway near the NSW border, the one-of-a-kind facility will have capacity for up to 7,600 tonnes per year, preventing valuable and recoverable resources from needlessly ending up in landfill, while also reducing CO2 emissions released in landfill from synthetic turf waste. 10 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

White Island owners found guilty as criminal proceedings close in Whakaari eruption case Whakaari Management Limited has been found guilty in the Auckland District Court of a health and safety charge relating to the 2019 eruption at White Island which led to 22 deaths. Bringing to an end a four-month trial, Judge Evangelos Thomas delivered the verdict against the final defendant in the criminal trial. The company, Whakaari Management Limited is owned by the Buttle brothers who inherited White Island and had been licensing other businesses to run tours on the active volcano. Judge Thomas ruled that Whakaari Management Limited “managed and controlled” the volcano as a workplace and failed in its duty to minimise the risk there, noting “it was fundamental that it engaged the necessary expertise to assess risk arising from the conduct of commercial tours on its active volcano.”

Charges laid over Tasmanian inflatable castle tragedy Charges under Tasmania’s health and safety legislation have been laid against the company that operated the jumping castle on which six children were killed at the Hillcrest Primary School in December 2021. Tasmania’s Public Prosecutor has charged operator TazZorb over the incident, alleging it failed to follow health and safety duties during an end-of-year event at the school in Devonport, in Tasmania’s north. The tragedy claimed the lives of students Zane Mellor, Peter Dodt, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan and Chace Harrison and injured three others. Image: A jumping castle understood to be similar to the one at the centre of the Hillcrest Primary School tragedy. Credit: Taz-Zorb website.

VMA Chief Executive looks back on ‘remarkable 2023’ Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Venue Management Association (Asia and Pacific) Chief Executive Michael Brierley has looked back on a successful year for the Association, calling it a “‘remarkable 2023”. In a communication to VMA stakeholders, Brierley thanked members for their “ongoing support”, noting that the 30th anniversary has been “a significant milestone that celebrated three decades of bringing our industry together to connect, share, and learn. “The success of our Association is a testament to the commitment, dedication, and hard work of all those who came before us.” Brierley went on to state “our founders envisioned the VMA as the hub connecting and advancing venue industry participants to best serve their communities. Over the last 30 years, the VMA has continued to deliver programs and events that set the benchmark for our industry across the Asia-Pacific region.”

New Zealand Amateur Sport Association warns of ‘extinction event’ for community sport The New Zealand Amateur Sport Association (NZASA) has warned of a potential ‘extinction event’ for the country’s incorporated community sport organisations (ICSOs). NZASA recently released a statement advising “there’s only 28 months to re-register under the incorporated societies act 2022, or otherwise face involuntary dissolution at the dispassionate hand of the registrar of incorporated societies. “Given the work required to re-register under the new act, time is of the essence to avoid what will otherwise be an ICSO extinction event.”

Monopoly Dreams indoor theme park opens in Melbourne The world’s second indoor Monopoly themed attraction, Monopoly Dreams, has opened in Melbourne. With its opening having been pushed back several times, the experience which is based on the perennially popular Hasbro board game, finally opened its doors at Melbourne Central on Lonsdale Street in November. The $20 million, 1650 metre² attraction features famous landmarks, iconic characters (including Mr. Monopoly) and exciting ‘escape room’ style challenges spread across 15 attractions, including a 4D theatre and a chance wheel.

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Forsyth Barr Stadium events contribute to $32.5 million into Dunedin economy Dunedin City Holdings Limited’s latest financial results highlight a $32.5 million cash injection from stadium events along with a strong rebound in passenger numbers at Dunedin airport, and a multimillion-dollar dividend for the Dunedin City Council. The company’s results for the 2023 financial year show a group profit of $3.3 million for the 2023 financial year.

Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159 11

Rugby Australia secures private equity $80 million loan Rugby Australia has announced the successful conclusion of a capital raise program that will see it secure an $80 million loan as part of an agreement with Pacific Equity Partners (PEP). Designed to underpin investment in the game during a crucial upcoming period the five-year deal sees the sport maintain its independence. It follows the governing body announcing that an external review would be conducted into the Wallabies’ underperforming 2023 season, including the Rugby World Cup. Rugby Australia has announced the appointment of former Wallaby Daniel Herbert as its new Chair, replacing Hamish McLennan.

24fit tops Canstar Blue gym customer satisfaction ratings Adelaide-based 24fit has been ranked as Australia’s top fitness chain in Canstar Blue’s annual ratings, earning five-star reviews for overall customer satisfaction along with staff availability and value for money. Topping Canstar Blue’s review of customer satisfaction in their gyms and fitness clubs, 24fit was followed by Jetts, Snap Fitness, Fitness First and Fernwood Fitness in the top five, while F45 Training, which had topped the list for the past four years, dropped to a ranking of ninth - losing out on perceptions of value for money and atmosphere.

CLM and Recreation Aotearoa announce partnership extension Building on a strong legacy between both organisations, facility management company CLM has announced an extension of its national partnership with Recreation Aotearoa. The new partnership will see Recreation Aotearoa support CLM in areas of cultural capability, advocacy and accessibility. Announcing the partnership, CLM Managing Director, Craig Carter advised “our ongoing partnership goes further with Kirsty Knowles sitting on the Recreation Aotearoa Board, Jason Husband Co-Chairing the Generate network and holding the role of Aspiring Director on the Recreation Aotearoa Board, and Tom Mann Chairing the Northern regional Committee.”

Ticketek hit with $500,000 penalty for repeated spam breaches Ticketing platform Ticketek has paid a $515,040 infringement notice for breaching spam laws. The fine results from an Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) investigation which found that the company had sent around 41,000 marketing texts and emails without the consent of recipients, along with about 57,000 texts and emails to people who had unsubscribed to their services. It follows the ACMA having previously formally warned Ticketek for a breach of the Spam Act in 2019. Commenting on the infringement, ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said it was unacceptable that Ticketek has failed to comply with the spam laws again despite its earlier warning.

Global venue managers ASM Global acquired by Legends

Federal Government announces independent review of Canberra’s Australian Institute of Sport Amid speculation that the Federal Government is considering the relocation of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), the Federal Government has announced that it is to undertake a “clear-eyed view” of the Canberra-based facility, announcing an independent review to help guide investment in sporting facilities to ensure the training institution continues to best support high-performance athletes. 12 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

Premium experiences company Legends has announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire ASM Global, the global manager of sports and entertainment venues. A statement advised Mercedes-Benz Arena in the Chinese city of Shanghai. that the acquisition will “create a premium live events company dedicated to providing outstanding experiences for fans around the world” adding “the acquisition of ASM Global’s venue management capabilities will enhance Legends’ services portfolio, positioning Legends to meet the expanding needs of sports organisations, entertainment venues, convention centres, and attractions globally while supporting its vision to deliver exceptional live experiences for fans in the digital age.” The pending acquisition adds significant capabilities to the Legends portfolio.

Swim Schools Association urges caution during extreme heat The Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) has spotlighted that during heatwaves, the risk of drowning related to swimming and bathing surges by 28% compared to typical temperature conditions. With spring temperatures anticipated to keep rising, ASSA urges children and their parents to exercise caution while enjoying the water to stay cool. Pointing to findings in the Royal Lifesaving Summer Drowning Report 2022/23, ASSA General Manager, Emily McNeill notes “guidelines help assist parents and carers in being vigilant at all times when any body of water is involved, and we take pride in delivering a holistically enriching experience that is shaping a nation of safer and healthier, lifelong swimmers.”

VisitCanberra partners with Ecotourism Australia to boost sustainability VisitCanberra has partnered with Ecotourism Australia, the peak body for sustainability and ecotourism in Australia, to grow and strengthen the nation capital’s sustainable tourism products and experiences. The partnership will provide free access to Ecotourism Australia’s pre-certification Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard program for a number of eligible Canberra visitor economy businesses. This collaboration will deliver the necessary boost to sustainable tourism in the territory by supporting local operators to measure and improve their sustainability practices. In the year ending June 2023, 5.5 million people visited the ACT, spending more than $3.4 billion in the region according to Tourism Research Australia.

Cathy Freeman opens new Blacktown sports hub Olympic legend, Cathy Freeman has opened the Blacktown City Council’s new Blacktown Exercise, Sports and Technology (BEST) Hub. The newly constructed $100 million facility was fully-funded by the Council and sits within the Blacktown International Sports Park - a venue for the Sydney 2000 Olympics softball and baseball competitions. BEST provides state-of-the-art facilities for training, sports medicine, rehabilitation, research and education as well as providing accommodation, a large café-restaurant and an innovative fun play space for kids of all ages and abilities.

Elite women’s sports anticipated to generate over US$1 billion in revenue in 2024 Global consultants Deloitte anticipate annual global revenue for women’s elite sports to generate US$1.28 billion revenue in 2024 marking the first time that annual global revenues for women’s sport will have surpassed US$1 billion. The predicted US$1.28 billion revenue, based on matchday earnings, broadcast and commercial revenue, is “at least 300% higher” than their previous valuation three years ago. Commercial deals by leagues and teams would bring in the majority of the revenue at 55%, while broadcast would account for 27%.

National survey reveals Australians want more live music venues A survey conducted for the Cedar Mill Group reveals almost half of Australians believe they are under-serviced when it comes to live music venues in their local area. The data, released as part of the first annual Australian Live Music Census, was commissioned to understand the pulse and perceptions of Australia’s live music fans with 1,012 people canvassed for their responses. 43% of people either ‘disagree’ or ‘strongly disagree’ that there are sufficient live music venues in their area. This sentiment is even stronger in regional areas, where 75% of residents feel there are not enough live music venues, compared to 55% in metro areas. The research also confirmed Australians’ love of the outdoors, with 74% saying they ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ that they enjoy the atmosphere at outdoor concerts.

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European Commission confirms restrictions on uses of microplastics

In a significant first, the Australian Open 2024 will start on a Sunday - becoming a 15-day event for the first time. Organisers announced the extension of the tournament is based on data showing matches are now longer - with the move to a Sunday start designed to help alleviate the pressure on late night finishes for both the players and the fans. Revealing the change, Australian Open Tournament Director, Craig Tiley advised “we’ve listened to feedback from the players and fans and are excited to deliver a solution to minimise late finishes while continuing to provide a fair and equitable schedule on the stadium courts.”

In a move likely to impact the use of rubber infill on playground surfaces and artificial sports fields worldwide, the European Commission has implemented its proposed restrictions on microplastics. One year after being first introduced, the European Union Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation, came into force on 17th October 2023, restricting the intentional adding of microplastics in a range of products. With the European Union estimating that the restrictions could prevent the release of around half a million tonnes of microplastics in the coming years, the aim of this regulation is to reduce the emission of microplastics in everyday products in order to protect the environment. The Regulation establishes two stages for the implementation of the measures: products such as glitter glue and cosmetics containing microbeads are banned immediately; manufacturers of certain cosmetics such as make-up, lip and nail products will have a period of between four and 12 years to modify the composition of their products and bring them into line with the new regulation.

Builder wants more money and extended timeframe to finish Christchurch’s Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre

New constitution sees Swimming Australia avoid expulsion from World Aquatics

Australian Open 2024 set for historic Sunday start

Crown delivery agency Rau Paenga has rejected a claim by the contractor building the new Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre in Christchurch for more money and time to complete the project. The much-delayed ‘anchor’ project of Christchurch’s post 2011 earthquake rebuild, is still only 70% complete and its opening is unlikely to happen before mid-2025. From an originally scheduled opening date of 2016, the project has been beset by a range of delays relating to the pandemic, supply issues, ground instability and rising costs.

Swimming Australia has avoided a governance crisis and potential expulsion from World Aquatics as a result of its member associations voting to accept constitutional reform at a special general meeting. Threatened with sanctions by the international federation for aquatic sport, Swimming Australia’s voting members polled eight votes to one in favour of adopting a new constitution, which meets the governance requirements of both World Aquatics (AQUA) and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and which had the support of the Swimming Australia board. The new constitution aims to be more representative and inclusive while giving athletes and coaches more of a voice. Swimming Queensland was the single dissenting vote in opposition to the reforms. Expulsion from World Aquatics would have meant Australia’s elite swimmers would have had to compete under a neutral flag at next year’s Paris Olympics.

Private consortium reveals new concept for Hobart’s AFL Stadium

Netball Australia loses $18 million in Federal Government funding Netball Australia has been stripped of almost $18 million in Federal Government funding after failing to provide a satisfactory business case to the Australian Sports Commission for the continuation of a package committed at the 2019 election by then-Minister for Sport Bridget McKenzie. Of the $30 million committed by the former government, $12.175 million has already been distributed to Netball Australia and has been spent on digital initiatives, the bid for the 2027 World Cup and other programs. 14 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

An alternative concept for Hobart’s new AFL stadium has been revealed by a private development consortium. Proposed for a site further east than that currently envisaged by the Tasmanian Government, the new concept would reach 250 metres into the Derwent estuary on reclaimed land. Named ‘Mac Point 2.0’, the $2.3 billion concept would feature 450 apartments built into its waterfront facade. The consortium is backed by former Tasmanian Premier Paul Lennon and architect Dean Coleman of Melbourne-based Stadia Precinct Consorti.

APRA AMCOS Annual Report shows closure of 1,300 live music venues More than 1,300 live music venues and stages across the nation have been lost permanently since the start of pandemic restrictions, constricting Australia’s live music scene for small to medium gigs by one-third over the past three years, according to the latest annual Year In Report from APRA AMCOS. However, while the small to medium venue scene has been “decimated”, overall the live music industry reported record revenues of $690 million in 2022/23, an increase of 12% on the result in the previous financial year. Major concerts and festivals saw their revenue rise 400% in the first entire post-pandemic financial year, and net distributable income including royalties paid to songwriters and publisher members, affiliates and rightsholders rose 11% to $595.2 million.

New Zealand Government to back Ruapehu Alpine Lifts operations with further $7.35 million The New Zealand Government is to back the financially troubled Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) with a further $7.35 million in funding. Representing the fourth cash injection from the Crown in a year, the backing is aimed at allowing operating to continue while it is hoped that liquidators PWC will find a buyer for the business’ assets. The funding will be split with $4.3 million being a loan to continue operating both the Turoa and Whakapapa ski fields until the end of March 2024 and $3.05 million to the preferred bidder of the Turoa ski field (Pure Turoa Ltd) to purchase and operate RAL assets on the Turoa ski field, subject to being granted a concession.

AUSactive to consult members on industry accreditation The AUSactive Board has unanimously given the go ahead to explore an accreditation concept for the fitness industry. Agreed at its most recent board meeting, the move follows the successful Fit for Office campaign which, AUSactive Chief Executive, Barrie Elvish advises “has provided us with multiple entry points to begin positive discussions with the Federal Government and the Opposition on a possible accreditation regime.” Elvish explained that “we need to take the opportunities that are presented to us”, and asked “can you name any profession operating in Australia’s health environment that is not subject to regulation? Indeed, can you name any recognised profession that is not subject to regulation?” Exploring the reasons for an accreditation regime, Elvish stated that the fitness and exercise industry “wants to be taken seriously, with an acknowledgement of the integral role we play in Australia’s preventive health and for there to be a deconstruction of the nation’s established health industry paradigm.”

World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2023 delegates.

Global drowning prevention initiatives showcased at Perth Conference

Australian Golf Industry Council report reveals golf contributes $3.3 billion to Australia A new report from the Australian Golf Industry Council shows golf as providing $3.3 billion in total annual benefits to the Australian community, economy and environment. The ‘2023 Community Benefits of Golf in Australia’ report was commissioned by the AGIC – a council comprising the key national bodies of the golf industry in Australia, including the PGA of Australia, Golf Australia and the WPGA Tour of Australasia. It was conducted by SGS Economics & Planning and details the wide-ranging and sizeable benefits of golf through quantified data and a robust methodology. Headlining the report’s findings are the $3.3 billion in total annual benefits of golf; the growing and deepening participation in all forms of golf; and golf’s estimated annual household expenditure of $10.3 billion.

More than 750 drowning experts from over 50 countries gathered recently in Perth for the 2023 World Conference on Drowning prevention, jointly hosted by Surf Life Saving Australia and Royal Life Saving Society - Australia. Commencing with field trips around the region, delegates had the chance to visit Rottnest Island, Freemantle and Margaret River. Thereafter, experts from around the world gave insight into global drowning risks with the highest rates of drowning in the Indo Pacific region 10-15 times, and across Africa up to 25 times higher than those in Australia. It was a sobering reminder of inequity in the drowning prevention space and of the importance of the Surf Life Saving movement. Dr Jaz Lawes, Research Team Leader at Surf Life Saving Australia, said the conference was a valuable chance for collaboration, noting “I was able to present ... on coastal drowning in Australia and explore some of the big drowning prevention challenges that we face on our beaches. “These are largely the rip current hazard, unpatrolled beaches and how best to reach the community with our safety messaging.” The next conference will be held in 2025 in Marrakesh, Morocco. Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159 15

SPASA acquires Australasian Leisure Management

Australian Leisure Media Pty Ltd co-Directors, Nigel Benton and Karen Sweaney, with SPASA Australia Chief Executive Lindsay McGrath. The recent sale was, rather appropriately, agreed at Sydney's iconic Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool.

n a move to strengthen communication and collaboration across the aquatic and leisure industry, the Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia Ltd (SPASA Australia) has announced its acquisition of Australasian Leisure Management magazine and the ausleisure.com.au website. SPASA’s acquisition of the Australian Leisure Media Pty Ltd assets, including the www.asianleisure.biz website, augments the association’s growing stable of media brands, which includes the consumer-facing Pool & Spa magazine, website and lifestyle events, along with the commercially focused business-to-business (B2) SPLASH! tradeshow, print and digital platforms. SPASA Australia Chief Executive, Lindsay McGrath advised “our mission is to protect, promote and grow the industry. Acquisition of the ALM assets positions us to better deliver on that promise, dovetailing into our existing media portfolio and enabling us to further our reach. “SPASA’s success since going national in 2017 is due to a collaborative approach with industry partners. Australasian Leisure Management provides SPASA the perfect communication tool to work closer with other associations and 16 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

groups to help promote and grow aquatics, recreation and leisure sectors.” Commenting on the move, Australasian Leisure Management Publisher and Australian Leisure Media Pty Ltd co-director, Nigel Benton said “this is an incredibly exciting move for us, as we share a common goal with SPASA - to effectively communicate what is best about this industry. “The global media landscape is changing rapidly. In the B2B space, access to SPASA’s extensive resources will allow us to expand in new directions - and at a scale we couldn’t achieve as an independent publisher.” Australasian Leisure Management Editor and Australian Leisure Media Pty Ltd co-director, Karen Sweaney said the move is a win for the industry, noting “SPASA’s backing means we can take advantage of emerging technologies, develop new partnerships and move on with new initiatives, which will better serve the industry. “With the support of SPASA we can deliver more editorial content to benefit readers and the wider industry along with developing new industry-relevant research and information resources.” SPASA Australia’s acquisition will see the editorial, production and management team behind Australasian Leisure Management magazine and the ausleisure.com.au website continue to lead the business under new ownership with editorial independence and credibility unchanged. SPASA Australia is a member-based organisation dedicated to advancing the pool, spa and outdoor living industries throughout Asia Pacific. The association recognises five key pillars: People - empowering members through skills and knowledge development, Promotion - of the professional trades delivering products and services that improve health and wellness, Representation - advocating for responsible outcomes at all levels of government, Member Services - provision of products, services and networking opportunities, Corporate Support - consistently striving to improve the corporate structure for effectiveness and efficiency. SPASA was ranked 58th in the 2023 Australian Financial Review (AFR) Fast 100 list - the annual ranking of the 100 fastest growing businesses in Australia.

Daktronics’ Great Southern Screen at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.

Screen Sensation Justin Ochsner explains the importance of enhancing audience experiences through cutting-edge LED display and control technology experience from the moment people arrive for an event. With hen attending a live event today, people expect to be the ability to change these messages at a moment’s notice, informed and entertained like never before. Daktronics W digital signs can change based on the event, score, time of caters to the audiovisual aspect of these events with everevolving LED technology to deliver high-resolution, top-of-theline products. With larger than life displays and video walls throughout venues, the audience is always connected and engaged with the event leading to a fully-immersive experience. So how does this all come together? Two perfect examples reside with Venues NSW at Sydney’s Accor Stadium (Stadium Australia) and Allianz Stadium (the Sydney Football Stadium). With both venues setting their sights on delivering experiences that simply can’t be replicated by staying at home their complete LED super systems connect with audiences immediately and pull viewers into the action. The Digital Canvas Beginning with the LED displays themselves, the technology has come a long way over the past couple of decades. Now, tight pixel pitches in outdoor environments deliver higher and higher resolution to viewers for better image quality. With lifelike imagery, it’s easy to understand why audiences are amazed and enthused about attending events where this technology adds to their experience. The displays themselves are also getting larger and being implemented in more exciting ways and locations. Wherever there is a blank wall or support structure, LED displays are covering this empty space while making it more versatile for messaging, including more return on investment from advertising and sponsorship opportunities. Applications are spreading outside of the seating bowl into concourses and even outside of the stadium to brand the 18 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

game and so much more to build excitement and immerse fans in the atmosphere of a live event. Accor Stadium The Great Southern Screen (GSS) at Accor Stadium is a huge investment in digital space for commanding attention and connecting with audiences. At 10 metres high by 120 metres wide, it is the largest LED video display in the southern hemisphere. Blair Robertson, Daktronics Australia Regional Manager, explains “we are honored to be selected as the preferred LED supplier for Venues NSW at both Stadium Australia and Sydney Football Stadium. “Having overcome many delivery challenges, it was a great moment to being present to see the screens in action. I was filled with pride and excitement watching the fans’ reactions at seeing the GSS firsthand. The sheer scale and vibrancy of the displays has lit up the stadium to deliver a unique game-day experience. There is no reason to stay at home to watch the game, with the new GSS you get your HD curved TV and the live venue experience all at once.” While GSS is a massive focal point in the venue, Accor Stadium also boasts another video display at the opposite end of the field measuring 10 metres high by 23 metres wide. Both screens at each end of the venue feature 13HD pixel spacing, an improvement on the 20-plus-milimetre pixel spacings of the past. These video displays can show a wealth of digital content

Enhancing Experiences

through cutting-edge LED display and control technology

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Daktronics screens at Sydney's Allianz Stadium.

including live video and instant replays. They can also share all the statistics surrounding any game or match, eye-catching animations, and creative motion graphics that build on the live action on the pitch. Surrounding the field, two pitch perimeter LED displays light up extremely close to the action with great appeal for advertisers looking to capitalise on audiences watching television broadcasts while also sharing their message with live event goers. Each pitch perimeter display measures nearly one metre high. One measures 439 metres long while the other measures 244 metres long. These can share animations and graphics as well as statistics and match information, in addition to sponsorship messaging. Allianz Stadium The digital display experience is similar at Allianz Stadium with two very large main video displays combining to present a mirrored digital canvas at each end of the venue, each video display measures more than 10 metres high by 27 metres wide. Both feature 15HD pixel layouts for high resolution imagery. At this stadium, one pitch perimeter display circles the field and measure nearly one metre high by 359 metres wide. Adding to the visual experience, three ribbon displays are installed along the seating fascia. One measures 0.8 metres high by 511 metres long, another measures 0.65 metres high by 294 metres long and the final ribbon measures 0.65 metres high by 308 metres long. The pitch perimeter and ribbon displays each feature a tighter 10-millimetre pixel spacing for higher resolution. Much like the pitch display, the ribbons offer the opportunity to highlight sponsors throughout events while also connecting with audiences using graphics, animations and coordinated content across multiple displays. The versatility of multiple displays forming a super system is really where a complete visual experience can immerse fans. Taking Control The displays themselves are versatile digital canvases that can be used to share a multitude of information and visually pleasing elements. But the back end is really where the magic happens. Daktronics pulls all of these displays together with its Show Control System. Show Control is an industry-leading live event production system that provides a combination of display control software, world-class video processing, data integration and playback hardware. This all works together to form a powerful, userfriendly production solution. Production specialists can leverage this system to seamlessly deliver a fully immersive game-day experience. Show Control can change all of the content on every display at a venue with the click of a button. All displays can show the same content at the same time for a moment of exclusivity, or each display 20 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

can be coordinated to show pre-determined engaging content based on its location. Again, it’s all only a button click away. After a score, content can be triggered across the entire digital canvas to deliver a shared experience for audiences and fans. Team introductions can be scripted and delivered using this extremely powerful, yet carefully engineered, control solution. When the control system and the LED technology are coordinated correctly, together they make an unforgettable experience by telling the story of the live event for every person in the venue to see. Commenting on the value of both installations, Johnny Naofal, General Manager - Safety, Security and Facilities at Venues NSW, notes “the Great Southern Screen has been a fantastic addition to Accor Stadium and has added to the overall event experience at Sydney’s Olympic venue. “Similarly, we’ve had overwhelmingly positive feedback from the 1.2 million plus fans who attended events at the new worldclass Allianz Stadium in its first year.” Building For Success Back to the carefully engineered comment from above, that applies to every product, every component and every step in the manufacturing process that brings these LED super systems to life. Before a single LED is placed on a circuit board, it is tested beyond the point of failure. This lets the Daktronics engineering team know what component failed, how it failed, why it failed and what they can do to make it better. After passing rigorous testing and inspection, the manufacturing takes place and the display is installed. But that’s not all of the story, at least not with Daktronics displays. The company ensures that each piece of technology produced is efficient and sustainable. This means power consumption to turn on these displays and run them for an event is carefully considered and thought through. Every step taken in the process minimises the power usage to ensure the displays operate efficiently. And the crucial testing each component goes through before manufacturing ensures that Daktronics can deliver a 10-year product that will withstand the test of time after installation. As proof, some products that were installed more than 15 years ago are still in operation and being used to their full potential still today. This gives display owners peace of mind when looking for their next amazing video display. Experience the Event The next time you head out to a sporting or other live event with huge LED displays, take it all in. There was a lot of engineering, manufacturing, planning, coordination, and production preparation that led to your amazement from your seat. Justin Ochsner is Daktronics’ Marketing and Public Relations Manager.

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Watch Around Water at La Trobe University’s Indoor Sports Centre.

Turning Tragedy into Triumph As Western Australia’s Watch Around Water approaches its 20th anniversary, Sarahjayne Westberg explains how the safety campaign ‘saved a generation’

ool culture and Australia go hand in hand, with generations of kids having spent their summers playing in home and public pools. Growing up in the 1990s my experience was typical - your parents would drop you and your siblings off at the local pool with $5 in hand to visit the café and call home from the public phone when you were ready to be picked up. Everyone did it, and if your kids couldn’t swim you didn’t need parental supervision - we had lifeguards! However, between 2000 and 2004 Western Australia suffered four fatal drowning incidents at public aquatic facilities with the victim under 12 years of age in three of the incidents. At that time the adequacy of parental supervision had been a long-standing issue for public aquatic facilities, with the industry struggling without a standardised approach to supervision. With varying policies between aquatic facilities it was difficult to promote and enforce appropriate supervision behaviours.

22 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

Through this there was a feeling that this should not continue - Perth is a small place and everyone knew someone who had been impacted by the events of the past four years. When I started my first job as a lifeguard in 2003, like the majority of lifeguards on duty at the time I had no idea what was about to come and the lasting effects it would have on aquatic landscape in Western Australia. Only a few months into the job I was handed a memo while on shift advising that there had been a drowning fatality at our sister centre and that my pool was to close immediately while our council managed the situation. It advised that further instructions would follow (and not to make any statements to the media). Within days my naïve bubble had burst as I learned of the recent child drowning incidents at public facilities. Our industry had always been driven by LIWA Aquatics and Royal Life Saving Society’s Western Australian branch (RLSSWA) and at this time I really began to understand the crucial partnership they were forming in response to these tragedies. Coroner’s Recommendations Following Inquests into the drownings, the Western Australian Coroner made two key recommendations: 1.While competent lifeguards acting responsibly should provide an important safety feature, they are not intended to, and cannot be expected to, replace the close supervision of parents or teachers which is required for many children, particularly primary school aged children. 2.For a public awareness drive to ensure adults in the community understand supervision of children in the water must be both direct, competent and alert. LIWA Aquatics and RLSSWA agreed that something needed to change, there was too much inconsistency, too much reliance on lifeguards and not enough public support or awareness surrounding pool safety. As a result, the bodies acted on the Coroner’s recommendations, going on to change the Western Australian aquatic landscape forever with their combined commitment to design a pool safety program to reaffirm to patrons that public pools were a safe, fun environment to recreate in, while educating, informing and encouraging patrons to practice safe pool behaviours. Initially RLSSWA and LIWA Aquatics established a trial program ‘Poolwatch’ at two facilities which included regular safety announcements through their public address (PA) systems, flyers and posters located around the facility and using a local media identity as the program ambassador. Beatty Park Leisure Centre, which had suffered a fatal drowning, was one of the facilities that trialled Pool Watch, introducing regular PA safety announcements, a combination of marketing materials and a high profile program ambassador to promote supervision messages.

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Watch Around Water set out to decrease the number of fatal and non-fatal drowning incidents in the 0-14 year old age group in public aquatic facilities (above). Watch Around Water's 2016 season launch introduced the message 'watch me not your phone' (below).

Key findings from the initial campaign identified that it was an effective public relations exercise following the drowning tragedy, but real health promotion intervention was less successful. Research also identified that fewer than 2% of patrons were spoken to by a staff member about potential supervision risks and 75% of patrons could not remember the Poolwatch branding or believed safety information was unbranded. When asked, response from patrons soon indicated that they wanted more in terms of venue advertising and signage around the venue, the message being embedded across all programs (including swim school), more PA announcements, TV advertising, staff to be more active in approaching parents and carers and for information brochures handed out on entry to the centres. Taking this feedback on board, LIWA Aquatics and RLSSWA rebranded the program as Watch Around Water for greater brand recognition and set out a road map that would deliver a standardised approach, with wide-scale support and brand recognition backed by resources and, above all, more evidence that it could work. Initially launching at 10 facilities across Western Australia, the following key recommendations were adopted: •Clarifying the role of lifeguards •Redefining goals and objectives of the program •Clearly associating the brand with safety directions •Adopt a hard hitting approach •Specifying adequate levels of supervision •Expand the role of posters •Cross- promotion with other aquatic programs and services •Raising staff understanding & involvement And the project objectives were identified as •Increase the level of behaviour which constitutes adequate supervision of children under 5 visiting aquatic facilities. •Increase the level of behaviour which constitutes adequate supervision of children under 10 visiting aquatic facilities. •Increase the proportion of aquatic facilities that implement standardised education campaigns relating to supervision of children visiting aquatic facilities. Backed by a media awareness campaign through local and state-wide print media and with Watch Around Water messages implemented into Pool Operations and Pool Lifeguard training courses, the program has been constantly evaluated since its launch in the summer of 2004/05. 24 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

20 Year Anniversary Since the program’s introduction, there have been no fatal drownings of young children in public swimming pool facilities in Western Australia and the rate of aquatic injuries has decreased significantly, meaning our public swimming pools are safer for the community to use. The program has expanded with there being more than 350 Watch Around Water pools not only in Western Australia but also in South Australia, Victoria and Queensland. Pool managers also report increased levels of parental supervision as a result of the program, with facility managers, local councils and the West Australian community supporting the ongoing efforts of the program (although challenges still exist, most notably with rise in use of mobile phones). The increase in use of mobile phones and the dangers of parents being distracted by them while their children are using aquatic facilities, has been a concern to RLSSWA and LIWA Aquatics, prompting the introduction of the message ‘Lifeguards are not Babysitters’. Western Australia has now legislated pool supervision for children under five years old and some local councils have also included the policies as part of their by-laws and conditions of entry to the facility. Watch Around Water Supervision Policies are included within the Code of Practice for the Design, Construction, Operation, Management and Maintenance of Aquatic Facilities developed by the Department of Health WA. LIWA Aquatics has also introduced an annual award for Watch Around Water facility of the year which is highly competitive and sought after within the industry - ensuring ongoing support, ownership and innovation of program messaging.

The City of Ballarat and Life Saving Victoria backing Watch Around Water.

Watch Around Water’s key messages (above and below).

Watch Around Water’s messaging has been adopted by other programs and facilities.

It has taken a full generation for the health promotion campaign to truly change community behaviour - we now have the kids who were first introduced to the program bringing their own children to the pool - and although we cannot take for granted what has been achieved we now have a generation of families who only know a world where Watch Around Water exists.

Sarahjayne Westberg is Infrastructure and Operations Coordinator at the City of Cockburn’s Cockburn ARC and a Board Member of the Leisure Institute of Western Australia (LIWA) Aquatics. This article is based on a presentation made to the World Conference on Drowning Prevention in Perth in December.

Council warning to parents over poolside mobile phone use

Distracted parents are being told to stop using their mobile phones while at public swimming pools, following a sevenyear-old nearly drowning at the Balga Leisurepark in Perth’s northern suburbs in October. The incident, which forced the closure of the centre for several hours, saw the child dragged from a pool unconscious. A City of Stirling spokeswoman confirmed that the incident had seen a lifeguard notice the boy in the 25-metre pool requiring assistance, advising “the young child was pulled from the water by the lifeguard and emergency care commenced while an ambulance was called.

“On the ambulance’s arrival the child had regained consciousness and was placed in the recovery position. “A qualified bystander assisted with resuscitation efforts. The patient appeared conscious upon leaving the centre and was transported to hospital under normal road conditions.” It has prompted the City of Stirling to urge parents and carers using its facilities to put their mobile phones away and keep an eye on their children while in the water. Mindful of the dangers of parents being distracted by mobile phones while their children are using aquatic facilities, the City of Stirling has highlighted the importance of the message ‘Lifeguards are not Babysitters’, with the City spokeswoman noting that on top of lifeguard supervision, its six aquatic facilities followed the Watch Around Water program. The spokeswoman advised “the program encourages all parents, guardians and caregivers to be within arm’s reach of their children within the pool and to remain vigilant and away from distractions including mobile phones. “Watch Around Water is an education and awareness campaign run at public swimming pools that aims to reduce drowning and aquatic injuries among children through improved parental supervision.”

Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159 25

Water Worlds With Australia’s major waterparks experiencing their peak summer operating months, Karen Sweaney spotlights a few key milestones and developments

Aquatic fun at Australia’s waterparks (clockwise from top left): Raging Waters Sydney (and top right), Jamberoo Action Park and Perth’s Outback Splash.

passed rather quietly, but Raging Waters Sydney has just Australia’s most attended waterpark is regularly listed among its 10-year anniversary. the top 20 most visited waterparks in the world, receiving Itreached First opened in December 2013, the waterpark, located in the 1,120,000 visitors in 2019. western Sydney suburb of Prospect, remains the largest allnew attraction to open in Australia in this millennium and while it may not have achieved some of its pre-opening projections, it has become a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers in its catchment area. Over its decade of operations, the waterpark has received positive reviews from visitors, who praise the quality of its rides and attractions, as well as its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. Conceived in the early 2000s, the attraction was developed, at a cost of $115 million, by Village Roadshow Theme Parks who commenced construction of the park in 2011. Opened on 12th December 2013 as Wet’n’Wild Sydney it features over 30 rides, slides, and attractions, spread across a 25 hectare site with its wave pool, one of the largest in the world, capable of generating waves up to 1.5 metres high, as its centrepiece. While predictions prior to opening suggested seasonal attendance of over one million visitors a year - and it attracted over 500,000 guests in its first year period - over its opening months from September/October to March/April - visitation is understood to generally be closer to 250,000 to 350,000 per season, approaching the numbers achieved each year by Jamberoo Action Park located two hours south in the NSW Illawarra. By contrast, operating year-round, Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast, 26 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

In addition to its impact in its Western Sydney catchment, the waterpark has also been recognised for its achievements within the industry being named ‘Best Tourist Attraction’ at the 2016 Australian Tourism Awards. Despite this, as of early 2018, Village Roadshow advised that for the first half of the 2017/18 financial year Wet’n’Wild Sydney reported an overall $5 million loss before tax with attendance dropping from 235,000 in the corresponding period in 2016 to 173,000. Noting that the 235,000 attendance in 2016 had been a 10.4% attendance fall on the previous year. While Village Roadshow Chief Financial Officer Julie Raffe described the results as “incredibly disappointing” she cited the underperformance of the waterpark as being linked to the Dreamworld fatalities of October 2016, and expressed confidence that performance would turn around. Nonetheless, by October 2018, the attraction was sold to Spanish attractions operator Parques Reunidos for a fee believed to be around $37 million. Operating the waterpark through its attractions operations division Palace Entertainment, Parques Reunidos introduced changes to the attraction including the installation of a Vivaticket access control system, before renaming it as Raging Waters Sydney in line with its global waterpark brand during the winter of 2019. Indicating that the acquisition was the first step for expansion in the Southern Hemisphere, Parques Reunidos indicated at

Raging Waters Sydney.

the time that the waterpark was a platform for growth in the region through further acquisitions. While these have yet to eventuate, Parques Reunidos soon invested in a major new ride, the Whirlwind which, as an addition to the tower that also features the popular H2Go Racers and 360 Rush, was introduced as of November 2019 season. Surprisingly, since then Raging Waters Sydney has maintained a low media profile, focussing on operations and promotion via social media. However, traditional media outlets have been quick to pick up on guest complaints aired via platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. The early months of 2023 saw two incidents hit the headlines. The first was a social media stir after its wave pool was evacuated on Monday 9th January with guests confusing the closure as being a ‘code brown’ incident (when a person defecates in a pool). However, a Raging Waters Sydney spokesperson subsequently advised that somebody had vomited in the wave pool. Subsequently a ransomware attack on its guest data by cyber criminals – which saw a reported 1TB of data stolen from Parques Reunidos – prompted the company’s Madrid headquarter to jump into incident response mode. Its response included shutting down affected systems and blocking their users; blocking of remote access connections; blocking all users’ passwords; and ‘temporary isolation’ of the company’s data centre. New resort-style pool at Perth’s Outback Splash Perth’s Outback Splash has also marked a milestone with the opening of its new resort-style pool ‘The Lagoon’. Opened in November, the eagerly awaited attraction, created by Commercial Aquatics, features an expansive crystal-clear

Perth’s Outback Splash (above and below).

pool, surrounded by tropical gardens and lavish amenities. A feature key to the long-term vision for Outback Splash, Director Paul Woodcock explained “opening The Lagoon showcases our commitment to creating a full day of fun for all ages. “Outback Splash is a place where families can make lasting memories, friends can relax and play, and adventure enthusiasts can revel in the thrill of the adventurous waterslides.” It has been 10 years since The Maze introduced its first water attraction, the Splash Island waterslide playground, and since then Outback Splash has grown to become Western Australia’s largest waterpark. Commenting on this growth, Tourism Council WA Chief Executive, Evan Hall stated “watching the venue evolve, grow, and develop over the years has been truly inspirational. Today, it stands as one of the state’s most distinguished tourism destinations. “The unmatched quality of its attractions, the meticulously maintained grounds, and the industry-leading guest service standards are all commendable.”

Perth’s Outback Splash new The Lagoon attraction.

28 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

THE COMPLETE SYSTEM TO RUN YOUR AQUATIC FACILITY. THE MOST POWERFUL FACILITY MANAGEMENT AND WATER TESTING PLATFORM. Jamberoo Action Park’s Velocity Falls oﬀers the Octo Racer (above) and The Stinger (below).

Jamberoo Action Park offers new thrills for peak season Having opened its new Velocity Falls precinct for the 2022/23 summer season, Jamberoo Action Park is anticipating that warm weather and its new rides will drive visitation through the coming months. The ‘zero gravity’ experience of The Stinger, the theme and water park’s newest ride sees guests descend as the floor drops away beneath them, sending them into freefall and, as the Jamberoo team explain, experience “the ride of your life”. The Velocity Falls precinct offers the ‘zero gravity’ experience of The Stinger, Jamberoo’s newest ride along with the new Octo-Racer thrill ride, new cabanas, BBQ facilities and themed surroundings including a waterfall. Jamberoo Action Park Marketing Manager, Grant Wright explains “these new rides and facilities are among the biggest and best of their type in the world and are part of the ongoing plans for even more in the near future.” Set in the rolling hills of the Illawarra and with the back-drop of the spectacular Illawarra escarpment, all rides, attractions and park amenities are built into the natural contours of the landscape. Wright adds we offer “impeccable presentation, world class rides and attractions, well trained and attentive staff. “These guest-focussed principles are clearly on display from the moment you enter the park grounds and are a result of the passion that comes from being 100% privately owned and operated.” Karen Sweaney is Editor of Australasian Leisure Management.

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Highlights of the inaugural California Fitness Festival.

A new

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Dane Fort, Chief Executive and Managing Partner at Fitness & Lifestyle Group Vietnam, shares his thoughts on the inaugural California Fitness Festival with Kate Cracknell

stablished in Vietnam in 2007, California Fitness has grown energising the communities it serves. Delivering a range of to become the country’s leading premium gym network, E training programs - including over 2,000 classes a week - it is spanning a range of world-class brands that include California driven by a goal of improving the health, wellness, lives and Fitness & Yoga, California Active, California Centuryon and Hypoxi. Committed to a mission of ‘One Life Live Well’, California Fitness & Yoga is dedicated to inspiring, entertaining and

livelihoods of all 100 million people in Vietnam. Held in October, the inaugural California Fitness Festival was such a success that plans are already taking shape to scale it as an annual lifestyle event and destination.

Kate Cracknell: “Why did you launch the festival?” Dane Fort: “Earlier this year, we launched a new vision for California Fitness. Encapsulated in the statement One Life Live Well -it’s about health, happiness and hope for all 100 million Vietnamese people. “Our product is preventative healthcare, so we wanted our vision to be something with substance - something we could measure. We took inspiration from the McKinsey Health Institute, which last year said at least six years of higher quality life for everyone is within reach, and set out to play our part in making this a reality for the Vietnamese population. “Conceived in February and launched in July, it’s no overstatement to say that - even though we were already a market leader - One Life Live Well has transformed our

business. Partners are flocking to be involved. Team members are so proud to say they work for us. And crucially, it resonates strongly with a Vietnamese population that had already begun to embrace a longer-term, holistic, health-focused mindset around exercise and wellness. “Engagement with our brand had therefore already reached unprecedented levels, but we wanted to add fuel to this fire. We wanted to give our vision a heartbeat beyond the walls of our clubs, and the California Fitness Festival was born.” KC: “What did the festival consist of?” DF: “Taking place in Ho Chi Minh City on 14th October, it was Vietnam’s largest ever fitness and music festival. “The day started with a series of outdoor classes: 300 people took part in sunrise yoga, 700 in the Les Mills and Zumba

32 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

Requirements • Min 500 members • Min 400m2 premises • Proﬁtable over the previous 24-36 months • Opportunity to grow • Multi-club operations (desirable but not essential) • Will consider franchised locations if the franchise can be terminated

sessions that followed. Throughout the day, a popular Live Well Expo showcased various aspects of health and wellness across 80 sold-out booths, with our California booth running recovery sessions and challenges. “Then in the afternoon, almost 7,000 people took part in a 5k Bubble Run, at the end of which a grand stage lit up, welcoming thousands of spectators to enjoy an All-Star Fight martial arts competition and a live music concert. “Featuring top names such as indie band Chillies, California brand ambassador and rap sensation tlinh, DJ Minh Tri, rappers Andree Right Hand and HIEUTHUHAI and many more, the concert was a great way to connect with Gen Zs. California has been going for 17 years now, meaning many of those who joined at the beginning are now in their 40s and 50s. We need to make sure we’re relevant to younger generations too, and music is a great way to speak to them.” KC: “What was the uptake?” DF: “We’d told partners we were expecting 7,000 attendees, but we had no idea how many would actually turn up and never put limits on it. We just went all-out and on the day welcomed 20,000 people, including lots of non-members. We raised US$500,000 through sponsorships and ticket sales alone, with a portion of that donated to Heartbeat Vietnam, our chosen charity. “It didn’t stop there, though. The whole event was sponsored by the Vietnamese Olympic Committee, which allowed us to put the five rings on all event marketing - great news with the Paris Olympics coming up next year. We collaborated with a number of international Chambers of Commerce and with the Ministry of Health, whose social, economic and wellbeing agenda is highly aligned with our vision. Our All-Star Fight, which featured the first ever government-sanctioned title bout, was created in partnership with the Ho Chi Minh City Muay Thai Federation - part of the Ministry of Sport - and broadcast live across the nation on HTV, with around 23 million people tuning in. Viettel also streamed the fights to its mobile customers. “In the two weeks following the event, we had 34 million All-Star Fight martial arts at the California Fitness Festival.

34 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

More highlights of the inaugural California Fitness Festival.

views of event videos and 40 million shares of our social posts. Podcast giant Vietcetera also did a live podcast from the event, asking celebrities what they were grateful for that day. It resulted in some great endorsements for us! “The timing just feels right. We did try something like this before, but this time we’ve caught the zeitgeist. I’m so grateful to the team for delivering it - we only had the idea for the festival in July - and moved by their pride in the way it’s touched lives and added value.” KC: “What’s next for the festival?” DF: “A one-day event this year, we’re looking at a three-day event for 2024, incorporating anything and everything that feeds the soul: TED Talks, a big mental health focus, longevity experts, HYROX, healthy F&B and even more music. I’m also going to run from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, inviting other CEOs to donate money to run parts of the route with me. “It’s already gone from being a dream to a reality and I’m excited by what comes next. We’d like it to become a movement, a lifestyle destination on the international calendar - a PG version of Burning Man or Coachella for health, fitness and wellness. We’d like it to take on a life of its own, becoming its own brand as well as a mouthpiece for what we’re trying to achieve for the health of the nation.” KC: “What’s the value for your brand?” DF: “With our new vision, we want to take our company to the next level, intertwining ourselves in the social fabric of Vietnam and taking control of the narrative around health and wellness. This is a big responsibility and one we take very seriously, but it’s a responsibility we want to assume. “At the moment, there’s less than 1% penetration of health club members in Vietnam. If we can help raise that even just to 4%, it would lift the whole industry as well as the health of the nation. This is where initiatives like the California Fitness Festival come in, allowing us to market health in a way that’s cool and relevant across the generations.” The former editor of Health Club Management magazine, Kate Cracknell is one of the world’s leading journalists covering the global fitness industry.

Aquatic Utopia

The new Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre.

Daryl Maguire explains how the new Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre sets pace for future community leisure hubs

aving opened ahead of a predicted long, dry summer, the new Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC) showcases a fully-electric, community-centric facility with cross pollination at its core - becoming an aspirational new benchmark for swimming and community facilities. Designed by Warren and Mahoney, the state-of-the-art 8,100 metre2 centre includes an indoor learn-to-swim pool, 25 metre lap pool, kids splash park, adult bathing area with sauna and steam rooms, a café, separate spaces for group exercise, and a 50 metre outdoor pool set among native plantings and a grove of long-standing gumtrees. Warren and Mahoney, Associate Principal and Project Architect, Brett Diprose explains “the community’s previous Aquatic Centre was a much-loved hub for activity and socialising in Northcote, but could no longer meet the needs of locals. “The hype had been steadily building with locals to reengage with sport and friends. So, we’re incredibly proud to be able to design and deliver a world-class facility for Darebin City Council and its constituents.” Setting Sustainability Standards Responding to the City of Darebin’s declared state of climate emergency, NARC was designed from the outset to perform as a 6-Star Green Star facility. This has predominantly been achieved by completely removing the traditional reliance on gas and replacing with electrical energy sources, including heat pumps that harness the sun, providing renewable energy during the day. A Renewable Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) provides renewably-sourced power during the evening. By taking a more sustainable long-term approach to a 36 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

community facility through the efficient envelope, a focused approach to water quality and reduction of energy demand, we have also reduced demand on council funds. We are effectively subsidising a facility by using solar photovoltaic panels on roofs, and energy reduction strategies around pool heating that will also reduce operational costs. As part of the design process, Warren and Mahoney and Arup Façade Engineers and ESD Consultants undertook extensive life cycle analyses and daylight assessments, testing and reducing glare and optimising insulation measures to ensure the building also works as efficiently as possible. The facility incorporates low-carbon materials, including the use of 300 cubic metres of mass timber for the structure of the main swimming hall and its striking timber ceiling. The building has the ability for carbon neutral operation. Outdoor pool at the new Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre.

INTRODUCING MURALS REVOLUTIONISING ICONIC DESIGN IN AQUATICS

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The new Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre includes “considered spaces for people of all ages and all abilities, from the pools, gym, café to the changing areas”.

Diprose advises “everything has been considered with a forward-thinking’ approach - particularly when it comes down to the sustainability and community aspects. Even down to elements like the ‘ultrafine’ Neptune Benson water filtration system design by MLEI which is state-of-the-art - taking up less room and using less power than standard sand-filter systems. “During our project consultation with Wurundjeri elders, we came to learn of how the sacred kingfisher will select their home; they will only create a nest in a place where there is ecological balance. And that is what the design and operations of this facility aims to deliver. “The commitment to the ecological balance is symbolically marked with the large kingfisher on the external façade of the building using materials from Krause Bricks, Kingspan, Rubner, Waterplay/Parkequip and KLAY. “We’re looking forward to reviewing the performance metrics of NARC over the coming weeks and months as we’ll soon be able to quantify just how energy efficient the facility is. We believe it will set the standard for sustainability and the blueprint for future aquatic centres in Australia.” Inclusive at Heart In addition to the centre’s exemplary facilities and sustainability credentials, NARC is about inclusion. Prior to design commencing, extensive consultation with both Wurundjeri and different facets of the broader community took place. Diprose shares “with some of this happening through peak Covid era, consultation involved both face-to-face meetings and even more extensive online outreach, which actually enabled us to speak to more people than those often readily available for consultation. “It is our hope that regardless of age, ability or ethnicity there is something for everyone within the community at the Northcote Aquatic Recreation Centre. 38 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

“Accessibility and balance are ideas that sit at the heart of this design and have been executed brilliantly by our construction partners, KANE. “Change facilities are welcoming to a wide cross section of the community (with) the facility itself it designed with inclusivity at its core. Throughout the centre there are considered spaces for people of all ages and all abilities, from the pools, gym, café to the changing areas, which incorporate a dedicated Changing Places facility. “There are family change rooms, specific gendered facilities and also gender-neutral areas that provide both excellent privacy but also greater practical integration - for example, a family can find privacy to change but doesn’t have to split into two entirely different change spaces by gender - as is often the case. “The facility is designed to have the ability to adapt to a changing and growing community that will continue to change over the lifetime of the centre.” Promoting Community The breadth of facilities, the layout - including a specific adultonly bathing area, expansive foyer café and sprawling grounds surrounding the outdoor pool - enables this centre to truly act as a community hub. Diprose states “we love that NARC is a place for all generations to not just swim, but a place to socialise, a place to exercise, and a place to hang out. A lot of consideration has gone into the different ways the centre can be experienced indoors and outdoors. “You feel this as soon you enter the centre and are greeted by the large and open café area that promotes socialising and spending time at NARC before or after your activities. The Allied Health offering is also quite unique. “The facility offers a range of spaces for gym equipment, exercise classes, spin classes, a child safe program space

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Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159 39

The new Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre “is designed to have the ability to adapt to a changing and growing community”.

with a secure dedicated landscape environment and spaces for community groups to meet. “There’s a much greater sense of a thriving community hub than traditional aquatic centres have provided. There’s a commitment to celebrating the joy of physical movement and of bringing people together to connect.” External landscaping, delivered by Normark Landscapes and designed by Arcadia Landscape Architecture, is meticulously delivered and provides a park-like setting for days by the pool. The undulating gardens come right up to the windows of the indoor pools to bring the outdoors in, reducing the overall size of the building within its residential context. Diprose adds “these gardens are still growing in but, coupled with the giant gum trees already established on site, provide a uniquely lush setting for an aquatic experience. Internally, the selected materials offer a cool, light-colour palette to create a relaxing environment - the adult-only pool personifies this. Diprose notes “the children’s splash park features playful platypus motifs, within a stylised riparian environment to create a brightly coloured playground to promote fun and movement. There’s also an outdoor splash space for the kids in and amongst native plantings and adjacent to an Indigenous conversation pit.” Delivering for Darebin Mayor of Darebin, Julie Williams, said the opening of Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre aligns with Council’s commitment to expand opportunities for participation and social connection through sport, physical activity and other leisure activities. Mayor Williams shares “NARC is designed for the whole community. It’s a fully accessible facility with ramps into all pools and a lift to the first floor. The facility will also include change rooms with dedicated spaces for accessibility. “The facility is targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating, 40 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

demonstrating Council’s commitment to - and leadership in -climate action, and in delivering innovative environmentally sustainable projects. “In addition to the state-of-the-art facility, we have a great community partnerships-focused operator in Clublinks, which will be delivering inclusive activities and programmes that will be a core component of this new facility. “I can’t wait to see the Darebin community enjoying this fantastic facility this summer and well into the future.” The Design Team NARC was designed by Warren and Mahoney and constructed by KANE, with Arcadia Landscape Architecture informing the outdoor experience, which has been landscaped to completion by Normark Landscapes. The sprawling facility will now be managed by Clublinks for the City of Darebin. All supplier partners have gone above and beyond for this project, including KLAY for the façade, Krause Bricks, Ceramic Solutions for the tiling, Kingspan for cladding, Sculptform for internal battens, Autex for internal acoustic wall and ceiling panelling and Rubner Timber via Theca Australia for the supply of the Spruce Primary Timber members and ceiling cassettes. Diprose concludes “for the fun stuff, we also owe a huge thank you to Parkequip for the splash park and Technogym for the gymnasium facilities.” Daryl Maguire Is Warren and Mahoney’s Melbourne Studio Principal. Maguire is open to chatting about projects large and small in this space. He can be reached at daryl.maguire@warrenandmahoney.com Warren and Mahoney has extensive experience in the sport and leisure space. Designing stadiums, surf life-saving clubs, gymnasiums and aquatics centres is work we really enjoy. The practice is currently working on a number of aquatic centres across Australia - and has completed similar projects in New Zealand.

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Foundation members of Football Australia’s new National Second Tier competiton with FA Chief Executive James Johnson at centre.

Back to the Future Antonis Pagonis believes cultural identity can be a point of difference for Football Australia’s National Second Tier Preston Lions (1947), APIA Leichhardt (1954), Sydney Olympic ootball Australia’s proposed National Second Tier (1957), Marconi Stallions (1958), Sydney United (1958), South competition is expected to start between March and April F2025, Melbourne (1959), and many others around the country. with its introduction holding greater significance than just the football played on the pitch. The cultural and historical context of the competition is set to be an antithesis to the A-League Men, which, should it be channelled positively, can prove a point of difference as it looks to find its feet. Former Prime Minister John Howard recently made headlines at the inaugural Alliance for Responsible Citizenship in London for his view on multiculturalism, a cornerstone of Australian society. The former Prime Minister stated “multiculturalism is a concept that I’ve always had trouble with. I take the view that if people want to emigrate to a country, then they adopt the values and practices of that country.” These comments raised eyebrows due to Australia’s history being punctuated by its ever-expanding multiculturalism, starting with the hundreds of Indigenous groups spread across the continent years before the first settlers landed on the country’s shore. When the British arrived, they certainly did not “adopt the values and practices” of the country they colonised; instead, they imposed their own. The nation felt migration waves after gold rushes and global events like World Wars, which saw Australia positioned to become a melting pot of cultures from every corner of the globe. Regardless of their origin, all first-generation migrants can relate to experiences with racism in their new country, making their initial days in Australia painful. The solution to their new home’s problem was to create safe spaces, communities, and homes away from home. To create places where Greek children could play with other Greek children, Italian men could spend time and feel accepted by other Italian men facing the same struggles, and where Croatian women could socialise with other Croatian women, bonding over their shared culture, which was frowned upon in Australia. Unsurprisingly, these newly formed communities were built around the one shared love of those European cultures: football. Thus, Australia saw the birth of ‘ethnic’ clubs such as 42 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

As the years wore on, some of those clubs transitioned from their local leagues to the National Soccer League, where they represented their culture and people on the national stage. The cultures mentioned earlier slowly began to be more accepted in modern Australia, leaving their mark by shaping the country we live in today. But those social and football clubs remained and went from strength to strength. Australia may have been a relatively young country. But because of the passion of its communities, it had a professional football league unique to any other in the world, with most clubs representing a culture from the other side of the planet. The competition was characterised by the pride those communities had and the success some of its top clubs accumulated by becoming a symbol of this pride, as were the players developed in their systems who went on to bigger and better things. One standout example is still going strong today in Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou. He migrated to Australia as a young child, and he and his father found a haven at South Melbourne, a club which he went on to captain and coach. When the NSL collapsed in 2004 and was replaced with the A-League, part of Australian football’s soul collapsed. The A-League has undoubtedly been a positive for Australian football, and it succeeded in replacing a financially insecure competition. But the side effect of Australia’s professional game starting with a clean slate was years of history, pride, and passion suddenly being shunned for football clubs who, minus Perth Glory, and to a lesser extent Adelaide United, were merely concepts not that long before. Many in those communities juggled supporting their original clubs in their time of need after they returned to local competitions with their state’s new ‘franchise’. Most were upset with the treatment of the institutions their families helped build and stuck by their clubs, or in some cases, ultimately walked away from the game.

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Former NSL rivals and National Second Tier foundation clubs Sydney Olympic and Marconi Stallions clash in the Football NSW National Premier League in 2023. Credit: Football NSW.

For these clubs, being effectively relegated to their local competitions with no roadmap to returning to former glories was upsetting enough. But in 2014, on the eve of the FFA Cup’s first edition, Football Australia added insult to injury with the National Club Identity Policy (NCIP). This policy meant that months before the long-awaited return of some of Australian football’s biggest clubs to the national spotlight, a decade after being expelled from it, they would be banned from displaying logos and names featuring “ethnic, national, political, racial or religious connotations either in isolation or combination.” South Melbourne could no longer be ‘Hellas’ or display a Greek flag. Sydney Croatia would have to do with being officially known as Sydney United 58. Preston Makedonia Soccer Club would drop their country’s name and formally adopt the ‘Lions’ moniker. For people who have lived through or heard their relatives talk about the struggles of adapting to Australia as members of a migrant community, this policy felt like the darkest tone of their country’s racist shadow creeping into prominence once again. The unpopular policy was rescinded years later. But it left its mark on communities that had already seen their clubs financially collapse and relegated to local leagues with no promise or roadmap of a return. The silver lining was that they could claim the national spotlight via a cup competition. Since renamed the Australia Cup as a nod to the past, the FFA Cup galvanised these communities who, for a decade, were starved of their former glories. The competition saw the debate about a second division and a connected football pyramid kick off once again, and a long-winded road led to Football Australia announcing that a National Second Tier (NST) competition would kick off in 2025. Thus, 21 years after the NSL collapsed, some of Australia’s most historically significant clubs, and some of the more ambitious NPL clubs who have formed since, will have the opportunity to enter a national spotlight every week, with the plan eventually leading to promotion and relegation with the A-Leagues. Compared to the A-Leagues, what this proposed competition has is a point of difference that can see it become an unprecedented success, shaking up Australian football and the country’s sporting landscape as a first professional, fully integrated second division. The catch is that should it not be executed correctly; the competition can set back the cause for a generation. The differences boil down to the traditional ‘club’ against ‘franchise’ argument, which can be tiresome when the two are not directly competing. But it can also be a source of genuine rivalry if and when two sides of Australian football history are competing directly with each other. Over the 19 years of the A-League competitions, communities have been artificially built to back their newly created teams, which had a vast state or geographical area they represented in the early days of the leagues. Meanwhile, most teams entering the NST have an emotional connection to their communities, which supersedes the notion of supporting one team in your city because there is no other choice. 44 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

The A-Leagues have a history of about two decades, with some clubs being more successful than others. Most clubs entering the NST have two to three times the history to lean back on, be it purely in years or, in most cases, silverware. For the better part of the last 20 years, the clubs entering the NST have had to build communities focusing on the grassroots side of the game to survive. The relationship we will see to commence this new competition will extend much further from that of a company to a customer. It will often grow to a large family created organically throughout the years. How those families accept, embrace, celebrate, and represent their clubs in their new spotlight will go a long way to deciding how this competition fares. The ethnic backgrounds of clubs should be celebrated, and should they be channelled correctly, they can be vessels for inclusion in modern Australia, not the exclusion we have seen in the past. An example is Nestory Irankunda and his love for Adelaide Croatia Raiders. Irankunda’s junior club does not hide its heritage but embraced a player born in Tanzania to Burundian parents, amongst many other players from diverse backgrounds, like he was their own, so much so that he remains a regular visitor to the club, even as a professional footballer who has recently signed for Bayern Munich. There are countless similar examples within most ‘ethnic’ local clubs around Australia, and those institutions should wear this inclusion as a badge of honour. Despite the racially charged treatment they have received over the years, most have embraced the melting pot that is modern Australian society. Rivalries between different ethnic and religious groups have run deep for years. But that cannot get in the way of what is being built. Fans will support their teams in their most significant moment in two decades. But they must ensure they do not cross lines, which will make many outsiders feel uncomfortable backing their teams. The communities built by first-generation migrants were crucial for the different cultures to thrive in their early days in Australia. But what often occurred was the ideology of those mother countries being adopted as part of the identity of their Australian diasporas. While the positives have shaped Australia today, the extreme pockets of those cultures can disrupt society with actions inconsistent with modern Australia and its values. A significant example was the Ustase*-sympathising element of a part of the Sydney United fanbase being exposed during the club’s 2022 Australia Cup run. That is an extreme example, and Sydney United is far from the only club with extremist elements in its fanbase. But it is something that, should it not be managed and controlled, can cause neutrals to stay away, keep new fans from engaging with the product, create negative headlines, and can undoubtedly contribute to the downfall of a league that will be fighting to show its viability from the get-go. Europe has a complicated, intertwined history, with many cultures clashing. While that can create ‘real’ rivalries on the pitch, this sentiment must remain in the stands for the league’s success. It is no secret football receives a lot of negative media in Australia, and violent, anti-social behaviour rooted in the ideology of countries that have since evolved to be far more progressive than they were 80 years ago cannot be allowed to sabotage football’s new venture down under. For good or bad, these clubs will become the poster children for what their cultures stand for in modern Australia. Creating an inclusive and safe environment for all participants, be it on the field, in the stands, or in the club rooms, is vital to the survival of a new league and the clubs. In making the jump to the professional game, clubs require a lot more than only the support of their communities to grow into what they want to become. Current Football Australia Head of Marketing, Communications and Corporate Affairs, Peter

Sacked for wanting Stadium Safety?

Sydney United fans displaying Croatian sympathies at the 2022 Australia Cup Final.

Filopoulos, shared this sentiment with Greek-Australian outlet Neos Kosmos after the NCIP was rescinded during his time as Football Victoria Chief Executive in 2019. Filopoulos advised “if I can use an example, I think clubs that have embraced their multiculturalism beyond their mono-ethnic roots, it might be counter-productive to go back to their monoethnic identity. “For me, I think the opportunity is, that now, clubs are able to celebrate their rich history and multiculturalism and diversity, without fear. They can embrace it. Whether that extends to mono-ethnic names, and logos being changed, I’m sure there will be some that choose to do that. But I would also encourage clubs reaching a wider audience, beyond their mono-ethnic community because that’s the only way we’re going to grow.” It is important to remember that while cultural differences and rivalries run deep, friendships do, too. South Melbourne and Sydney Olympic being united by their Greek identity is an example of what to expect regarding a ‘friendly’ rivalry. A feature the NST will have that the A-Leagues do not have is friendly rivalries between clubs of similar backgrounds, which can create experiences that do not exist in professional Australian sports. This aspect is certainly one that modern Australia is familiar with, as multiple events are staged across the country every year to celebrate culturally significant days for different ethnicities. One aspect that united all of these cultures in a post-Second World War life, in a foreign new land that did not fully accept them, was a shared love for football, a love each displayed in their unique way. In 2025, ‘old soccer’ will again enter the national spotlight but not as a sideshow to ‘new football’. Instead, it will be a direct competitor. Fundamental business principles suggest that when ‘producers’ engage in competition, the winners are always the ‘consumers’. This theory will be confirmed again as more players receive opportunities and Australian football fans have a diverse landscape to enjoy and support. We know the A-Leagues competitions and what they have been for the best part of 20 years. The selected NST clubs have a unique opportunity to redefine themselves. It is up to them and their stakeholders to grab it with both hands. It is also an opportunity many clubs have been clamouring for years, and should it be executed correctly, Australian football may find the part of its soul it initially did not want and has shunned for almost two decades. The ball is now in possession of these clubs, and luckily for them, it is the same round one they used to set the foundations and make football a prominent feature of Australia’s sporting landscape in the first place. South Australian-based Antonis Pagonis is a writer for Front Page Football. *Ustase was the Croatian fascist state created by Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany during the Second World War, ed.

Anthony Kirchner, Chief Executive of Adelaide Venue Management Corporation (AVM), the operator of the city’s Coopers Stadium, has been sacked from his role following controversy over the introduction of a ban on Melbourne Victory fans attending the next A-League fixture against Adelaide United. Kirchner, (pictured below) who has been Chief Executive at AVM for more than 18 years, was first stood down in late August over his introduction of the ban at the AVM-managed Coopers Stadium based on fears of Melbourne Victory fans’ “violent” behaviour. It followed criticism of the ban by South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas and South Australian Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis that saw its rapid reversal. Then, following an internal review by AVM, Kirchner was sacked. The AVM board said the review had prompted the decision to terminate Kirchner’s employment, with Adelaide Convention Centre General Manager Martin Radcliffe to act as interim Chief Executive while the process to appoint Kirchner’s successor is undertaken. In August, an announcement declaring that Victory fans would not be sold tickets for next year’s match against Adelaide United due to “violent and riotous behaviour that has become synonymous with this fixture” briefly appeared on the Coopers Stadium website. The ban was short-lived with AVM Chair Andrew Daniels claiming the statement had been put up “in error’’. Daniels was reported as saying “when it was realised that it (the ban on Victory fans) had gone up it was as quickly as possible … withdrawn. Things have happened that shouldn’t have happened and certainly, on behalf of the organisation, (I) put my hand up for that and apologise for it.” However, this was refuted by Kirchner in the following days, who wrote in an email “there was no error or backflip from AVM management, I authorised the statement to be issued in my capacity as AVM CEO. “The AVM Board was aware of my intended position on this matter and Chair Andrew Daniels had requested that AVM management show leadership on this issue. This was minuted accordingly. “As AVM CEO, the safety of all concerned is my first priority, but I also have very specific responsibilities under the WHS Act whereby I can be personally fined hundreds of thousands of dollars or jailed for up to 10 years if I’m found to be negligent. “These penalties shall now fall at the feet of those who made the decision to overturn my decision should a serious safety incident occur. It’s only a matter of time.” Kirchner pointed to a match at Coopers Stadium in November 2022 to support his decision for the Adelaide ban, adding “(it) was plagued with the usual violent and riotous behaviour that has become synonymous with this fixture.” In addition, in January 2022, Melbourne Victory was fined $5,000 over homophobic abuse from fans directed at Adelaide United defender Josh Cavallo during a league fixture at Melbourne’s AAMI Park. Was it right for AVM to sack Anthony Kirchner? Comments are welcome at leisure@ausleisure.com.au

Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159 45

A culture of innovative solutions James Croll discovers how ICC Sydney’s culture of innovation is driving high technology solutions not just for conferences but diverse events such as film premieres

n an innovative move, International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by ASM Global, recently showcased its versatility by delivering a bespoke digital event app, event check in and badge printing service for Accor Pacific, the largest hotel operator in Australia and New Zealand, at their EmPOWERed Leaders Conference.

The app boasted engagement tools and real time analytics while presenting agenda, speaker, and sponsor information all available in the palm of each delegate’s hand via their mobile device. Accor’s exhibiting organisations were equally empowered by ICC Sydney’s digital tool to capture leads, engage with delegates, and establish connections.

ICC Sydney’s technology solutions support a range of diverse events.

46 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

ICC Sydney Director of Audio-Visual Services, Brian Nash said the event app took the traditional event technical production to the next level, advising ‘”innovation is a cornerstone of our culture at ICC Sydney and our latest end to end technical delivery for Accor’s July event is testament to that. “ICC Sydney’s event app was designed and delivered by our awardwinning Audio-Visual Services team and proved to be an invaluable tool for attendees. With its user-friendly interface, the app detailed the event agenda, speaker bios, and importantly - it provided comprehensive information about the exhibitors - all available at the fingertips of the participants. “Beyond the app delivery, we are proud to have created a captivating and immersive audio-visual experience projecting content to a spectacular canvas - a 32m screen in the Grand Ballroom, further transforming the space from conferencing by day to an ambient awards gala dinner by evening.” Accor Pacific welcomed more than 450 of its general managers and senior leaders from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, French Polynesia, and across the world to its first ever Pacific leaders conference in Sydney. The EmPOWERed conference, held at International Convention Centre Sydney, included presentations, panel discussions, workshops and tradeshows aimed at extending Accor’s business performance in the Pacific region. Accor Pacific Chief Executive, Sarah Derry said the experience delivered by ICC Sydney was seamless, noting “the event organisation by the ICC Sydney team was impressive, every detail was well planned and flawlessly executed. Attendees at our EmPOWERED conference found the app invaluable to supporting their conference experience. Thank you to the ICC Sydney team who delivered a high standard of event.” Distinguished by its state-of-theart technology, culinary philosophy, commitment to sustainability and social impact, iconic location, and array of flexible features. ICC Sydney’s Connect Hub suite of technical services was the recipient of the International Association of Convention Centres 2022 Innovation Award, while the venue’s Audio-Visual Services department was recently named the Meetings and Events Australia New South Wales State award winner. ICC Sydney’s event app is available for event organisers looking to integrate a customisable digital solution to support the efficient delivery of events while optimising communication, engagement, and networking functionality - all in one easy to navigate tool.

ICC Sydney hosts the premiere of Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One (and opposite).

ICC Sydney transforms Darling Harbour: mission successful Earlier this year, when hosting the premiere of Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One, and as the first time hosting a film premiere, ICC Sydney modified the theatre to dramatic effect, encompassing sound, vision, and lighting enhancements to ensure an immersive cinematic experience. With careful planning by the inhouse audio visual team and collaboration with industry experts, ICC Sydney successfully delivered an unforgettable experience hosting 2,500 for this blockbuster event. Immersive sound: Elevating the cinematic experience To create an immersive audio experience, the team at ICC Sydney designed a custom 7.1 sound system that covered both the lower and upper bowls of the theatre. The modifications included three line array setups positioned behind the screen with four sub woofers placed directly below the centre array. Downstairs two side point source speakers were positioned under the balcony, with special modifications made to the venue to fly them out of egress. Four point-source speakers were set for the rear surround that provided a uniform surround experience in the lower stalls. For the rear surround in the upper stalls two side point source speakers and two rear point source speakers were installed. By working closely with a Dolby sound engineer, ICC Sydney achieved optimal sound quality and ensured compliance with the required specifications resulting in an exceptional sound experience for all guests. Dual PA sound systems: Balancing formalities and film To address the different audio requirements for both the film screening and formalities, ICC Sydney implemented two separate PA systems. The primary system delivered a 7.1 surround sound experience for the film, while the secondary system was specifically designed for speeches ensuring clear audio coverage for all

2,500 guests in both the lower and upper sections of the theatre. By adjusting the positioning and angle of the standard PA in the room, sightline issues to the screen were effectively mitigated, allowing every attendee to fully immerse themselves in the movie. ICC Sydney’s audio team, including Head of Audio Liam Shearer and Senior Audio Technician Andrew Crow worked together to create this transformation. Shearer explained “converting the existing PA system into a surround sound experience was an exciting challenge. Our objective was to immerse the audience in the heart of the action, and sound played a vital role in accomplishing this.” Seamless vision: Overcoming unique challenges With a screen size of 17 metres, the team at ICC Sydney faced a unique challenge of visual light reflection, uncommon in traditional conference scenarios. To tackle this, the venue team made various adjustments, including flying out the standard sound system to reduce reflections from speaker cabinets. Additional measures included installing black carpeting on the stage, removing portable reflective surfaces, and strategically placing masking to the edge of the proscenium. These modifications ensured that the audience enjoyed an uninterrupted visual experience. Dedicated projection room: Optimising projector performance To accommodate the main and backup projectors, ICC Sydney repurposed the bio box into a dedicated projection room. This involved clearing out AV ops equipment and draping the front window to minimise noise and light distractions. Moreover, exhaust ducting was installed to vent hot air from the projector through the cable hatch, ensuring optimal performance without compromising audience comfort. Explaining how the venue collaborated with the client and the broader inhouse audio visual team, overseeing all the technical production elements, ICC Sydney Audio Visual Project Manager,

Jamie Warmeant advised “through meticulous planning, our unwavering attention to detail and the expertise of our inhouse audio visual team, no aspect was overlooked, resulting in a flawless execution.” Enhanced lighting: Creating the cinematic ambience ICC Sydney employed various lighting techniques to create an immersive cinematic atmosphere. By gelling the wall footwell lights, the venue effectively reduced light spill and adjusted light levels to match those found in traditional movie theatres. Additionally, moving light fixtures were strategically placed to enhance the ambience and create a visually engaging experience for the audience. Seamless event management, safety, and security ICC Sydney’s team of event management experts ensured every detail was planned meticulously - from the logistics of the customised fit out, to the culinary service and the management of the VIPs in attendance - every aspect of the event’s execution was handled with care and precision. With the high-profile nature of the event, ICC Sydney was deliberate in ensuring the safety and security of all attendees as a priority. The professional in-house security team collaborated with three external security teams to strategically facilitate the red carpet and fan zone, without impacting the execution of the event or access to surrounding areas by the public. Result: Mission successful ICC Sydney’s Nash added “we are thrilled with the success of transforming our venue space into a state-of-theart movie theatre for the premiere of Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One. This achievement demonstrates our versatility and commitment to delivering extraordinary experiences. Our team’s careful planning resulted in an exceptional event, setting a new standard for cinematic experiences at ICC Sydney making it possible to successfully deliver film screenings at events such as the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival, and at future events in the pipeline.” Asia Pacific’s largest creative industries events staged at ICC Sydney Building on its reputation as the venue of choice for global film industry premieres, Asia Pacific’s largest innovation, culture, gaming, music and screen event - SXSW Sydney was staged at International Convention Centre Sydney ICC Sydney from 15th to 22nd October. James Croll is Partnerships Manager at Australasian Leisure Management.

Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159 47

Sydney’s Accor Stadium will be under new management from 2024.

Accor Stadium hosting the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Sydney’s CommBank Stadium staging the A-League Sydney derby.

CommBank Stadium will also be under new management from 2024.

End of an Era Nigel Benton charts the NSW Government’s move to hand management of Sydney’s Accor and CommBank Stadiums to its Venues NSW agency Of course, contracts have a life, and as they come to an end move that marks a significant shift in venue management the rule is that they are tendered, bids are submitted, the contract November saw the NSW Government end the IlongninaAustralia, awarded, announcements are made and the transition goes ahead. term management of Sydney’s Accor and CommBank Stadiums by independent operator VenuesLive as of 1st January, with the venues to be operated by its Venues NSW agency moving forward. Venues NSW taking over the direct operation and management of the Western Sydney venues from 1st January 2024 will end the management of Accor Stadium (also known as Stadium Australia) by a core management team that dates back to the lead-up to the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In addition, VenuesLive has managed Parramatta’s CommBank Stadium since 2019. In a statement following an Australasian Leisure Management inquiry on the takeover, Venues NSW advised that it “will employ significantly more staff directly to deliver a strong schedule of events, with the majority of the current stadiums’ operational and event delivery employees to be offered new roles. “The change in stadium operation will deliver a consistent customer experience across the Venues NSW network and will continue to capitalise on the NSW Government’s significant investment in major public entertainment and sporting facilities.” However, the circumstances of the change of management indicated a certain sensitivity within the NSW Government, perhaps due to a notion that the politically important west of Sydney might be seen as ‘missing out’ to Venues NSW - which as a successor to the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust has long been associated with the city’s east and the Sydney establishment. 48 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

Yet on this occasion, in what is a significant transition, no announcement was made by the NSW Government or, prior to our prompting, Venues NSW. It was also an issue that Sydney’s media, chose not to report - with the exception of a single paragraph in a sport gossip column in The Daily Telegraph. However, Sydney’s mainstream media is very blinkered in its consideration of venues, as evidenced in its reporting of the NSW Government’s aim lift the concert cap at Allianz Stadium. Coverage included reporting that warned Sydney risked Taylor Swift at Accor Stadium.

Accor Stadium hosting the NRL Grand FInal (above) and the Matildas (below).

CommBank Stadium is the home ground of the NRL’s Parramatta Eels..

“missing out on major acts” without a lifting of the concert cap - ignoring that Accor Stadium, with its larger capacity, already hosts a large number of major outdoor concerts. As evidence of this, during the current summer Accor Stadium is hosting performances by the Foo Fighters, Juicy Fest, Taylor Swift and P!nk. When the office of NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper was asked about the change by this publication, the response was that the change was “an operational matter”. In response to further questions, a spokesperson for Minister Kamper - who has issued more than 40 press releases since his appointment in April on topics including new screens at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium, new appointees to Venues NSW board and on-grass parking at Moore Park - did respond. Minister Kamper’s spokesperson advised “Venues NSW was created to provide long-term oversight and direction across the fantastic sporting and entertainment venues in this state. “Accor Stadium and Commbank Stadium will be fully incorporated into the Venues NSW network, as VenuesLive’s contract expires at the end of the year. “We want to be the premier destination city in the Asia Pacific and to do that we need to capitalise on the incredible facilities this state has to offer. “Importantly, this will provide significant opportunities to champion local businesses that will benefit the State economy and solidify NSW’s position as the home of major events.” Prompted by Australasian Leisure Management’s inquiries, Venues NSW clarified the change of management arrangements, advising of how, as of the beginning of 2024, it will be operating the venues in-house “as it does at Newcastle, Wollongong, Moore Park and, in future, at the new Penrith stadium”. It added “Venues NSW has owned and operated Accor Stadium since 2016 and CommBank Stadium since it opened in 2019. “Over the past two years, Venues NSW has delivered more than $80 million of improvements and upgrades at Accor Stadium, including the Great Southern Screen, major roof works, and redevelopment of the dressing rooms to make them

gender neutral for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.” As a result of the changes, VenuesLive’s operations have been halved with the company now responsible for Perth’s Optus Stadium, on behalf of the Government of Western Australia, and the Industree Group Stadium on the NSW Central Coast. It is also understood to be making a number of staff redundant. Catering Contracts The changes in management at the venues closely coincided with announcements that VenuesLive’s contract for catering at Accor and CommBank Stadiums and Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium would not be renewed, with Western Sydneybased Gema Group securing the contract. The Gema Group has considerable major event experience in Australia across Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix, Repco Supercars Championship, Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and LIV Golf. Gema Group also has strong stadium experience and is in-house at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast, GIO Stadium in Canberra, and both 4 Pines and PointsBet Stadiums in Sydney. With this change, Minister Kamper did make a statement in relation to Accor Stadium, advising “this is a great announcement that will not only highlight the flavours of Western Sydney, it will create jobs and support many small to medium family-owned businesses.” Venues NSW Chief Executive, Kerrie Mather added “we’re incredibly excited to partner with Gema Group who will revolutionise the event experience for the millions of fans who visit Accor Stadium and CommBank Stadium. “We will be giving fans the ultimate choice of cuisine; reflecting the diverse communities who attend our events and Sydney’s richness of culture.” The change came despite the VenuesLive catering business being widely acknowledged as one of the best in-venue catering operations in the country - as evidenced by its teams at Accor and CommBank Stadiums and Perth’s Optus Stadium winning major awards at the 2023 Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence. Nigel Benton is Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management. Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159 49

MENALAC members include theme parks, visitor attractions, waterparks, family entertainment centres and the shirt sponsor of Newcastle United in the English Premier League (above) MENALAC President Mishal Al Hokair (below).

Introducing

MENALAC T

he Middle East and North Africa Leisure & Attractions Council (MENALAC) - a non-for-profit trade council representing leisure and attractions companies in the Middle East and North Africa - has become the latest organisation to partner with Australasian Leisure Management and Asian Leisure Business. Established in 2016 - under the aegis of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Dubai Association Centre - MENALAC has seen leading companies within the region’s entertainment industry, including theme parks, visitor attractions, waterparks and family entertainment centres join forces to promote safe operations, regional development, professional growth and commercial success of the industry and to be an indispensable resource for the Council’s members and an international authority for the attraction industry. MENALAC is a rapidly growing community of 112 members from 22 countries representing 650+ operations and 250+ entertainment brands that serve the MENA leisure and attractions industry. Vision “To bring together operators, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, consultants, tourism boards and Government authorities on a common platform and create a harmonized code for the Leisure & Attractions industry within the region.” 50 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

President’s Message Mishal Al Hokair, President of MENALAC and Deputy Chief Executive of the Al Hokair Group, states “the MENA leisure and attractions industry is very dynamic and resilient and has witnessed projects evolve from ideas to icons. It makes us enormously proud to see that our regional Industry is also raising the bar with a host of exciting megaprojects underway. “Against this backdrop, MENALAC is playing an extremely crucial role in bringing the MENA leisure, entertainment and attractions industry together. “We aim to make our Industry not only as good as the rest of the world, but one that is setting benchmarks. “We continually strive to elevate our Industry through the many educational, informative, networking, and celebratory initiatives and events for our members and the Industry yearround. “We work to advocate on our members’ behalf among consumers, government officials, and the media, and we stand as a credible source of industry data. We also celebrate all member achievements - big or small - whether it’s the launch of a brand’s hundredth FEC or a game-changing megaproject, while our members play their part to further enrich the leisure, entertainment, and attractions landscape in the region. “MENALAC is poised for great times ahead as we work to

grow our footprint widely across the region and as we work towards adding greater value for our members. “We are committed to further enriching our Industry’s offering and bringing incredible value to our members.” MENALAC’s Aims and Objectives -To promote a safe operation, regional development, professional growth and commercial success of the amusement industry. -To be an indispensable resource for the Council’s members and an international authority for the attractions industry. -To advocate on behalf of the members among consumers, government officials and the media. -To provide market connections between buyers and suppliers through events and gatherings. -To be an allied partner with state, regional and national industry associations. -To be a credible resource for industry data and statistics. -To pursue appropriate purposes and objectives that are approved by the Board of Directors. -To provide continuing education and training in amusement facility operations. Code of Conduct -To maintain safety as the highest priority in our business and to comply with all applicable safety standards, laws and regulations. -To conduct our businesses on the highest level of integrity, honesty and social responsibility. -To provide clean, wholesome and safe entertainment for our guests and maintain the highest standards in quality and service. MENALAC Events MENALAC events bring together industry professionals, promote best practices, and foster collaboration. Our events converge essential stakeholders from the industry under a single roof to address industry challenges, innovations and trends, celebrate and honour the best of the best of the regional industry while offering valuable networking opportunities to connect with peers, industry leaders, potential partners, suppliers, and clients. Each event draws a significant attendance comprising founders, owners, investors, top decision-makers, C-Level Executives and Senior Management representing leading attractions in the region. For more information on all aspects of MENALAC including events and membership go to www.menalac.org. In the coming months, MENALAC will stage the following events: MENALAC 7th Leisure and Attractions Conference - UAE 4th March 2024 Atlantis The Palm, Dubai MENALAC L.E.A Safety Day 2024 5th March 2024 Dubai World Trade Centre MENALAC Awards Gala 2024 6th March 2024 Sky View Hotel, Dubai, UAE MENALAC Leisure and Attractions Conference Saudi Arabia 7th May 2024 Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Theme park innovator John Menzies joins Gold Coast Business Excellence Hall of Fame John Menzies, who co-founded Sea World and went on to create Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet‘n’Wild and Australian Outback Spectacular over a four-decade career, has been admitted to the Gold Coast Business Excellence Hall of Fame. Announced during a recent ceremony at Star Gold Coast, Menzies looked back on his career at the event. Known as the key figure in developing the Gold Coast’s tourism and theme park industry, Menzies, joked after watching a video montage of everything he had built - taking Sea World from 30 “mainly waterskiers” in 1971 to 3000 staff by retirement in 2017 “I’ve just seen my life flash before my eyes - I hope that is not an omen.” Menzies went on to state “I’m really honoured to receive this. It’s been a long road but a worthwhile one and I just love the Gold Coast - always have, always will and it’s got a wonderful future. “I’m particularly proud of what is now Village Roadshow Theme Parks, having led such a wonderful team of Gold Coast people for over 40 years.”

He recounted how friend and Sea World co-founder Keith Williams used a 1973 tour of theme and marine parks in the USA as a springboard for what would become the Gold Coast’s flourishing theme park network. However, recalled that because the US rides were too expensive “we built our own”. Menzies gave credit to the existing Village Roadshow Theme Parks leadership who “in my eyes saved (the company)” during “tumultuous years” of the Covid tourism slump. He noted “we can all be thankful Village Roadshow Theme Parks has a talented CEO who has a lifetime connection to the Gold Coast parks and managed through those two tumultuous years to restructure the company, reinvest and rebuild. “In my 40 years at the helm, I never had to deal with anything so devastating and I admire greatly the efforts of CEO Clark Kirby, his father Robert, COO Bikash Randhawa and the staff who are still at Village Roadshow Theme Parks. “In my eyes it saved Village Roadshow Theme Parks, which to me is the Gold Coast’s most important tourism asset.” He revealed his motto as “aim to exceed customer expectations and create deep emotion with the overall product. With the theme park it’s not just about a ride or a show. It’s all about the total experience from when guests enter the front gate to the time they leave, increasing overall satisfaction is the key to any business success.” He concluded “look after your staff - they are the most important asset you have got. Take them along with you on your journey.”

Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159 51

People

In Brief The A-League’s Sydney FC has appointed Mark Aubrey as its new Chief Executive.

VALE

Former Australian Sports Commission Deputy General Manager and AUSactive Director, Kate Corkery has started new positions as Vice President at International Judo Federation and President at the Oceania Judo Union. The Wellington Regional Stadium Trust has announced the appointment of Warrick Dent as its new Chief Executive, taking over from Shane Harmon who leaves after a 10 year tenure in the role.

Swimming community mourns death of coaching pioneer Ursula Carlile The Australian swimming community is mourning the loss of a legend and ‘national swimming treasure’ Ursula Carlile who has died at the age of 86. A pioneer of sports science who forged a career that broke down barriers for women across the world, remaining the only woman to be the head coach of the Australian Swimming team, after leading them at both the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch and the 1975 World Championships in Cali, Columbia. Her death comes nine years after the death of her famous husband and swimming coaching and teaching icon, Forbes Carlile, with whom she worked over many decades. The Australian Swim School Association wrote “the Carlile Matriarch was a wonderful caring woman who forged a career that broke down barriers across the globe. While simple stats only scratch the surface of Ursula Carlile’s life in swimming, they are remarkable.”

VALE VMA Past President and founding member Gareth James Gareth James, a founding member and Past President of the Venue Management Association (Asia and Pacific), has died at the age of 74. James was described in an obituary in The Age as “the most distinguished and visionary stalwart of the venue management profession who served it with commitment and distinction”. His career in the entertainment and venue industry began in the finance department of JC Williamson Theatres in the 1970s and saw him become Chief Executive of the amalgamated Olympic Park Trust and Flinders Park (the Melbourne and Olympic Park Trust) from 1997 until his retirement in 2005. In addition to his role with the VMA, he went on to drive the creation of the Public Venue Management School in 1994.

Alpine Resorts Victoria makes new managerial appointments Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV) has announced a series of managerial appointments across its locations. The Victorian Government agency, which manages the state’s six alpine resorts - Falls Creek, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Stirling and Lake Mountain - has welcomed Dean de Santis as the new General Manager of ARV Lake Mountain and Andre Philbrick as Head of Mt Stirling Resort. In July ARV announced that Lyndsey Jackman had taken on the role of General Manager at Mt Hotham and that Josh Last, who was previously Operations Manager - Head of Assets and Operations, at Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort, was appointed General Manager of Mt Baw Baw.

Send your people news to leisure@ausleisure.com.au 52 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

Roger Field, President of Live Nation’s Asia Pacific operations and one of the region’s most influential concert promoters, resigned from his role at the end of October. Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has announced the appointment of Melanie Gurden to the role of Marketing and Communications Manager. AIS Water has appointed Lee Moore as its new Head of Sales and Marketing. Les Mills International has advised that Clive Ormerod will stand down from his role as group Chief Executive of the New Zealand-based business at the end of 2023. Experience Co Limited Chief Executive John O’Sullivan has been appointed Chair of Tourism Tropical North Queensland. Former Tennis West executive Brett Patten has taken over the Chief Executive role at Perth Heat from Steve Nelkovski. Steve Pettit, Chief Executive at the Australian Institute of Fitness since 2016, has advised that he will be leaving the leading training body at the end of December. Themed attractions designer Pico Play has appointed Kate Rogers as Senior Art Director. Former international cricketer and experienced Chief Executive, Martin Snedden has been appointed as the new Independent Chair of Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA). Melanie Starr has taken up the position of Open Space Contract Manager at Bayside City Council. The City of Fremantle has appointed Pete Stone to the position of Director Creative Arts and Community. Chief Executive of the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC), Robert Taylor,has been appointed to the Australian Tourism Export Council’s national board. Holly Uhr has been appointed to the role of Projects Officer – Sports Programs at the Australian Sports Commission. Water Polo NSW has introduced Lucy Warhurst as its new Chief Executive. Michelle (Mish) Wright has started a new position as Head of Education at Women’s Fitness Education.

Reece Rackley named Australian Swim Schools Association President The Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) named Reece Rackley as its new President. A seasoned professional in the aquatic industry, he has a remarkable background as a swimming and triathlon coach, and as Chief Executive, has taken City Venue Management from a single swim school in Burleigh to a multi-brand organisation responsible for several aquatic-based leisure facilities. Rackley brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served as Vice President and on the ASSA Board since its inception in 2016. ASSA also appointed industry leaders Bill Evans and Nicky Sloan to its national board.

People

PLA recognises Dr John Tower with top award Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) has presented its Frank Stewart Distinguished Service Award - its highest individual honour - to Dr John Tower. Presented at its 2023 Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner, the Award is presented annually by Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the development, promotion and advocacy of the parks and recreation industry through their personal and professional endeavours. Dr Tower has worked for over 40 years in the leisure industry, has been on the Boards of World Leisure Organisation (WLO) and Australian and New Zealand Association of Leisure Studies (ANZALS) and is currently the Chair of PLA Advisory.

Y Australia welcomes Jacqui Weatherill as new President The National Board of the Y (formerly the YMCA) has appointed Jacqui Weatherill as its new President. Currently Chief Executive of the City of Greater Dandenong, Weatherill is also an experienced Chair and Non-Executive Director in the not for profit and public sectors, with some 30 years’ experience working in challenging senior management roles as a Chief Executive and senior executive across local and state government. Weatherill first joined the National Board in July this year.

Former ranger becomes first Indigenous head of Parks Australia Ronald (Ricky) Archer, a Djungan man from the Western Tablelands region of North Queensland, has been appointed as the inaugural First Nations person to lead Parks Australia. Archer will be taking on the role of Director of the Commonwealth agency responsible for the protection and conservation of some of the country’s most precious natural areas, including the World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Kakadu National Parks and the nation’s marine parks. A former ranger with a long background of conservation and land and sea management, he takes up the position at a time when national parks have been impacted by falling tourism numbers, ageing infrastructure and feral animals.

Mel Tempest and David Aitchison elected as AUSactive Directors AUSactive has announced that Mel Tempest of Ballarat Health and Fitness and David Aitchison of Body Fit Training have been elected as Directors of the peak body. AUSactive congratulated the pair on joining the board following a very competitive and close vote.

(clockwise from top left): Mathew Pole, Bernice Hay, Nicole Trindorfer, Tracy King, Jake Snowball and Molly Shannon.

Belgravia Leisure reveals management team for ACT’s aquatic and recreation centres Having recently been awarded the contract to manage the ACT Government’s five pools and aquatic centres, Belgravia Leisure has announced the team of managers that will head up its operations at the facilities. The leadership team, all of whom were previous YMCA employees, will be managing the Canberra Olympic Pool, Gungahlin Leisure Centre, Stromlo Leisure Centre, Lakeside Leisure Centre and Dickson Pool. The new leadership team consists of: Mathew Pole - ACT Regional Manager Bernice Hay - Venue Manager, Stromlo Leisure Centre Nicole Trindorfer - Venue Manager, Gungahlin Leisure Centre and Dickson Pool Molly Shannon - Assistant Venue Manager, Gungahlin Leisure Centre and Dickson Pool Jake Snowball - Venue Manager, Lakeside Leisure Centre Tracy King - Venue Manager, Canberra Olympic Pool

Alison Gardiner and Shaun Mitchell

Roles expanded for BCEC executive leadership team In the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC), managed by ASM Global, has announced expanded roles for its executive leadership team. Shaun Mitchell, Director of Events & Customer Services takes up the role of 2IC to General Manager Kym Guesdon, taking on additional responsibility for managing and optimising usage of the Centre’s space, business mix, and levels of business. BCEC Director of Sales, Alison Gardiner, one of Australia’s most experienced Business Events professionals, will step into the expanded role of Director of Sales, Strategy & Partnerships as part of BCEC’s Growth Strategy, aimed at escalating the progress of Brisbane’s Business Events sector. Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159 53

Products

Life Floor introduces new Murals innovative aquatic themed surfaces Leading aquatic facility safety surface provider Life Floor has launched its new Mural surfacing product that offers tailored custom design with highly intricate details for a range of aquatic environments. Unveiled at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo 2023 in the USA, the range enables the creation of iconic and highly immersive, themed aquatic environments from the ground up, the innovative surfacing product is able to tailor custom design with highly intricate details. In addition to the limitless design potential, Murals utilises Life Floor’s industry-leading proprietary safety technology that features slip-resistance and cushioning along with delivering more positive guest experiences. Introducing the range, Grant Burgess, Managing Director Life Floor Australia + New Zealand, commented “no other flooring product can accomplish this level of custom design while adhering to the rigorous safety standards that improve guest experience and immersion at aquatic facilities. “Life Floor’s Murals elevate thematic design and allow iconic splash pads and pool decks to reinforce branding and theming that encourages playful imagination at a highly detailed level.” Contact 1300 721 135, E: info@lifefloor.com.au, www.lifefloor.com.au

Clubworx App offers potential to transform fitness businesses Announcing the launch of its new app, Clubworx has revealed how the development streamlines gyms and fitness studios’ member management processes with an all-in-one mobile app experience that can manage business operations from anywhere in the world. Explaining that the app can be used to schedule classes, manage check-ins, automate billing and a range of other member services, Clubworx Chief Executive, Emily Smart stated “when gyms started asking for an easy way to interact with their members we listened. We put hours of research, planning, design, and development into making a powerful app that anyone can use and we’re so excited that it’s now available.” Contact 1800 845 076, E: support@clubworx.com, www.clubworx.com 54 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

California Sports Surfaces named official supplier for major Chinese tennis events California Sports Surfaces (CSS) has been named as the official surface for two major tennis tournaments - the ATP China Open and the Rolex Shanghai Masters men’s tournament. Both tournaments are played on DecoTurf®, a reliable, state-of-the-art surface trusted around the world for safe and comfortable gameplay. Able to withstand extreme temperatures without compromising quality and with a durable finish that is highly resistant to degradation, the selection is another demonstration of California Sports Surfaces partnership with the ATP Tour. The China Open is the largest ATP and WTA combined event in Asia, and this year’s event marks the first since 2019 after subsequent events were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Shanghai Masters has been lauded as one of the finest events on the ATP Tour. In its first five years, 2009-2013, the tournament was awarded ATP Masters 1000 Tournament of the Year, as voted by ATP players. Contact 1800 786 617, E: info-aus@cssurfaces.com, www.californiasportssurfaces.com

BECSys5 installed at Pimpana Aquatic Centre

New BECS app offers mobile-based pool water control Offering a new way for aquatic centre operators to stay connected to the plant room, Tim Batt Water Solutions are distributing the latest range of US made BECS Technology pool water chemistry controllers with market leading remote communication. With BECSys Controllers and the latest BECSysLive!, BECS have perfected their web-based PC communication and phone app to enable pool operators to monitor readings, create reports and make changes via encrypted, internet enabled connection. The technology is proving popular at council pools and water/ splash parks, swim schools and resort pools across Australia. In addition, when connected via the site’s wi-fi there is absolutely no ongoing cost for the free BECSys communications software and app. Other key features of these controllers are automatic super chlorination, booster chlorination and the addition of multiple probes. A unique and patented total alkalinity (TA) metering and control system is also now available, which alternates the dosing of CO2 and Acid to accurately control the TA level (& pH) while saving on chemical costs. Contact 02 9948 4177, E: timbws@bigpond.com, www.tbwsaquatic.com.au

Products

Technogym releases touch and train gym display

More facilities go through digital transformation with PerfectGym

Technogym has announced the release of Technogym Visio - a digital gym display ideal for unsupervised fitness facilities - that has been designed to provide personal training assistance and engaging fitness content. Users of Technogym Visio can instantly access a vast library of workouts adapted to the equipment available and to their training goals and needs with a 32-inch touchscreen display that makes Technogym training content immediately accessible and highly visible. Offering unsupervised one-to-one training experiences that can be configured according to the equipment available, Technogym Visio offers personal trainers the possibility to focus on giving feedback to the user. Contact 1800 615 440, E: info.au@technogym.com, www.technogym.com

Perfect Gym’s ongoing rollout with YMCA Victoria-managed facilities has seen its digital transformation introduced at Horsham Aquatic Centre and the Macleod Recreation & Fitness Centre. Using its experience in the timely, efficient and accurate transition of data from legacy solutions, PerfectGym has ensured that the facility’s members can book classes, swimming lessons and make ups while offering all facets of membership management like online suspensions, payments and renewals at members’ convenience, via the industry’s only branded, truly mobile responsive Online Portal. Explaining its recent digital transformation for the City of Logan, as an example of its adaptability, Perfect Gym Solutions Country Manager, Matt Inglis advised “having had a legacy onpremise solution for around 10 years, the City of Logan identified gaps and the need to have members do things themselves ... realising that they couldn’t grow their leisure centres and their customer offering without something new and innovative. “Having been successful with our tender bid we went through the process of full data extraction and transition, from their existing software to PerfectGym. “This was done for their multiple sites in quite a short timeframe and the result was a resounding success. “Along with completing their Active Logan rebrand, they now have a very intuitive system, which is important, particularly in the leisure centres as a lot of them, even with 20 or 30 core staff, could still have several hundred staff such as casuals that need to be trained. “We put a heavy focus on training and adoption, preparing them for their next phase of digital transformation.” Moving to a single brand for its facilities, a move being undertaken by a number of councils, the City of Logan can now present a vibrant and contemporary face as Active Logan - with PerfectGym technology a key part of this. Inglis notes “there’s immediate quick wins with our technology such as online signups and guiding them on a paperless journey while with ecommerce in areas like bogus chargebacks where we have found that by doing a lot more of the legalities in a really simple paperless way we’ve been able to help centres and clubs debunk the vast majority of these. “We also easily help multi facility operations where a member may join one of them for the gym but their children do their swim lessons at another and they may want to book a court at one of the stadiums.” PerfectGym is also powering the latest Planet Fitness facilities in Queensland. Contact 1300 088 922, E: info@perfectgym.com.au, www.perfectgym.com.au

AAC marks 25th year in business 2023 has seen Gold Coast-based AAC - Australia’s premier global manufacturer and supplier of identification wearables and crowd control solutions for events and venues - marking its 25th year in business. AAC, the maker of wristbands, lanyards, tickets and tokens while also offering full-service print solutions, has in the last few years grown from manufacturing 25 million wristbands a year in 2017 to designing, manufacturing and supplying 60 million products annually in the last 12 months. AAC now produces and supplies more than 60 million products annually to various sectors, including events, leisure, hospitality, and corporate. This expansion was largely driven by Luke Borg, who was appointed AAC General Manager earlier this year. Contact 1300 797 478, E: sales@aac.com.au, www.aac.com.au

Send your product news to leisure@ausleisure.com.au Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159 55

The P.A. People looks back on a period of successful projects Leading audio-visual equipment supplier The P.A. People has shared an update on its recent work, covering installations and equipment at The Play House at Geelong Arts Centre. As part of a full technical upgrade of theatre equipment to bring its infrastructure in line with the recently completed Little Malop Street development and the associated theatre venues, The P.A. People installed a front-loading counterweight system. As well as new counterweight flying equipment, the Play House has a new audio system, production lighting, stage communications and a refurbished stage elevator. In addition, emergency electrical infrastructure upgrades, replacement house and work lighting and a general refresh to the back of house circulation finishes, has given a new life to the original theatre. Contact 02 8755 8700, E: info@papeople.com.au, www.papeople.com.au

Big Screen Video gains carbon neutral certification Marking a major milestone in its sustainability journey, Adelaidebased digital screen technology company Big Screen Video (BSV) has achieved carbon neutral certification of its business operations from Climate Active. BSV is the first Australian LED supplier and installer to receive Climate Active certification, which is an ongoing partnership between the Federal Government and businesses to drive voluntary climate action. The certification follows BSV achieving carbon neutrality across its Australian, Chinese and USA operations in July. The company is aiming to further cut its emissions intensity by at least another 30% by 2030. Welcoming the certification, BSV Chief Executive, Paul Ellery stated “Climate Active’s certification is an endorsement of our emission reduction efforts to date and is part of our determination to further eliminate our emissions through a carbon reduction plan. “Reducing our emissions not only makes good business sense but also aligns with our company’s desire to empower our staff, suppliers and partners to take action to mitigate the impact of climate change.” Contact 1300 244 727, E: info@bigscreenvideo.com.au, www.bigscreenvideo.com.au 56 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159

Waterco to distribute LiqTech pool water filtration system across Australia and Asia Pacific LiqTech International, Inc., a clean technology company that manufactures and markets highly specialised filtration products and systems, has announced it has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Waterco for the distribution of its Aqua Solution® swimming pool water filtration systems covering Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. With Waterco having worked with LiqTech over the past three years to bring solutions to their joint customers, the new agreement will target the commercial pools market. The Aqua Solution® is a LiqTech ceramic filter solution for liquids with suspended solids. LiqTech’s Aqua Solution® integrates a dead-end structural design with cutting-edge membrane technology that is specifically designed for water pre-treatment in reverse osmosis applications, wastewater treatment, and swimming pool and spa water filtration. The dead-end design yields more cost-efficient filtration performance compared to other filtration options. As a comparison, for the same treated water flow, traditional sand filters have pore sizes three times larger than LiqTech’s SiC membranes. In addition, LiqTech’s Aqua Solution® reduces the number of membrane elements, pressure vessels, water consumption for backwash, and energy costs by providing high flow rates at very low pressure. Contact 02 9898 8600, E: administration@waterco.com, www.waterco.com

Daisy Pool Covers marks 40 years of operations Leading pool cover and roller manufacturer Daisy Pool Covers, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Founded in October 1983 by Bob and Joan Prince with Joan’s son Mark Goddard starting with the company in 1986, in 1997, the company welcomed Derek and Janine Prince to the Daisy family, who brought fresh ideas and expertise, propelling the company to new heights. The following year marked a pivotal moment when the Perth-based company ventured into manufacturing rollers and expanded its distribution nationwide, reaching a broader market across the country. Commenting on the company reaching its 40 year milestone, Daisy Pool Covers Managing Director, Derek Prince advised “throughout its journey, the company has been at the forefront of cover and roller design, introducing ground-breaking products and pioneering advancements in the commercial industry.” Contact 1300 551 811, E: derek@daisypoolcovers.com.au, www.daisypoolcovers.com.au

Evolt 360 signs key contracts Advanced body composition technology innovator Evolt 360 is expanding its global reach via the signing of key contracts with Jetts Australia, GoodLife Fitness (Canada) and Matrix Fitness. All three contracts signify significant milestones for the Gold Coast based business, which was founded by sports promoter Ed Zouroudis and fitness identity Kelly Weideman, as it accelerates its global expansion journey. Evolt 360’s cutting-edge medically graded machines, registered with FDA, listed in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, and CE approved, employ bioimpedance technology to provide comprehensive insights into body composition health. With a footprint in 42 countries and a user base approaching two million registered users, the company serves an array of global enterprise customers, including the world’s largest gym chains, such as Anytime Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, World Gym, Exponential Fitness, Virgin Active; Genesis Health + Fitness; and corporate giants like health insurer HCF, and some of the world’s largest mining companies. Contact 07 5535 6227, E: info@evolt360.com, www.evolt360.com https://evolt360.com/

Products

Swimplex completes installation of new water slides for Leeton Regional Aquatic Centre Swimplex has completed the installation of new twin slides at the Leeton Regional Aquatic Centre in the Riverina region of NSW. Erecting a slide tower and access stairs together with both slide flumes, the facility now offers both an open flume slide and a tube slide, promising double the excitement for visitors. Pool owner Leeton Shire Council has adopted a ‘safety first’ approach to the operation of the slides with a minimum ride height of 120cm while only single riders are allowed at any one time. Contact Swimplex on 1300 796 759, E: sales@swimplex.com.au, www.swimplex.com.au

Audoo metering technology helps OneMusic accurately collect artist royalties With a mission to pay public performance royalties to musicians more accurately, licencing agency OneMusic is investing in the widespread rollout across Australian and New Zealand businesses of audio meter technology which recognises music as it is played in real-time. OneMusic advises “Audoo audio meters will better identify the songs being played in public at a micro level - all day and all night - with macro effect. “If our technology is adopted by all Australian and New Zealand licenced premises, it will log over 15.3 million plays ‘every. single. day’ (and) we’ll know - with certainty and in detail - exactly what music everyone’s enjoying, for the very first time in public performance history.” With installations having commenced in 2022, installation involves a technician coming to premises and installing the audio meter into a power point. The audio meter device then recognises what music is playing after just 10 seconds and will securely fingerprint it, with no audio ever being stored on (or sent from) the device. The songs being played are relayed back to Audoo as data (not audio) and each month will be reported to APRA AMCOS (one of the partners behind OneMusic) to ingest the data into their systems. For information E: audiometer@onemusic.com.au

Les Mills Asia Pacific and BODY BIKE mark indoor cycling milestone Les Mills indoor cycling program - RPM - has marked its 100th release at an event at Sydney’s Carriageworks. One of three indoor cycling programs that Les Mills offers, RPM has gained a huge following, becoming a favourite among many indoor cycling enthusiasts around the world. Ryan Hogan, Chief Executive of Les Mills Asia Pacific (LMAP), advised “every quarter for 25 years, we’ve released a new RPM workout for instructors, club partners and members.” The Carriageworks event saw the delivery of four RPM 100 Masterclasses to some 600 participants using the BODY BIKE SMART®+ indoor bike. Described as a “productive cooperation”, the partnership between Les Mills and BODY BIKE Asia Pacific has seen the group fitness leader name BODY BIKE as their preferred cycle brand. Contact LMAP on 02 6282 8192, E: myclub@lesmills.com.au, www.lesmills.com.au Contact Body Bike APAC/Body Bike Australia at 1300 848 455, www.body-bike.com.au

Send your product news to leisure@ausleisure.com.au Australasian Leisure Management Issue 159 57

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Aria Systems, the leader in empowering enterprises to accelerate subscription and usage-based revenue growth, has announced that Mindbody, an existing Aria Billing Cloud user, has activated Aria Data Feed to extract critical insights from billing data that can be used to measure the impact of marketing programs and inform strategic business decisions. Aria Data Feed provides an always-on continuous feed of Aria billing and subscription data, integrating with a host of business intelligence, CRM, and AI applications. By feeding billing data into its Snowflake data cloud environment, Mindbody now has increased access to near real-time data for advanced reporting and business process management. The Aria and Mindbody teams worked closely throughout the implementation process to account for multiple use cases and reporting requirements across the business. Visit www.ariasystems.com for more information.

Felton Industries secures Good Design Award for Ribbon Range of street and park furniture Leading outdoor furniture manufacturer and supplier Felton Industries has announced that its Ribbon Range of street and park furniture has been named as a winner at the 2023 Australian Good Design Awards. Winning in the Product Design category, which recognises outstanding design and innovation, the Good Design Awards Jury commented “a simple, lightweight range of street furniture … the Jury commends the designers of the Ribbon Range Featuring Caring For Country for its timeless design that will no doubt stand the test of time Well done.” The Ribbon Range and Caring for Country Range features a selection of modern street and park furniture architecturally designed by industrial design house, Vert Design. The range includes a table outdoor setting and bench seating with iconic open loop frames, and bin enclosures with angled rainwater roof covers. Their contemporary design and innovation were key factors in being recognised for this prestigious award. The Caring for Country Range takes its design from the Ribbon range while showcasing breathtaking art by award-winning Indigenous artist Brett Parker, Billyara. It utilises new sublimation techniques making it a first in innovation. The Caring for Country range celebrates rich Indigenous history and culture, providing schools, colleges, parks, resorts, community spaces and other venues with a wonderful resource to enjoy, learn and explore Indigenous art and culture. Contact 1800 834 016, E: sales@felton.net.au, www.felton.net.au

EpicSurf to bring real surfing indoors for first time in Saudi Arabia Aquatic Development Group (ADG) has announced they will be installing their award-winning stationary surf wave EpicSurf 46 product - at the new state-ofthe-art sports and entertainment complex by Glo Entertainment coming to the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, scheduled to open in 2025. ADG’s EpicSurf 46 product is a 14-metre-wide surfing facility that produces waves up to 1.6 meters high. In a compact space, waves are easily customised for a range of experience levels – from beginners learning to surf, to experts cross-training for their next ocean competition. In addition to the EpicSurf installation, the Glo Indoor Park will feature indoor skydiving and ziplining. Contact +1 518 783 0038, www.aquaticgroup.com/

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