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The Emerald Tourist Railway Board has confirmed the appointment of Peter Abbott as incoming Chief Executive for Victorian heritage tourist attraction - Puffing Billy. Mornington Peninsula Shire and Belgravia Leisure have appointed Dan Andrews as Centre Manager of the soon-toopen Yawa Aquatic Centre. Shooting Australia has appointed experienced sports administrator Sarah Brady to their newly created position of General Manager, Commercial and Marketing. SportWest has announced the appointment of Matt Fulton as its new Chief Executive. Mark Gosling, Chief Executive of The Trusts Arena, has assumed the role of Board Chair of the Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand (EVANZ), taking over from Keith Parker. Sport and entertainment insights and strategy company, Gemba has appointed Adam Hodge to the newly created role of Divisional Manager - Marketing Strategy. Eddie Idik, Director of the Vital Protection Group, has been elected as Chair of the NSW Chapter of ASIS International for 2021. Former Sydney Swans star Alex Johnson, who was forced to end his AFL career prematurely as a result of a series of knee injuries, is now the owner of two soon-to-open Infinite Cycle studios in metropolitan Melbourne - in Armadale and Brighton. Anita Mitchell has been named Chief Executive, Placemaking NSW, to lead the team responsible for managing and transforming some of NSW’s most treasured places including The Rocks and Darling Harbour, Sydney Olympic Park, and in the Hunter and Central Coast. Athletics Australia has announced the appointment of former Sport Australia Chief Executive Kate Palmer to its Board of Directors. Swimming Australia has appointed two-time Olympic gold medallist, Kieren Perkins as its new President. Y NSW swim instructor at Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre, Randev (Dev) Sappany, has been named the nation’s best adult swim instructor at the AUSTSWIM 2020 Awards of Excellence. Emeritus Professor David Simmons has been presented with New Zealand tourism’s most prestigious individual honour, the Sir Jack Newman Award, representing the first time the honour has been presented to a university academic. Tenpin Bowling Australia has announced the appointment of Damien Smith to the role of General Manager, Industry. Former international cricketer Martin Snedden has been elected as the new Chair of the New Zealand Cricket board, filling the role vacated by Greg Barclay, who was required to stand down from the position after being elected Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). New Zealand industry training body, Skills Active has announced that lighting technician for the performing arts sector, Lucas Tofani Souza is the winner of their 2020 Apprentice of the Year. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a limited Cabinet reshuffle, moving Education Minister Dan Tehan to the trade portfolio where he becomes the new Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. Radical Fitness Australia has announced Trish Veugelaers as the newest member of its Master Trainer team. Legendary middle-distance runner Sir John Walker has been named as Patron of Athletics New Zealand. Send your people news to leisure@ausleisure.com.au
New rubber safety flooring for Horsham Aquatic Centre
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Horsham Rural City Council in western Victoria has replaced the rubber floor covering throughout the entire indoor pool walkways with Life Floor at its large aquatic centre.
As with a number of aquatic construction projects across Australia, the enforced Coronavirus shutdown provided an opportune window to embark on the major task without any disruptions.
Grassports Australia (Queensland) was awarded the contract following a tender process and completed the 450 metre² installation in under two weeks using the 10mm thick anti-slip ripple texture tile. Contact 1300 721 135, E: info@lifefloor.com.au, www.lifefloor.com.au
Vivaticket announces company enhancements to drive post COVID growth
Vivaticket has announced enhancements to its existing integration with the MailChimp EDM software,Vimeo, to provide ticketing for clients who are streaming their shows. Additionally, enhancements will be made to the Seat Ownership functionality to address the COVID-19 requirements.
Clients can now automate pre and post-show emails to customers who attend a performance, via the integration with MailChimp. The information about who is to receive the pre and/or post-show email is automatically sent from the Vivaticket solution to Mail Chimp daily.
Using Mail Chimp’s automation features, clients will be able to trigger when these emails are sent. This will assist in marketing efforts, in addition to allowing clients to communicate quickly with their customers about closures, and other important details relating to COVID-19.
Additionally, Vivaticket has created an integration with Vimeo (other streaming services are also available) allowing clients to make a purchase and view video content within their website.
The enhancement of Seat Ownership functionality will help clients address the required COVID-19 reporting requirements with Vivaticket seeing that many of its clients have already prepared their websites for when sales restart. Contact John Godwin on 0411 470 205 or john.godwin@vivaticket.com
EventPro’s latest update offers new features and enhanced functionality
EventPro Software has announced a new software release that includes a batch of new features that have been in high demand this year.
EventPro, a division of Profit Systems Inc. (PSI), is a development-focused company committed to continuously adding value to its software, and this latest release delivers on that commitment.
The new features available are: •EVA-Calendar Sync: This highly anticipated automated service enables two-way sync of event locations between EventPro and Exchange or Google Calendars. EVA-Calendar Sync allows people to book EventPro locations without actually using the EventPro program, making the booking process easier, while maintaining the privacy of your EventPro system. •Contact Tracing: A critical feature for these times, this new online module helps clients screen and trace everyone who enters their facility and/or event. •Invitations & Appointments: Right from within EventPro, EPConnect (web integration suite), or Virtual Assistants (automation services), users can send calendar invitations or appointments to recipients through manually created or automatically generated emails. Contact 02 9504 6999, E: Solutions@EventPro.net, www.EventPro.net
Les Mills International partners with Qrious to provide data solution for optimising customer experiences
Les Mills International has partnered with Qrious to design and implement a modern data solution allowing the group fitness leaders to make smarter, faster decisions to achieve their ultimate goal of understanding, creating and optimising the customer experiences.
With a modern data approach, the partnership has enabled Les Mills International to gain full control of their online customer experiences, being able to check the success of new videos released on their LES MILLS On Demand platform with metrics on when, for how long, and how many times they are watched.
They are now working on the ability to identify and analyse the video features that best capture customer interest. Contact: 02 6282 8192, E: myclub@lesmills.com.au, www.lesmills.com.au.
Ungerboeck launches new platform to back virtual events
Mindful of how events have changed as venues have been closed during Coronavirus lockdowns, Ungerboeck has developed new and innovative solutions to give its international customer community the flexibility they need in order to host events in the ‘new normal’ - from virtual, to hybrid, to safe onsite events experiences.
With 62% of event professionals considering hybrid event concepts, the technology provider has enhanced its event management software to facilitate the organisation of both virtual and in-person experiences.
Ungerboeck’s solution adds powerful virtual functionality for events including: -Registration: easily manage registration to virtual and in-person components of an event creating a seamless experience for attendees and allowing flexibility to switch to a virtual experience at any point. -Live streaming of sessions: deliver live sessions and make recordings available on demand after the event on the event microsite. -Virtual exhibitions: a dedicated area for exhibitors to showcase their latest solutions and engage with visitors through virtual booths in a fun and interactive fashion. -Engagement tools: live interaction between participants, speakers and exhibitors through chats, comments and surveys. -Awards & Competitions capabilities: allowing organiser to manage competitions and awards with a full process for submission and judging. Contact 07 3359 7919, E: Asiapacific@ungerboeck.com, www.ungerboeck.com
Independent gym in Paddington pioneers new innovations in hygiene
Flow Athletic in the Sydney suburb of Paddington is innovating in hygiene to keep members safe with the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) approved disinfectant, Australianowned Aeris Active.
The Australian-developed Aeris Active’s listing with the ARTG validates the efficacy and proven ability of Aeris Active to kill COVID-19 on hard surfaces for up to seven days and provide residual antibacterial efficacy for up to 30 days.
Developed, tested and manufactured in Aeris Environmental’s Sydney laboratory, Aeris Active is a broad-spectrum disinfectant cleaner for use on a wide range of hard surfaces. It is being used in gyms, cafes, bars and retail environments to keep people safe, and restore confidence to anyone entering these spaces. Contact 02 8344 1315, E: info@aeris.com.au, www.aeris.com.au
Perth-based fitness start-up Vitruvian raises US$2.5 million seed round capital
Perth-based fitness start-up Vitruvian has raised US$2.5 million in capital in a seed round led by South East Asian fitness operator Evolution Wellness.
This injection allows Vitruvian to ramp up production of their innovative strength training device, the V-Form Trainer, which promises to dramatically improve the efficiency and accessibility of resistance training. Email: support@vitruvianform.com
TeamUp shares insights on access and delivery of fitness classes in 2021
TeamUp, a supplier of gym management software for boutique gyms and studios suggests that in 2021, fitness businesses are going to take advantage of the opportunity to merge the clients they have gained from teaching online during the Coronavirus crisis with those of their gyms or studios, by live-streaming their inperson classes to reach both audiences.
TeamUp advise that “when the pandemic hit forcing gyms and studios to close, our team worked day and night for two weeks straight completely focused on getting our Zoom integration up and running so our customers did not have to stop teaching and running their businesses.
“Not only did our customers jump at the chance to use the Zoom integration to keep their businesses open virtually, but we actually saw even more signups thanks to this new feature and the demand to teach online.”
TeamUp are offering a completely free trial to allow any potential customers the opportunity to explore their software before signing up. For more information go to goteamup.com/
International Quadratics Pty Ltd launches pHlozone aquatic facility management software
International Quadratics Pty Ltd has announced a partnership with software company, Strikeforce Pty Ltd to deliver pHlozone - a new facility management software to the commercial aquatic market.
The new software offers an all-in-one software platform that manages teams, tasks, reporting, ordering, water tests and even schedules repair jobs.
Introducing the software, Strikeforce Director, Peter Legaz stated “we are extremely excited to partner with IQ in bringing pHlozone to the commercial aquatic market. IQ’s serviceability and strong reputation within the commercial aquatics sector is second to none and already is proving to be a positive move for the product and customers alike.”
Pam Robinson, Commercial Business Development Manager for International Quadratics, who has been at the front of the software release, noted the “the platform is an extremely powerful management and operations tool for aquatic centres, learn to swim centres, hotels, and any commercial facility with a swimming pool or spa.” Contact Pam Robinson on 02 9774 5550, E: pam@interquad.com.au (in Australia) or David Cory Toussaint on 027 205 1560, E: david@poolwise.co.nz (in New Zealand).
Centaman introduces new facial recognition solution for Australian and New Zealand aquatic, fitness and sport centres
Security solutions specialist Centaman Entrance Control is offering a new facial recognition technology add-on for its access gates, including its range available to aquatic, fitness and sport facilities in Australia and New Zealand.
The new EasyAccess facial recognition reader scans users’ faces to identify them before providing fast, easy access through an access gate or door. It can be set up to scan the temperature of visitors to help prevent against COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, or even configured to scan whether visitors are wearing masks and prevent entry to any who are not, if required.
Centaman Entrance Control General The new EasyAccess facial recognition readers are Manager Michael Bystram said facial available for all Centaman Entrance Control gates. recognition technology was already used in some corporate offices in Australasia but the functionality and price point has largely ruled it out from use in leisure facilities and gyms, until now.
Bystram noted “the new EasyAccess reader is an effective system available at a price point that many gyms and leisure centres will find appealing.
“It is an ideal way for leisure centres and gyms to provide secure contactless entry during the global COVID-19 pandemic and it adds convenience for members by removing the need for them to carry an access card with them at all times. It also provides increased security by preventing entry by unauthorised visitors who have stolen, found or illegally ‘borrowed’ an access card belonging to an existing paying member of your facility.”
Bystram adds that one of the advantages of the new EasyAccess facial recognition reader was that it worked with almost any gate or door and could be retrofitted to many existing Centaman Entrance Control gates.
Each EasyAccess reader can store up to 50,000 faces in its internal database. Faces can be scanned from up to three metres away, and the reader includes anti-spoofing detection support that enables it to distinguish live faces from pictures and videos.
Options are also available to link multiple readers and to allow staff to manage a secure database of visitor and member faces from one central location. Contact 02 9906 7522, www.entrancecontrol.com.au.
QPAC selects SwiftPOS to modernise guest experience platform
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) has selected MSL’s SwiftPOS software to simplify and modernise its Point of Sale (POS) and guest experience platform.
Welcoming more than 1.5 million visitors to over 1,200 performances each year, QPAC - located in South Brisbane, offers patrons multiple options to eat and drink across five restaurants and bars as well as a number of function and event spaces across the complex.
The partnership with MSL will provide QPAC with an integrated guest experience platform that will remove current manual processes and workflows, connect front of house to back office and streamline processes. The platform will allow QPAC to provide guests fast and efficient service, as well as multiple ordering and payment options depending on their preference.
Built on MSL’s SwiftPOS software engine, the new POS solution willl provide a single source of data for QPAC and includes an integrated stock system. New functionality available to QPAC includes membership, promotions, vouchers, split bills. The platform also provides future opportunities to implement mobile self-service ordering and guest pre-ordering to help alleviate wait times during busy periods including intermission during performances. Contact 1800 679 701, E: marketing@mpowermsl.com, www.mpowermsl.com
Building Solutions Group (ICP BSG) has announced the launch of its California Sports Surfaces (CSS) Ultra Performance Series, a complete reformulation of its Plexipave® and DecoTurf® products that delivers exceptional abrasion resistance, improved permeability, excellent coverage, a streamlined colour palette and other qualities demanded in the world’s most competitive sports surface applications.
California Sport Surfaces (CSS), the supplier of prestigious sports surfacing product lines for tennis courts, basketball courts, track and more is the surface of multiple Olympic Games as well as other world-renowned events, including the US Open from 1978 to 2019 and the Australian Open from 1988 to 2018. Contact 1800 786 617, E: info-aus@cssurfaces.com, www.californiasportssurfaces.com
Send your product news to leisure@ausleisure.com.au Reliance Risk partners with Pandemic Protect to launch Venue COVIDSafe products
Reliance Risk has announced a strategic partnership with Pandemic Protect to offer Venue COVIDSafe products. As Australia continues the slow recovery from COVID-19 restrictions, having reliable product supplies for infection control will be an important part of helping to manage this risk and keeping venues safe. Reliance Risk Managing Director, Wayne Middleton advises “over the past six to nine months venues have experienced variability in COVIDSaferelated products and we believe venues need a safe, credible and reliable supply that is of a high standard and well-priced. After searching the market we considered Pandemic Protect strongly reflected those values and capability.” Contact 02 8377 1818, E: enquiries@reliancerisk.com.au, www.reliancerisk.com.au
LED specialist AREALUX becomes AAA-LUX Australia
Local sports field lighting expert AREALUX, an AAA-LUX distribution partner since October 2017, has transitioned to become AAA-LUX AUSTRALIA - making it a full member of the AAA-LUX lighting organisation.
AAA-LUX Australia Managing Director, Michael Read explains “AAA-LUX has done 2.500 projects in over 50 countries in the world. We are everywhere but our success is accompanied with a limited brand recognition. It is time we change that in Australia. “In 2014 AAA-LUX entered the market and now after six years we are happy to become part of the AAA-LUX family. The Australian market is ready for the next step.” Contact 1300 222 589, E: enquiries@aaa-lux-lighting.com.au, www.aaa-lux-lighting.com.au
INTIX highlights the need for digital ticketing in local sport
Australian ticketing and technology company INTIX, highlights that for smaller local sporting clubs and events to ensure they are managed in a COVIDSafe way - including contactless entry, social distancing and strong contact tracing capability - their technology needs upgrading in order to meet these requirements.
INTIX Chief Executive, Alex Grant notes that “as a locally owned Victorian ticketing company, INTIX has seen, and experienced first-hand, the changing landscape in our sports and events industry in Victoria as a result of COVID-19.
“We are now in a position where many smaller-scale events, such as local footy clubs, will be required to upgrade their technology in order to meet these requirements.” Contact help@intix.com, www.intix.com/sell-tickets
New consultancy helps fitness club owners develop solid exit plans
Industry newcomer Leading Edge Business Consulting has joined forces with GSE Business Consultants to launch a new joint venture called Fitness Business Sales.
The venture delivers specialist services beyond those of a conventional broker, to produce tailored growth plans and exit
strategies for gym owners.
Damien Bain (pictured) is the co-founder of Leading Edge Business Consulting (LEBC), which is a highly specialised business consultancy dedicated to creating measurable outcomes of growth and success.
Bain is an executive leader with more than 20 years’ experience in multiple industries, after having successfully managed portfolios in excess of $120 million in revenue, and staffing of up to 1,200.
Partnering with Bain to create Fitness Business Sales is Paul Leach, the founder of GSE Business Consultants.
Through Fitness Business Sales, the 25+ years of combined experience in health and fitness operations of Bain and Leach aim to provide gym owners with specialised guidance to navigate the unique and challenging process of selling their business.
To support club owners during this unique time, Fitness Business Sales takes a considered approach, rather than taking a ‘test the market’ approach, which increases the risk of underselling or overpricing a business or having it get stuck on the market. Contact Damien Bain on 0414 738 461, E: damien@fitness-business-sales.com.au Paul Leach on 0415 801 313, E: paul@fitness-business-sales.com.au
Openpay and Stack Sports combine to introduce buy-now-pay-later option for sport clubs
In a first for Australian sport and in response to growing customer demand, sport club management system Stack Sports has partnered with Australian buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) provider Openpay.
The partnership, set for an initial three-year period, will give the members of sport clubs using the Stack Sports platform the ability to pay for membership and registration fees in interestfree instalments.
With many sporting clubs charging upfront yearly fees they risk missing out on customers that would prefer to spread the cost over monthly payments. However, for most sport clubs the administrative burden of chasing monthly payments and the financial uncertainty that brings simply isn’t an option.
By using BNPL through the Stack Sports management system these clubs will be able to offer longer and more flexible payment terms without compromising their cashflow as the risk will be taken on by Openpay for the cost of a small merchant fee. This ensures clubs access revenue upfront to cover running costs and improve their services, while making paying for these services more accessible to a wider range of customers. For more information go to www.mygameday.app
Peloton announces US$420 million acquisition of fitness equipment maker Precor
US-based fitness and media company Peleton is to acquire the Precor equipment brand from current owner Amer Sports in a deal worth a reported US$420 million.
With Peleton having enjoyed a highly successful year, the acquisition of Precor, which will include 58,000 metre² of North American manufacturing space will speed up production of its cycles and treadmills and meet its promised delivery windows.
Demand for Peloton’s exercise equipment has surged during the Coronavirus pandemic, straining its supply chain, as consumers look to work out at home.
The deal also boosts Peloton’s product development efforts, by adding nearly 100 research-and-development employees to its existing staff.
For 40 years, Precor has been a pioneer in creating quality fitness experiences introducing the world’s first elliptical in 1995 and the fitness industry’s first capacitive touchscreen in 2010. Contact Precor distributor Novofit on 1800 628 824, E: info@novofit.com.au, www.novofit.com.au
Spa Vision partners with CryoAction
Leading global spa consultants, Spa Vision has announced its latest brand partnership with cryotherapy provider, CryoAction, in response to the rapidly increasing popularity of whole body cryotherapy treatments in sporting and wellness facilities.
The new partnership will see Spa Vision integrate CryoAction chambers into its extensive portfolio as it continues to broaden its premium, specialist offering to clients across Australia and New Zealand. CryoAction is a leading provider of whole-body cryotherapy chambers used by elite sports clubs, wellness facilities and spas due to well documented health and wellness benefits. Contact 0418 951 353, E: neil@spavision.com, www.spavision.com
Advertisers Index
Advertiser Page No.
AAA-LUX 41
AALARA 2021 Conference 75
Afl ex Infl atables 15
APT Asia-Pacifi c 45
ASM Global 28 & 29
Astral Pool 5
AUSTSWIM 57
Dip. of Venue Management 67
Felton Industries 43
Fitness Technology Summit 35
Golf Course Solutions 59
Hy-Clor 2 & 3
Jonas Leisure 38 & 39
Life Floor 51
MyMember Sales 65
Musco 19
Myrtha Pools 37
OneMusic Australia 13
ParkEquip 49
Perfect Gym 6 & 7
ProSlide Technology 47
Quayclean 61
SLE Worldwide 23
S.R.Smith 55
Surveyor Lifeguard Towers 53
Swimplex Aquatics 9
TicketSearch 21
Tim Batt Water Solutions 76
Viva Leisure 33
VivaTicket 11
Pico Play delivers Big Octopus for Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Surfers Paradise
Theming and design experts Pico Play has revealed its role in the creation and construction of the newly unveiled Big Octopus at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Surfers Paradise.
The latest in a grand tradition of roadside ‘big things’ in Australia, the 1.5-tonne, 8.5-metre wide Big Octopus was built by the same team who worked on the construction of Universal Studios Singapore, allowing Pico Play to showcase its expertise in planning, design and development of themed experiences.
Construction began in August 2020 while the attraction was closed due to COVID-19 and took 40 people four months to create the installation, which is based on Australia’s infamous and venomous blue-ringed octopus.
The Big Octopus features glowing coloured LED lights within its blue rings. These can be customised to fit in with seasonal events as well as different charities. Contact: 07 5688 1050, E: pico.play@pico.com, www.pico-play.com
VST Enterprises launches world’s first secure digital health passport for tourism, sports and venue sectors
British technology company VST Enterprises has launched the world’s first secure ‘5 In 1 digital health passport and wallet’ - V-Health Passport™ - which has its own unique contact tracing capability ‘True Contact™’ built within the technology designed for travel, sports stadiums, venues, factories, offices and construction sites. V-Health Passport™ is a crucial ‘safe technology enabler’ in reviving global economies, home lives and helping Governments, business and industry to start returning to work and normality. V-Health Passport™ will allow sports fans to return to the stadiums at capacity and not at the UK’s current socially distanced crowd protocols of 2000 fans. It will help get the hospitality sector back on its feet welcoming customers back. Because of the way V-Health Passport™ is designed - based on interaction and incentive - the hospitality sector can engage with unique offerings and discounts to its customers.
V-Health Passport™ will help the live music and entertainment sectors resume their concerts and performances in arenas, stadiums and theatres. They will be safe in the knowledge that fans have either been tested or vaccinated and can authenticate their status.
The cross border, cross corporation V-Health Passport™ can be used by international Governments, consumers and companies to authenticate a person’s true identity, their COVID test results and vaccinations. For more information on VCode® and VPlatform® technology go to www.vstenterprises.com
MAY 17-19 2021
Sea World Resort, Gold Coast
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