People
Aquatic and Recreation Institute NSW announces organisational and staff changes
Josephine Sukkar becomes first woman to Chair the Australian Sports Commission
The Aquatic and Recreation Institute NSW (ARI NSW) has announced operational changes with Louise Magee resigned as Events and Sponsorship Coordinator and Colin Kane stepping down as Chairperson. Nichole Edsall has subsequently been elected the new Chair of ARI NSW. Edsall, who is currently Key Venues, Chief Operations Manager at Blacktown City Council, joined as a Director of the Board in August 2020.
Businesswoman and President of Australian Women’s Rugby Josephine Sukkar has been appointed as the new Chair of the Australian Sports Commission. The first woman to the role, Sukkar brings 30 years of business experience to the role, as the co-founder and principal of Buildcorp Group, while also having a strong understanding of Australian sport. Sukkar will oversee Sport Australia and its responsibility for driving the broader sport sector, including participation and the Australian Institute of Sport, charged with the ongoing improvement of the nation’s high performing sport sector.
Jonas Leisure names Alissa Lim as General Manager Jonas Leisure has appointed Alissa Lim as General Manager to oversee the day-to-day running of its business across Australia and New Zealand. The move will ensure continuity and leadership for the leading leisure management software provider following the appointment of Chief Executive Mike Henton to Jonas Software Portfolio Manager. In his new role, Henton will be Chief Executive of hair and beauty software specialists Kitomba, in addition to Jonas Leisure and marina management software solutions business Pacsoft. Lim joined Jonas Leisure in 2011 as a customer support consultant for its Gladstone MRM brand.
New appointments at TEG Entertainment and ticketing firm, TEG, has made a series of appointments with Glen Rainsbury becoming Ticketek General Manager - Australia and New Zealand and Lee Jones taking on the newly created role of Director - Ticketing Solutions. Cameron Stone has also been named Chief Technology Officer, leading a team charged with evolving and executing the global live entertainment, venue and ticketing company’s technology capability and investments.
Gold Coast chief lifeguard Warren Young retires after 48 years of service Warren Young, the City of Gold Coast’s Chief Lifeguard, has retired after 48 years of protecting swimmers. 71-year-old Young, believed to be the council’s oldest employee, spent most of his adult life patrolling some of the busiest beaches in Australia and coordinating the nation’s largest unit of professional lifeguards. Appointed Chief Lifeguard in 1975, among the many achievements throughout his nearly five decade-long tenure was the implementation of the now-iconic lifeguard surveillance towers. 60 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 143
FILEX makes General Manager appointment FILEX has appointed Anthony Reed as its General Manager, tasking him with delivering post-pandemic growth and a long-term brand vision for Australasia’s leading fitness events. This will include creating new opportunities for existing partners, creating brand new mutually beneficial partnerships and utilising his extensive knowledge in expos to grow that part of the FILEX business.
Tony Shepherd confirmed as GWS Giants Chairman for further three years Sydney-based businessman Tony Shepherd has been confirmed as Chairman of the GWS Giants for a further three years, following the AFL club’s most recent Annual General Meeting (AGM). The arrangement sees Shepherd, who also Chairs the Venues NSW agency, continue his role at the head of the Giants board, a role he has filled since the club’s inception and entry into the AFL Premiership almost a decade ago. Shepherd formerly chaired the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust.
People IN BRIEF Destination Queenstown has appointed Paul Abbot as its new Chief Executive. Experienced fitness executive Gavin Aquilina has joined group fitness operator RE:Union as Chief Operating Officer. Ross Bidencope has taken on the role of Chief Executive at Sport NSW. The LK Group has retained the services of former Glenorchy City Council employee Renee Brown as Venue Manager of the Derwent Entertainment Centre. Damien De Groot has taken on a new role as Precinct Director at the Brisbane Powerhouse. Arvid Ditchburn has been appointed Business Development Manager at Belgravia Leisure. Tain Drinkwater is the new Chief Executive at Netball NSW. FIFA has appointed Australian and New Zealand-based Chief Operating Officers for the 2023 Women’s World Cup with Jane Fernandez and Jane Patterson taking on the roles in their respective host countries.
