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VERVE Fitness has announced that industry veteran, Xenophon Angelides has joined its team as National Key Accounts Manager. Rebecca Barry has taken up the role of Director, People and Culture for ASM Global’s Asia Pacific operations. Swimming Australia has named dual Olympic gold medallist, Alex Baumann, as its new Chief Executive. Tennis Australia has announced the appointment of Katrina Blair as its new Chief Financial Officer. Les Mills Asia Pacific (LMAP) has announced the appointment of Anna Burdekin to its team in the role of Business Partnership Manager, with a focus on club partners in NSW. International Convention Centre Sydney has welcomed Martin Clapham to the role of Director of Business Services. Melbourne United Chief Executive, Vince Crivelli has been named Chief Operating Officer at the National Basketball League - taking up the job at the end of the current NBL season. Tasman Tourism has appointed industry innovator Nikki Fisher as its new Chief Executive. World Rugby has appointed Alan Gilpin as its new Chief Executive to replace Brett Gosper. Architects dwp design worldwide have appointed 106 Director Dion Gosling as Design Director and Sector Leader, focusing on sports and recreation facilities. HG Turf Group has announced the appointment of Nathan Humphreys as State Manager for NSW, responsible for growing HG Turf Group’s business in the state. Basketball Australia has appointed Jo Juler as Executive General Manager - Marketing, Communications and Digital. Mark Korda has become the 13th President of Collingwood FC, replacing Eddie McGuire who resigned earlier this year. David Levy has been named as Chairman of the Genius Sports Group - a leading provider of sports data and technology powering the sports, betting and media ecosystem. Viva Leisure has named Gordon Martin as Head of Franchising as part of plans to expand the Plus Fitness network. Christine McLoughlin has been appointed as Destination NSW’s new Chair, tasked with leading the recovery of the state’s visitor economy. Robert Novotny has taken on the role of Head of Partnerships at fast-growing and award-winning data and technology company ActiveXchange. Tenpin Bowling Australia has appointed Rohan O’Neill to the position of Chief Executive and Damien Smith to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer. Ros Pullen has been promoted to the role of General Manager at Raging Waters Sydney. Rackley Swimming has appointed Rio Olympic Team swimming coach Richard Scarce as its new head coach at the new Miami Aquatic Centre on the Gold Coast. The Victorian Government has appointed Sarah Styles as the state’s new Director of its Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, replacing the outgoing Dr Bridie O’Donnell. Peninsula Leisure has appointed Katherine Thom as its new Chief Executive to spearhead the successful operation of Frankston City Council’s popular aquatic facilities. Baseball Australia has announced the appointment of former Major League Baseball player and Olympic silver medallist, Glenn Williams, as its new Chief Executive. Jennah Wootten has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Aktive, replacing Dr Sarah Sandley who stepped down after seven years in the role.
PerfectGym releases new Pool Assessments Module
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Complementing their already extensive courses module, PerfectGym have released a courses-based learn-to-swim assessment module that allows for instructors and deck officers to easily view and access their current and upcoming classes - with the ability to alter child skills - which in turn allows for changing and progressing the child level via a clean, fast and easy to use application.
Developed through consultation with Perth’s Cockburn ARC and other various local government authorities and designed for the ARC’s launch of PerfectGym in Q4 2020, the Pool Assessment Module is a fully integrated module and subset of the PerfectGym application suite, and is able to leverage real time changes to participants’ classes and personal information.
The ability to view from the assessments module, medical conditions and profile information, in addition to adding notes and triggering automations to parents in relation to level changes, has enabled a more accurate and user friendly experience for teachers and facilities as a whole.
The removal of the need to run a manual sync or refresh of data within a third-party module has meant that facilities can confidently know that students’ skills and progress are accurate each time the module is used. In addition to knowing that utilising the PerfectGym Access Control modules, will ensure that class attendances will happen in real time as students scan, greatly assists identifying at risk students, non-attendance and provides for the use of the PerfectGym Automation centre for parent communications. Contact 1300 088 922, E: info@perfectgym.com.au, www.perfectgym.com.au
Eco Gym Wipes offer sustainable option for hygiene in gyms and fitness centres
Newly launched product Eco Gym Wipes are offering gyms and fitness centres a more environmentally friendly way to manage the threat of COVID-19 and other germs in their facilities.
Produced as an alternative to synthetic and single use chemically derived cloths, Eco Gym Wipes allow gym exercisers to clean down equipment post-use with a reusable and ethically produced product.
Made from bamboo fabric that can be reused after machine washing, the product offers, according to Isabella Somers, Creator and Director of Eco Gym Wipes, “a superior choice for gym participants and gym operators through the delivery of health and sustainability in a more cost effective manner than current alternatives.” Contact 0402 407 242, E: ecogymwipes@gmail.com
Leading climbing wall and active entertainment manufacturer Walltopia has introduced its Equipment Lease Financing Program with special payment terms designed to support business owners who want to continue their growth in 2021.
Introducing the finance package, a Walltopia statement advises “the COVID-19 crisis presented an enormous challenge to all climbing and active entertainment businesses. Most of them were either closed or operated at limited capacity through 2020. As more of them are finally reopening the air is filled with the enthusiasm of both the visitors and the owners.”
Walltopia’s financing program offers special payment terms for clients signing a contract in 2021 and is open for new agreements for both climbing and active entertainment products. Contact Walltopia on +359 2 448 5744, E: adventure@walltopia.com, adventure.walltopia.com Walltopia’s Australian agents Climb ICP on 0455 559 592, E: info@climbicp.com.au, www.climbicp.com.au
AlphaFit unveils functional rig attached hip thruster with patent pending locking system
AlphaFit has announced the launch of the latest addition to its comprehensive range of Australian made rig attachments, the new Rig Attached Hip Thruster, a multi-use piece of equipment that represents a massive space saver for any commercial or home gym.
The compact construction of the Rig Attached Hip Thruster removes the necessity of having a full-length bench or a bulky stand-alone Hip Thruster machine while its innovative design features the industry-first patent-pending Latch Pin, designed to provide intuitive ease of use and solid stability once secured to any AlphaFit Rig or Cage. Contact 1300 257 428, E: admin@alphafit.com.au, www.alphafit.com.au
Myzone launches MZ Switch mobile heart rate monitor
10 years after it first exhibited its technology, Myzone has unveiled the MZ Switch, a new heart rate tracker that can be worn three different ways.
Joining the existing Myzone belt which sits on the sternum, the MZ Switch rate monitor can also be worn on the wrist or forearm depending on users’ choice of physical activity.
The interchangeable, waterproof heart rate monitor enables users to continue monitoring their performance when exercising outside as well as now being operational in aquatic environments.
Described as the “world’s first interchangeable heart rate monitor for the gym, outdoors or in water”, the MZ Switch system sees people collecting MEPs - exercise points - and working on their MEP rankings for motivation.
The new technology is built off the back of the existing Myzone infrastructure, enabling the company to extend its reach into the wider activity, consumer and wellness markets. Contact 03 5292 8959, E: enquiriesapac@myzone.org, www.myzone.org
Starzcom partners with Gymnastics Clubs Australia
Starzcom, the New Zealand-based top producer of inflatable gym equipment, has established a partnership with Gymnastics Clubs Australia Limited (GCA).
The partnership with Starzcom will enable GCA club members to learn about Starzcom’s new products and get access to their premium quality equipment at promotional prices. Starzcom products will be available to GCA members at a 10% discount, while all other gymnastics clubs in Australia will get 5% off on their purchases.
Clubs will also be able to pass on the discount code to their customers for home purchases, which will add more value to their services.
The partnership with GCA will allow Starzcom to use the newly-formed peak industry body’s influence to market their inflatable gym mats to new, highly relevant user groups. Contact +64 21 799 097, E: hello@starzcom.com, www.starzcom.com
ProSlide Technology Inc., one of the world’s leading water ride design, technology, and manufacturing businesses has released details of the new attraction under its WaterKINGDOM suite of family attractions - the KidzADVENTURE Tower.
Comprised of a customisable suite of ProSlide waterslides anchored onto a single, dedicated structure, the KidzADVENTURE Tower (KAT) is an innovative and radical addition to WaterKINGDOM that made its debut in April as part of the much anticipated waterpark expansion at Atlantis Aquaventure in Dubai.
Located in Atlantis Aquaventure’s Splasher’s Cove family area, ProSlide’s Chief Commercial Officer, Ray Smegal advises that the KAT takes inspiration from ProSlide’s expansive collection of water rides, commenting “it’s a culmination of ProSlide’s 35 years of expert water ride design.
“We’ve combined the thrills of our iconic adult rides along with the safety and design of our groundbreaking Kidz rides to create a truly innovative attraction that is unlike anything else in the market.”
The rides featured on the KAT are a unique addition to ProSlide’s stable of rides in that they are smaller than the traditional adult rides, but larger than the company’s Kidz rides. Contact: +1 613 526 5522, E: info@proslide.com, www.ProSlide.com
Theatre North improves entry experiences with Tickets.com access control solution
Theatre North, the independent, not-for-profit performing arts company located at Launceston’s historic Princess Theatre, has used Tickets.com’s mobile all-in-one access control solution to provide a frictionless venue entry experience.
Theatre North and Tickets.com have shared a ticketing relationship since 1999, with the arts company using the ProVenue ticketing software since 2014 for all its events.
With the past year and the COVID-19 pandemic having created unprecedented challenges for temporary closures and new restrictions, the team at Theatre North was keen to welcome patrons back into the venue for ‘Coming Home’, a community-led fundraiser held in September. With a safety-first approach and eager to meet all of the recommended guidelines, Theatre North took the opportunity to trial, Alfred™, the Tickets.com mobile all-in-one access control solution.
Hayley Dobbs, General Manager Tickets.com - Asia Pacific explained “with so much change in the live experience industry, Theatre North has been strategic by testing new technology and solutions to fit their venue and their patrons.” Contact 1300 785 851, E: apacsales@tickets.com, au.provenue.com/
EasyGate SPT ‘future-proofs’ Sydney’s new Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre
The City of Sydney’s Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre, has future-proofed its facility with revolutionary entrance gates.
The largest pool complex built in Sydney since the 2000 Olympics, the facility has had a steady number of visitors since it opened its doors in the rapidly-growing Green Square neighbourhood in February.
Andrew Burges Architects, along with Grimshaw and Taylor Cullity Lethlean, won a City of Sydney design competition for the project and chose Centaman Entrance Control’s EasyGate SPT to automatically keep visitors flowing through the busy $106 million complex.
Explaining that the architects intended entry to the facility to be like an urban living room, and movement through the centre is carefully orchestrated to create separate zones, Centaman Entrance Control General Manager, Michael Bystram advised “we wanted to work with the architects to provide entrance control gates that matched their vision.”
The complex has two sets of three-lane gates at the main reception and one at the gym entrance on level 1 of the building, with each set having two lanes for entry and one for exiting.
Fitted out with Centaman’s Magnetic Direct Drive motor, the SPT model offers quiet operation and fast opening and closing times, for speedy throughput and high security.
The gates have waist-height glass barriers, rather than the common 1.8metre height, so they do not detract from the building’s aesthetic, which was inspired by the beach pools of Sydney.
When members sign up to the state-of-the-art gym or pool, they are issued membership cards or radio-frequency identification tags that can be scanned at the entrance gates for instant access.
The EasyGate SPT works with the facility’s leisure management system and is future-proofed with the possibility of setting up an iPad point-of-sale system.
Self-service kiosks help to ease customer congestion at reception and allow staff to help customers with queries and membership sales.
The kiosks have been invaluable for the facility while COVID-19 is in the community because they help to reduce queues, making social distancing easier.
Colour-coded lights alert users when they can safely pass through the gates and differentiate between entry and exit points. Contact 02 9906 7522, www.entrancecontrol.com.au
Reopened Wentworthville Memorial Swim Centre includes new Life Floor splashpad
Cumberland City Council’s Wentworthville Memorial Swim Centre has reopened in Sydney with features including a new Life Floor splashpad, alongside a 25 metre program pool with beach entry leisure pool, and general upgrade to all amenity buildings.
Following the successful completion of the Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre in 2017, NBRS Architecture was engaged by Cumberland City Council in 2019 to provide upgrade concepts for their four remaining aquatic centres. NBRS Architecture provided the tender documentation to Cumberland City Council and were then engaged by Omnistruct to complete the design during construction. The entire site has been redesigned into a state-of-the art facility that celebrates its mid-1960s heritage.
NBRS Architecture Life and Culture Studio Aquatics Expert Derek Mah adds “the circular shaped splashpad features Life Floor tiles in a unique five colour geometric design. The installation is the first of its type in Sydney for a local government aquatic facility.
“Until now, splashpads have provided a dilemma for the architect in terms of the floor finish selection. The industry is familiar with experiences of adhesion issues with resilient pool flooring materials. While concrete finishes are good for longevity and slip resistance, they are unforgiving when little ones trip and fall. We believe we have found a material that can perform well in all respects without compromise. It made me smile on opening day as I watched a toddler stumble and fall onto the Life Floor, then get right back up again without tears.” Contact 1300 721 135, E: info@lifefloor.com.au, www.lifefloor.com.au
Embed initiatives help with amusement sector recovery
Amusement sector point-of-sale and revenue management systems Embed is helping the sector recover with a range of initiatives including the Mobile Wallet and wearable media - empowering, enabling and easing the business of fun.
Embed Chief Executive, Renee Welsh notes “2021 is an opportunity for us to rebuild, survive and thrive with everything we learned last year. We’ve proven that we’re more resilient and creative than any other industry (seeing) our customers prosper and thrive during the pandemic simply by embracing the right technology to unlock a more sustainable and profitable business model.”
Embed’s low-touch and contact-free payment system Mobile Wallet enables businesses to mitigate health risks related to COVID-19, backed by a plug-and-play creative package of printed marketing materials, enabling operators to drive uptake and adoption of the Mobile Wallet with their customers, driving return visits and accelerating their recovery. Contact 02 8798 9199, E: salesAP@embedcard.com, www.embedcard.com
Clublinks announce launch of Technogym’s SkillAthletic at DeakinACTIVE gym and fitness centre
Clublinks have announced the launch of Technogym’s SkillAthletic training experience at the new DeakinACTIVE gym and fitness centre in Burwood – the first of its kind in Victoria.
The new SkillAthletic classes at DeakinACTIVE Burwood are available not just for Deakin University students and staff but for the general community and public to attend as well.
Technogym’s SkillAthletic training was developed through Technogym’s long standing experience as official supplier to the last seven Olympic Games and its collaboration with the best teams and sports champions around the world!
Using Technogym equipment, the SkillAthletic method aims at improving athletic performance and offers a wide range of workouts based on the four SkillAthletic training abilities – Power, Agility, Speed and Stamina; that can be performed at different scales of difficulty, allowing people with varied levels of physical skill and ability to participate in the same training class. Contact 1800 615 440, E: info.au@technogym.com, www.technogym.com
Polin Waterparks offer innovative solutions for Camping and Caravan Parks
Polin Waterparks has advised that during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, they completed more than 30 camping projects including Polin’s signature waterslides such as the world’s first fully transparent composite waterslide, Glassy.
Polin offer many special products and designs to holiday parks, and aquatic centres to improve the activity in the facility with their products such as water play structures, spray parks, and animations. These products can be customised according to the facility’s need.
Polin highlight that like many other market segments - from theme parks, cruise ships to recreational facilities, campgrounds are eager to give guests thrilling waterpark experiences during their visits.
The sector including campgrounds, caravan parks, recreation vehicle parks, and glamping has emerged from a low-cost tourism niche to a mainstream, versatile recreation experience, valued at different levels by different segments. Sparked by personal and interpersonal needs for escape, socialisation, freedom, and discovery, and pulled by product and service improvements, the sector has repositioned itself as an alternative form of accommodation or lifestyle. Contact Polin’s local distributors Swimplex Aquatics on 1300 796 759, E: sales@swimplex.com.au, www.swimplex.com.au Send your product news to leisure@ausleisure.com.au
Event Operations Australia establishes EventMploy to connect event organisers with event professionals
In an events and festival industry first - Event Operations Australia has established EventMploy - a website and App that solves the problem of event organisers and venue operators finding skilled event professionals for fixed date contracts. The initiative was launced 12 months on from the shutting down of the 2020 Australian Grand Prix and every other event in Australia due to COVID-19.
Designed for the events and hospitality industries EventMploy connects event organisers and event professionals (freelancers) based on skills, availability and location. Currently available in Australia the site will also be launched internationally. Wherever events are staged EventMploy can help organisers find freelancers and freelancers find work.
Explaining why this type of program is needed in the industry, EventMploy Founder Lisa Price notes “after working on both sides of the problem, as an event organiser trying to find freelancers and as a freelancer trying to find work I knew there had to be a better way. Freelancers spend up to two hours a week trying to find their next gig and organisers have to trawl through Facebook feeds, their contacts lists or place ads with traditional recruiters to find people using precious time when they could be working on their event.” More information about the service can be found at www.eventmploy.com
John Fisher Park netball courts resurfaced with Plexipave
The sporting superhub at John Fisher Park in Sydney’s Northern Beaches’ Curl Curl now boasts 25 upgraded hard surface netball courts with the courts having been resurfaced with California Sports Surfaces’ Plexipave sports surfacing system - nine were relaid with new bitumen and net posts.
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the courts look magnificent and will be particularly busy, particularly on Saturday mornings, with enthusiastic netballers.
“It’s great to see so many sportsmen and women enjoying the facilities at John Fisher Park across a wide spectrum of sports.
“The netball courts, in particular, are in heavy demand and we are very pleased they are in top condition to handle a full schedule of training and competitions.”
Manly Warringah Netball Association (MWNA) Secretary Cathy Hurditch said the upgrades will improve the quality of games played which will enable players of all ages, genders and abilities the opportunity to participate in netball.
“MWNA is extremely grateful for the support from Northern Beaches Council in making the improvements for the commencement of the Winter 2021 Season.” Contact 1800 786 617, info-aus@cssurfaces.com, www.californiasportssurfaces.com
APT Asia Pacific adds new components to their playground rubber surfaces line
Synthetic and acrylic sports and recreation surfaces leader APT has announced the expansion of their playground rubber component line, with two new product brands set to brighten playgrounds across the country.
For over 25 years APT Asia Pacific has been manufacturing and supplying Australian-made Olympic and Grand Slamquality surfaces, from their ISO-certified manufacturing plant in Melbourne, Australia.
Along with over 100 types of synthetic turf, APT is also the leader in acrylic and polyurethane surfaces including playgrounds, athletic tracks, tennis and netball courts, and indoor sports flooring.
Now the company has introduced Ecolastic® POP and Ecolastic® NEO to their playground surface portfolio - new products that bring a new level of colour, fun and variety to the softfall floor market.
Manufactured by Fairmont Industries in Malaysia, Ecolastic® POP and Ecolastic® NEO enables APT Asia Pacific to offer a far more comprehensive selection of granules across various price points. Ecolastic® POP and Ecolastic® NEO are perfect for playground and recreational facility applications, are competitively priced, and each come in 12 vibrant colours. Contact APT Asia Pacific on 1800 652 548, E: info@aptasiapacific.com.au.
Vivaticket Australia celebrates successful 2020 and progresses with new developments in 2021.
Vivaticket Australia has advised that despite the challenges of 2020, the year for Vivaticket and its leading Ticketing and CRM solution was one of much success, triumph and tenacity.
Vivaticket continued to flourish - welcoming new valued customers to the Vivaticket family including Tasmania’s Ten Days on the Island (pictured), SEA Museum (Australian National Maritime Museum), Civic Theatre Newcastle, Civic Theatre Townsville, Burdekin Theatre and installed at all three of the Museum Victoria sites.
In line with its growing customer base, Vivaticket Australia continues to adapt and enhance where necessary, to produce unparalleled services, and a leading solution for clients, and client’s patrons. Development has also continued with a number of new functionalities and enhancements.
On the development front, Vivaticket Australia has been receiving some excellent feedback from local clients regarding the new version of Report Scheduler. Many clients are now scheduling reports on their mobile phones due its convenience. Contact 07 3051 4800, E: john.godwin@vivaticket.com, www.vivaticket.com
Advertisers Index
Advertiser Page No.
Afl ex Infl atables 15
AUSTSWIM 41
Axess 29
Felton Industries 67
FILEX Summits 39
Fluidra 19
Golf Course Solutions 13
Hy-Clor 5
Jonas Leisure 34 & 35
Leisure Concepts 37
Life Floor 25
LIWA Conference 43
MyMember Sales 45
Myrtha Pools 43
Otium Planning Group 11
OneMusic Australia 47
ParkEquip 19
Perfect Gym 2 & 3
Pico Play 17
ProSlide Technology 21
Quayclean 29
SLE Worldwide 31
S.R.Smith Australia 23
TicketSearch 49
Tim Batt Water Solutions 68
Viva Leisure 7
VMA Diploma 33
After two years of extensive testing, Granville Harris of Hyclor Commercial has announced a world first for commercial filtration.
Harris explains “two years ago, we floated the idea of making commercial sized filters from Food Grade Poly.
“Being told from many sectors that it couldn’t be done just made us even more determined and finding an engineer in the UK with more than 20 years experience in this material eventually led to success.”
Harris advised “mindful that we needed the filter to withstand the exacting expectations of Australian Standards and harsh conditions of climate, after much testing, we have now produced a filter that not only is engineered to 400kpa deadhead pressure but is pulse tested to last beyond 30 years with minimal maintenance.”
Hyclor wanted to produce a filter for aquaculture that didn’t require expensive vinyl-ester lining to protect the animals being grown. As a result, pure Food Grade material was the answer.
Harris added “pure product also comes with the advantage of saving on maintenance, as there is no need for expensive relining throughout its life, which translates to less down time - another saving.
“The design also has the advantage of being able to take standard bed or deep bed depths without change. These benefits not only work for aquaculture but are equally relevant in the swimming pool industry.”
Being climate care conscious, the filter is also designed with environmental considerations in mind and the pure food grade poly is fully recyclable at end of life, unlike traditional fibreglass filters that end up as non-degradable land fill.
Harris continued “when married to our Climate Care Certified, K+ Filter Media, it’s the ideal combination for efficient and effective filtration that offers significant savings on power costs and thousands of litres of water.”
The filter is immediately available in K+ or Standard Media models in 1200mm diameter size but the complete model range will shortly extend from 620mm through to 2500mm when fully compiled. Highlights: •Commercial sized filters utilising Food Grade Poly •Engineered to Australian Standards & harsh conditions of climate •Relevant & adaptable from Aquaculture to the Swimming Pool industry Benefits: •Flexible - able to take standard bed or deep bed depths without change •Versatile - can be used across multi-industries •Efficient & Effective Filtration - with K+ Filter Media combination •Substantial Savings on power costs & thousands of litres of water •Quality Engineering - Withstands 400kpa deadhead pressure and pulse tested to last beyond 30 years with minimal maintenance Contact Granville Harris on 0414 880 374, E: granville.harris@hyclor.com.au
INTIX named preferred ticketing supplier for 92 leagues and 1,200 clubs in VFL and VFLW
Boutique ticketing technology company INTIX is working with AFL Victoria to supply ticketing services for its metropolitan and country leagues and clubs for 2021. Aimed at helping local leagues and clubs meet COVIDSafe requirements in Victoria, having a preferred ticketing solution in place is one of a number of services made available by AFL Victoria to support its 92 leagues and 1,200 clubs. Advising that the locally-based business is proud to be working with AFL Victoria, as one of the only fully Australian owned and run ticketing platforms, for this initiative, INTIX Chief Executive, Alex Grant stated “since the pandemic and restrictions hit Victoria in early 2020, we have been working hard at INTIX to support local sports and events to digitise ticketing and better meet COVIDSafe requirements.” Contact E: help@intix.com, www.intix.com.au
