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John Glenn is the new Chief Operating Officer at GWB Entertainment Pty Ltd. The Australian Institute of Fitness (AIF) has announced that, after three decades with the business, the NSW/ACT General Manager, David Hatch has left the training organisation, to be succeeded by former AIF Graduate Simon McDonald. Tony Henderson has taken on the role of Chief Executive at Dragon Boats NSW. Darren Hewitt is the new Franchise Development Manager at 12RND Fitness. Cricket Australia has announced the appointment of Nick Hockley as its Chief Executive on a permanent basis. Husain Al-Musallam of Kuwait has been elected to replace Julio Maglione as President of aquatic sports’ world governing body FINA. Harry Konstantinou has taken on a new role as Director at Chain Collective Group Pty Ltd. Recreation Aotearoa Chief Executive, Andrew Leslie’s commitment to innovation has been recognised by being awarded the prestigious C.K Doig Leadership Award at the New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards. INTIX has welcomed Glen McGoldrick as its Board Chair and two new staff members - Bridget Kovacevic and Emma Williams to the Melbourne team. The Y Victoria has welcomed a new Chair of the Board, Dr Lindsay McMillan. Federal Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck has announced the appointment of businessman and administrator Grant O’Brien as the new Chairperson for the Australian Sports Foundation. Tourism Tropical North Queensland has appointed Experience Co Chief Executive, John O’Sullivan to their Board of Directors. Power Plate has announced the appointment of Perth-based John Polley - the 2019 Exercise Association of NZ Educator of the Year - as its brand Ambassador. Following her success as Hamilton City Council’s Central City Place Manager, Lucy Ryan had been named as the new Director of the internationally acclaimed Hamilton Gardens - stepping into the role following the retirement of Dr Peter Sergel last year. Netball Queensland has announced the appointment of Grace Sarra into the newly created role of Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Advisor. The Wellington Regional Stadium Trust, operators of the New Zealand capital’s Sky Stadium, has announced the appointment of Rachel Taulelei as Chair. Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has appointed Allan Wainwright to the new role of Wanaka Area Recreation Manager. Stadiums Queensland, which manages Queensland’s $1.2 billion stadia portfolio, has appointed three new board members - John Warn, Peter Hyland and Sharon Finnan-White. Swimming Australia has appointed Paralympic gold medallist, Annabelle Williams to its Board of Directors - replacing outgoing Director Greg Hartung. Blaise Witnish has taken on a new role as Chief Growth & Innovation Officer at Funlab Pty Ltd. Hong Kong theme park Ocean Park has appointed Ivan Wong Chi-fai, a former Managing Director of the now defunct UA cinema chain, as its new Chief Executive. Sport and entertainment agency Gemba has appointed experienced strategy, technology and data executive Mark Zucco as its new Divisional Manager - Data and Analytics.
Technogym updates digital resources to aid restart of fitness clubs
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Looking to back fitness clubs around the world in encouraging members returning to their facilities, Technogym has released the latest edition of its digital ecosystem - the Mywellness 6.0 and Technogym App - to support fitness operators and educate end-users.
For over 20 years, Technogym has been developing its digital ecosystem of software, content, smart equipment and services, and with the launch of Mywellness 6.0 and Technogym App it aims to tap into consumers and members’ rising levels of digital awareness, gained through the Coronavirus pandemic and gym closure/restrictions over the past 15 months.
Explaining the technology, a Technogym spokesperson advises “the development of digital fitness represents a great opportunity for fitness clubs in the post-Covid era. Many people who were unable to go to the gym during the lockdown, trained at home, kept being active and are now ready and eager to return to the gym.
“Moreover, those who first approached exercise digitally, during the pandemic now have the opportunity to fully enjoy their training experience, as only a professional fitness club can allow. On the other hand, those who stopped training during the lockdown are now more resistant to return to the gym.
“The future fitness business model will be hybrid: people will work out at home and at the gym, in the same way that they go to a restaurant and use a home delivery service. In this new scenario, digital will allow clubs to ride the wave of change as an opportunity.”
Technogym as the official and exclusive supplier of fitness equipment and digital technologies for the athletes’ training and preparation during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games has equipped 25 training centres with over 1500 pieces of equipment. Contact 1800 615 440, E: info.au@technogym.com, www.technogym.com
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Created to supply lockers for all sectors of the leisure industry, along with parcel lockers for apartments and offices and refrigerated lockers for supermarkets, Advanced Locker is committed to build its lockers and terminals in Australia.
Established by owners Dean Burrows and Chris Kenny, the business’ origins go back to a project Burrows undertook in 2012 while studying at Swinburne University of Technology.
Looking to deliver an Australian-made locker product that was resilient, functional and visually appealing, the locker now includes LED lights and stainless steel/non-corrosive material construction because, as Burrows explains “electro rust prevention systems don’t stop rust as claimed by many in the locker industry.”
In addition, the lockers’ internal contents sensing cameras prevent users locking themselves out of a locker if anything as small as a credit card is left behind while its electronic solution is fully waterproof allowing outdoor placement with an asset life of 15 years.
Another step for the company was finding a manufacturing partner, with the company joining forces with Assemco - with a shared office and warehouse area - enabling the company to undertake every step of the manufacturing process under the one roof.
Burrows advises “the results are awesome and the finished product is the latest in technology all built in Australia.” Contact 0412 306 662 , E: sales@advancedlocker.com, www.advancedlocker.com
Fitness and Lifestyle Group sign with Airlock Digital to protect against cyber attacks
Australian cybersecurity pioneer Airlock Digital has announced that the Fitness and Lifestyle Group are among consumer enterprises adopting the Airlock ‘allowlisting’ solution as a key part of the Essential Eight cyber mitigation strategies to protect against ransomware and other cyber attacks.
Airlock implements Application Control - the first of the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) Essential Eight strategies to mitigate cyber security incidents - to prevent execution of unapproved and/or malicious programs like ransomware.
The Essential Eight has become the de facto Australian cyber security standard to protect against increasing ransomware and other cyber attacks. Many other cyber security frameworks, including the U.S. Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), also recommend Application Control.
Having over 500 gym locations across Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia, Fitness and Lifestyle Group Head of Information Security, Lee Roebig advises “the protection of our staff and our members’ data is a priority for our business.
“The ACSC Essential Eight is extremely important to FLG, as it should be for any other global business. While we use multiple endpoint security controls, it is safe to say that Airlock is our most effective solution for protecting endpoints from malicious software-based attacks.” Contact 1300 798 925, E: info@airlockdigital.com, www.airlockdigital.com
California Sports Surfaces introduces Rebound Ace CoolTop
California Sports Surfaces has launched its new Rebound Ace Sports CoolTop acrylic sport surfacing material which features technology to lower the surface temperature on sports courts, or coated areas, utilising new generation Arctic Pigments coating materials.
Mindful of Australia’s climate creating demands for shade, cool environments and bio environmentally friendly products, the Rebound Ace CoolTop is a solution for past complaints that acrylic courts are “always too hot”. The release is the culmination of many hours of research and laboratory work and testing having been carried out on some comparison tennis courts located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast over the past year. Explaining the innovation, Managing Director - Australia for ICP/California Sports advised “our new Topcoats, Rebound Ace Sports CoolTop, have been monitored and measured each month over a range of daily temperatures and conditions. Results thus far, averaged out, result in up to 15% reduction in court surface temperature.” Contact 1800 786 617, E: info-aus@cssurfaces.com, www.californiasportssurfaces.com
Innovative Australian navigation software company PAM is helping venues and precincts welcome visitors back safely and improve the customer’s experience.
As a cloud-based navigation platform, PAM is designed to remove barriers, bottlenecks and discomfort so that visitors and fans can navigate the ‘new normal’ and get the most out of their experience of venues and precincts.
With venues grappling with how to get large crowds back safely, PAM founder and Chief Executive, Stephen Minning explains “many products and systems do parts of what PAM does, but PAM is the first complete CX navigation system.
“By taking people exactly where they want to be, from anywhere in the city, PAM’s navigation software helps put people and places in sync. PAM’s wayfinding technology also creates powerful customer experiences, seamlessly connecting visitors with events and brands in real-time.”
Venues use PAM to improve customer experiences and increase customer engagement with brands, events and amenities. This engagement results in increased revenue, while higher customer satisfaction ratings drive repeat attendance.
In the wake of Covid lockdowns, venues are using PAM to reopen safely by preventing overcrowding and managing social distancing alerts. Contact 1800 626 364, www.smart-city.pam.co
Send your product news to leisure@ausleisure.com.au
Hydrilla achieves outstanding results at the South Australian SPASA Awards of Excellence
Commercial pool and aquatics construction firm, Hydrilla achieved outstanding results at the 2021 South Australian Swimming Pool and Spa (SPASA) Awards of Excellence being acclaimed with five Gold Awards and two Highly Commended recognitions.
The wins cap off an outstanding few years of growth for the Adelaide-based company who have reinvigorated their management team and, as of September last year, undergone a comprehensive rebrand.
Thrilled with the company’s achievements being recognised by their peers and the wider aquatics industry, Hydrilla General Manager, Himal Kandel stated “the SPASA awards are a great way to demonstrate our technical capabilities and showcase the incredible pools we build. Our staff, clients and project partners are thrilled with our results for 2021.
“We build long-term connections with our clients and it’s always such a pleasure to let them know the pool they love has received an industry award.” Contact: 08 8169 9500, E: info@hydrilla.com.au, www.hydrilla.com.au
Adelaide Festival Centre transitions ticketing service from BASS to Ticketek
The Adelaide Festival Centre has announced that its current ticketing service BASS will transition to ticketing provider Ticketek, advising that technological advancements in ticketing and the impact of COVID have prompted the partnership.
With existing BASS outlets to transition to Ticketek over the next three months, the announcement signals the end of BASS in South Australia after over 40 years of processing ticket sales for the state’s major arts institutions, including the Festival Theatre, Dunstan Playhouse, Space Theatre and Her Majesty’s Theatre. Adelaide Festival Centre Dunstan Playhouse
Current permanent and temporary staff at BASS will be offered employment at Ticketek’s Adelaide office and casuals will be offered employment with Ticketek’s casual staffing pool.
TEG Chief Executive, Geoff Jones advised that Ticketek was thrilled to partner with Adelaide Festival Centre and added “we are looking forward to bringing Ticketek’s world-leading ticketing technology to Adelaide Festival Centre’s venues and their faithful patrons. We put fans and innovation at the heart of everything we do.
“As such we will bring exciting innovations to the centre, making it easier than ever to access great shows.” Contact 02 9266 4102, www.ticketek.com
ProSlide innovates with world’s first family rafting MammothBLAST water coaster
ProSlide Technology Inc., one of the world’s leading water ride design, technology, and manufacturing businesses, has broken new ground as part of the expansion of Atlantis Aquaventure in Dubai with its latest innovation, the MammothBLAST™ water coaster.
ProSlide’s MammothBLAST™ water coaster combines the face-to-face rafting experience of the company’s original MAMMOTH® water ride with the water coaster’s speed, powered by patented water propulsion from their highperformance BLAST water jets.
For a truly high-performance experience, this necessitated the creation of a brand-new piece of technology built specifically for the MammothBLAST - the five-person low centre of gravity raft. The new design delivers 25% more throughput than was previously possible and allows for a wider range of rider configurations - meaning the vehicle can seat anywhere from two to five riders - and includes cushioned seats and a lower centre of gravity for a more comfortable experience. Contact: +1 613 526 5522, E: info@proslide.com, www.ProSlide.com
Jonas Software expands with new acquisitions
Jonas Software and its parent company Constellation Software Inc. have announced a series of acquisitions that will expand its business in new sectors.
Undertaking a number of acquisitions since March, the first of which saw Jonas Software acquire UniOne, a provider of customised software to universities whereby they manage student activity.
With the UniOne product complementing Jonas’ offerings and drive greater value to universities and student organisations throughout Australia, Jonas Software Australia Chief Executive, Jeff McKee stated “UniOne is aligned well with our existing leisure/sports Associations vertical.”
Jonas Software have also announced its acquisition of Dynamiq Ptd Ltd, a business that supplies expert support and advice in crisis and emergency management, business continuity planning, strategic security and emergency response planning.
Jonas Software operates over 100 independently managed software brands around the world, providing them with the strategic guidance and financial security required to be leaders in their respective markets. Contact 02 9906 7522, E: info@jonasleisure.com.au, www.jonasleisure.com.au
Fitness Passport program engages members at Ripples Leisure Centre
Ripples Leisure Centre has reported that in the 12 months prior to Sydney’s recent lockdown, its Fitness Passport service and program delivery recorded a 60% increase in engagement - one of the highest results in metropolitan Sydney and across the country, and during a challenging time for businesses.
Ripples centres in Penrith and St Marys introduced a focus on Fitness Passport in late 2019, when Council transitioned the aquatic and leisure facility to an internally managed model.
The Fitness Passport program sees participating employers offer employees and their family members affordable gym memberships, which provide access to a wide range of facilities.
Penrith City Council’s General Manager, Warwick Winn, said the results were a true reflection of the Centre’s ongoing dedication to bettering the health and wellbeing of residents advising “even in the midst of a pandemic, Ripples has adapted its programs to take services online and continue helping members embarking on their health and fitness journey – well done to all involved.”
In recent months, the Centre has celebrated International Women’s Day and Seniors Week with a series of events focusing on strength and wellbeing, and activities aimed at nurturing engagement between seniors and children.
Ripples facilities are currently closed in accordance with the government’s COVID-19 restrictions. Contact E: info@fitnesspassport.com.au, www.fitnesspassport.com.au
Yellowbox completes locker installations at Sydney’s Hyde Park Barracks and State Library of NSW
Technology company Yellowbox has completed the installation of 348 smart lockers at the State Library of NSW and an additional installation at Sydney’s World Heritage-listed Hyde Park Barracks. The Yellowbox lockers offer self-serve access, allowing visitors to book and open up a locker on their own using the Yellowbox app. They are able to pay-for-use in the app, similar to ride sharing and food delivery apps. At the State Library of NSW, Yellowbox’s new cashless and digital system is market leading, having replaced the previous locker system that had been active for over five years.
At the Hyde Park Barracks, Yellowbox also provided a management app for onsite staff.
This provides staff with visibility over current usage and is a master key for the lockers.
The lockers are made of laminate, and were manufactured in Australia by one of Yellowbox’s trusted manufacturers, Lockin. Contact 0426 292 533, E: adrian@yellowbox.app, www.yellowbox.app
The P.A. People passes 50 years in business
Audio visual experts The P.A. People have marked their 50th anniversary in business, growing from being established in a garage in the Sydney suburb of Enfield in the early 1960s then incorporated in July 1971.
Growing to be one of the most well respected and diverse professional Audio and AV solution providers in the industry, The P.A. People has expanded from helping local church, schools, government and community events to move into larger scale systems integration activities at major venues and events, including the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
The company continues to be an innovator in the provision of venue infrastructure across Australia having worked in over 15 of the country’s major sports venues and countless theatres and performing arts spaces, designing and installing audio systems, production communications, stage lighting, IPTV systems, LED screens and video production equipment.
In many of these venues, The P.A. People’s tenure incorporates repeat engagements over periods spanning almost four decades. Contact 02 8755 8700, E: info@papeople.com.au, www.papeople.com.au
Clubfit Software offers innovative solution for member management
Providing a new approach to conventional member management, Clubfit Software offers a revolutionary all-inone solution to clubs, saving club owners significant sums in transaction and software licence fees.
Clubfit Software not only provides a comprehensive cloudbased Member Management solution, it also provides features including prospect/lead tracking, marketing, pos, online bookings (class/pt/creche/facility), accounts/financial reporting, integrated direct debit billing, access control and much more. This allows club owners to have full control over their daily operations all in one system from anywhere and replacing the situation many club owners in Australia face in having to engage with several different software platforms to access these features. Having a unique automated payment aggregation with the Australian banks, Clubfit Software can pass on to club owners very competitive wholesale price point on transaction fees, enabling them to save a significant amount of money each year. Contact 1300 148 361, E: sales@clubfitsoftware.com.au
BH Fitness and Southern Fitness Wholesale partner to supply Australian market
Leading international fitness equipment distributor BH Fitness has announced a partnership with Southern Fitness Wholesale to offer the Australian market a collection of fresh and new products, with a wide range of cardio, strength, indoor cycling and functional training equipment, ranging from premium options to others that are more versatile.
A well-known European manufacturer that belongs to the long-standing BH Group, BH Fitness has over 30 years of experience in the industry and is a prominent fitness equipment distributor in over 120 countries.
Introducing the joint endeavour, Tony Griffin, Chief Executive of Southern Fitness Wholesale, stated “we are in no doubt that the quality of BH Fitness’ technology products and solutions are the perfect fit for a market as dynamic as Australia.” Iñigo Salinas, the AsiaPacific Marketing Manager of the Spain-based company, noted “our value proposition is based on three cornerstones: a highquality product, connectivity and technology.
“We have proprietary software to manage users and facilities called GYMLOOP, which is integrated with our cardio, strength and indoor cycling equipment, allowing us to offer our Australian customers a set of tools - routine management, class booking, gamification - that help to increase their retention rates and optimise the management of their fitness centres.”
The Spanish brand, which has a strong network of subsidiaries and distributors across the world, is confident about deploying its knowledge and technology in the Australian professional market, by delivering the winning formula that has made it a key player in Europe, America, the Middle East and Asia. Contact 0417 860 062/+34 679 728 033, E: i.salinas@bhfitness.com, www.bh.fitness/en/
World Athletics’ Mondo partnership drives release of new equipment designs
World Athletics and its official equipment supplier Mondo have announced the release of a new range of equipment designs that it says will “revolutionise elite competition equipment”.
Inspired by the innovative light show used in event presentation at the World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 and World Athletics’ new brand identity, Mondo has redesigned all of the equipment that is used in the elite competition arena - from lane markers and hurdles to landing mats and implement trolleys. Contact Spectrum Floors on 1300 786 585, www.mondoworldwide.com
Polin introduces new Stingray waterslide with sound and light show
Polin’s state-of-the-art technology ‘UTexture’ has produced the ‘Stingray’ - offering a waterslide that is unique in terms of its design configuration, engineering and ride path in which guests will explore the dark and mysterious ocean with a sound and light show.
This four-lane, eight-passenger, high-capacity racing tube slide has much to offer in a compact design.
The guests’ complete experience begins in the start tower with a custom, one-of-a-kind roof structure that not only provides shade but also a cooling mist overhead while guests get ready to enter one of the four flume entrances.
The enclosed flumes have multiple interweaving ride paths that exit into two gigantic bowls before guests race to the end. The two bowls contain two unique paths in each - one that is larger in diameter, longer, faster and more exhilarating and one that is smaller in diameter, shorter, and especially entertaining. The Stingray keeps guests returning for a new experience each time based on their choice of lane and combination of rider weights. Contact Polin’s local distributors Swimplex Aquatics on 1300 796 759, E: sales@swimplex.com.au, www.swimplex.com.au
‘Fields of Play’ civil engineering specialist SportEng expands with SCG office opening
Civil engineering ‘Fields of Play’ specialists SportEng have opened their third office in Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The Sydney office opening aims to strengthen the SportEng presence in NSW - beyond its existing locations in Melbourne and Brisbane, offering clients a greater access to their team, while providing services such as Field of Play and civil engineering design, turf audit and recommendations, project management, and irrigation design. Contact 03 9939 6355, E: info@sporteng.com.au, www.sporteng.com.au
Advertisers Index
Advertiser Page No.
Abel Sports 41
ActiveXchange 41
Afl ex Infl atables 15
AUSTSWIM 25
Axess 31
Big Screen Video 13
California Sports Surface 67
Cohera-Tech 30
FITNESS + WELLNESS SHOW 57
Fluidra 27
Hy-Clor 5
Jonas Leisure 34 & 35
Leisure Concepts 39
LES MILLS Asia Pacifi c 37
Life Floor 23
Myrtha Pools 13
National Sports Convention 43
Otium Planning Group 11
ParkEquip 31
Perfect Gym 2 & 3
ProSlide Technology 29
Quayclean 27
SLE Worldwide 17
Supreme Heating 21
Technogym 68
TicketSearch 45
Viva Leisure 7
VMA Diploma 19
Football NSW announces HG Turf Group as official supplier of hybrid grass
Football NSW have announced leading sporting surfaces supplier HG Turf Group as their official supplier of hybrid grass. A market leader in hybrid grass solutions, since 1999 HG Turf Group has improved the quality of sport fields Football NSW’s Manager - Government Relations, Funding across Australia and New Zealand with and Infrastructure Daniel Ristic with Business Development some of their most significant installations Manager - Community Facilities for HG Turf’s Patrick Young. including AAMI Park, Bankwest Stadium, Eden Park, Gabba, MCG, Perth’s Optus Stadium, Wellington’s Sky Stadium and Sydney’s Stadium Australia.
International sporting events have also used the Group’s hybrid grass, including the Olympic Games 2000, AFC Asian Cup 2015, Commonwealth Games 2006 and 2018 and Rugby World Cups 2003, 2011 and 2019.
Football NSW and HG Turf Group already have a strong relationship, with HG Turf Group building the two FIFA certified synthetic turf pitches at Valentine Sports Park (VSP) in 2014. Since their opening, these synthetic turf pitches are heavily utilised and have increased the capacity of usage of the facility.
To improve the durability and performance of the natural grass pitches at VSP, HG Turf Group approached Football NSW with a Hybrid Grass solution - SISGrass®.
SISGrass uses needles to push artificial grass fibres into natural grass. The resulting mix of 95% natural grass and 5% artificial grass improves the stability and durability of the natural grass, providing up to three times more playing hours. It also improves the playability of the natural grass, with optimum ball roll and ball bounce, and ideal footing when turning and sliding. Contact 03 9329 8154, E: info@hgsportsturf.com.au, www.hgsportsturf.com.au
Swimming Australia partners with Elyptol
Swimming Australia has partnered with Elyptol, one of Australia’s leading hand sanitisers to keep athletes, coaches, staff and spectators free from infection in and out of the pool. Australian-owned Elyptol, which manufactures its sanitisers in Victoria, were utilised at the 2021 Australian Age Swimming Championships and Australian Swimming Championships on the Gold Coast and at the Australian Swimming Trials.
Swimming Australia President, Kieren Perkins notes “we’re really pleased to create a partnership with Elyptol, they are such a trusted Australian brand when it comes to hand sanitisation.”
Elyptol hand sanitiser gels and wipes are widely used in Victorian hospitals and by NSW Paramedics. More information on Elyptol at www.elyptol.com
Abel Sports’ Australian made goal posts in the spotlight
Leading sports post, goal and flag poles supplier Abel Sports is continuing working through the difficulties of ongoing lockdowns becoming the norm at its Melbourne headquarters.
Fortunately, Abel Sports has been able to keep operating in order to support its clients in the construction and sporting industries.
Abel Sports General Manager John Cann has also been participating in a media promotion for the Australian Made Campaign giving interviews on various radio stations throughout Australia.
Cann has highlighted the advantage of using Australian made sporting equipment on sporting grounds not only for local councils, but also for major stadiums that have last minute requests that can only be fulfilled by locally manufactured products.
Abel Sports NRL goal posts are installed at the Queensland Country Bank Townsville Stadium where the State of Origin game was moved to, Optus Stadium Perth where the AFL Dreamtime game was played and also the SCG where the annual Queens Birthday AFL game between Collingwood and Melbourne was played. Contact John Cann of Abel Sports on 0419 396 356, E: jcann@abelsports.com.au, www.abelsports.com.au
