Two Months in Leisure Some of the industry headlines over recent months. Daily industry news can be read at www.ausleisure.com.au
A Tasmanian Tiger at the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park.
Sport Australia report reveals ‘worrying trends’ in participation Sport Australia’s release of its full Emerging Trends in Sport Participation report has presented what the Federal Government agency refers to as “worrying trends” in sport participation, acknowledging that “social and recreational habits in Australia are changing and organised sport is not necessarily the most popular choice for many.” The report highlights that “recreational trends, plus the rise of digital options, present challenges for organised sport.”. Acknowledging the role of technology, it advises “hybrid sports, incorporating simulated sport in a digital environment will only increase in sophistication, popularity and affordability and thus place even more competition on traditional sport participation. “(However) there is an opportunity to integrate this evolving version of sport into modern sport offerings such as with AusCycling’s and e-cycling platform Zwift’s competition series which began in 2020.”
Hunter Valley Zoo relaunched with Hunter Valley Wildlife Park branding
Auckland gym gets $12,000 penalty for defying New Zealand’s vaccine mandate
Australian Wildlife Parks have officially relaunched the Hunter Valley Zoo as the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, joining Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park and Mogo Wildlife Park as part of the largest privately-owned wildlife park group in Australia. Becoming part of Australian Wildlife Parks’s animal-based attractions group when Atlas Advisors Australia purchased the Zoo in July, the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park reopened to the public in October 2021.
The Oliver MMA gym in Auckland has been fined $12,000 for defying New Zealand’s COVID-19 mandate and remaining open to unvaccinated exercisers. Workplace and safety agency, WorkSafe, found the combat sports gym in violation of the New Zealand Government mandate that requires all gyms and businesses to ensure staff and patrons are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The fine, of $4000 for each of three infringements were issued in December.
Poor adult swimming skills contribute to summer drownings With the nation facing a spike in drowning deaths since the start of summer with 43 people drowning - a 23% increase on the same time last year - Royal Life Saving Society - Australia research has revealed that one in four Australians admit they are weak swimmers, or can’t swim at all. The Christmas to New Year period (to 3rd January) claimed the lives of at least 20 people, twice as many people as the same period last year with 13 (65%) of those incidents having occurred at inland waterways including rivers, lakes, and dams.
Federation Council reduces age limit for childrens’ unsupervised access to Corowa Aquatic Centre Federation Council has agreed to allow children aged between 12 years and 16 years to make use of its Corowa Aquatic Centre unsupervised. At the end of December, Councillors voted to reduce the age of unsupervised admission from the previous 16-years-of-age policy. Noting concerns about risk management, Federation Council Deputy Mayor, Shaun Whitechurch explained that, when previously unable to access the aquatic centre, those aged between 12 and 16 years had been “going to the river without parent or guardian supervision” adding that the Council had previously been “pushing them out from the pool centre.” 8 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 148
Fitness technology company Myzone reaches US$102 million valuation after new investment Myzone, the global manufacturer of wearable fitness tracking technology, has announced that it has secured a US$17.2 million investment from BGF, the UK’s most active growth capital investor. Coinciding with the investment announcement, renowned technology entrepreneur Vin Murria, has joined the company as Non-Executive Chair. Created in 2011 by fitness industry expert Dave Wright, Myzone has experienced impressive growth since inception and currently serves over 9,000 facilities in 84 different countries, boasting over two million shipped devices.
