27 minute read
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.
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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.
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.”
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.”
Auckland gym gets $12,000 penalty for defying New Zealand’s vaccine mandate
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.
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.
The NRL has introduced strict measures to reduce the threat of Coronavirus infection among players. In an effort to curb the spread ahead of the 2022 season, players will be tested daily, banned from indoor venues - such as pubs, clubs and cinemas - and have restrictions placed on gatherings at home.
The protocols form part of a concerted effort to reduce further COVID-related disruptions following two seasons of postponements, game relocations, bubbles and shutdowns.
Zoos Victoria’s disability inclusiveness has been recognised with the agency - which runs the Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo - having been presented the Excellence in Creating Inclusive Communities Award at the Victorian Disability Awards.
Presented to coincide with International Day of People with a Disability on 3rd December last year, the award acknowledged how the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) accredited body had recognised that families with children with a disability often struggle to enjoy recreational activities.
Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre’s roof set to capture run off for irrigation
Work on repurposing the roof at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre (ALAC) in Western Australia so that rainwater runoff can be used to irrigate local sporting fields is set to commence.
The City of Albany received a $62,000 Western Australian Government Grant in November for the installation of two 250-kilolitre water tanks and pipe infrastructure that will capture rainwater from the roof for irrigation of ovals as well as being used for the Centre’s toilet flushing systems.
Expected to save about three million litres of water a year and save about $19,000 annually, the Council will contribute $32,250 to the project.
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Commerce WA highlights new rules regarding fitness memberships
Commerce WA, the government department dealing with consumer protection in Western Australia, has reminded operators and the public of new rules regarding fitness industry memberships.
On 1st July 2021, the rules governing Western Australia’s fitness industry changed to provide additional protection for consumers and to capture a wider range of providers that now include personal trainers, group exercise organisers and yoga classes.
After signing-up, members now have up to seven days to cancel a contract without penalty while operators are required to provide transparent pricing requirements to make it easier to compare the value of different fitness services.
Membership agreements must now include a summary statement to help consumers understand their responsibilities that should also state whether it involves an ongoing monthto-month renewal or is a fixed term contract of no longer than 12 months.
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Melbourne Formula One Grand Prix to proceed for vaccinated participants
Organisers of Melbourne’s Formula One Grand Prix have confirmed there will be a “zero tolerance” approach on vaccine exemptions for participants, making it mandatory for all teams, drivers and officials to be vaccinated for the 10th April race.
Looking to avoid the saga that surrounded Novak Djokovic’s arrival in Australia to contest the Australian Open, the Victorian Government has given approval for the race to go ahead - but only for the fully vaccinated.
All the drivers and 3,000 support staff - as well as spectators - must be double vaccinated to attend.
Swimming Australia announces ‘unreserved apology’ over historic abuse of young female athletes
Swimming Australia has issued an “unreserved apology” for past treatment of young female athletes - released after receiving the results of a six-month investigation by an Independent Panel.
Commissioned in June last year, the Independent Panel’s report and recommendations result, as advised in a statement, from “feedback (that) was open and frank”.
The sporting body’s statement noted “Swimming Australia wants to reassure those who came forward that the sport is committed to change to ensure these negative experiences are not repeated and apologises unreservedly to those impacted.”
Surf Life Saving NSW’s reputation damaged by former executive’s fraud
A Sydney Court has heard how the fraud by former Surf Life Saving NSW General Manager Matthew Hanks has damaged the reputation of the charity.
Speaking in the NSW District Court at the end of January, Surf Life Saving NSW board member Anthony Waller advised how Hanks’ theft of almost $2 million from the charity had impacted its 76,000 surf life saving volunteers, members and fundraisers.
During a pre-sentencing hearing for Hanks, who has pled guilty to six counts of fraud and is currently awaiting sentencing, Waller told the Court that those involved in the body felt “betrayed” by the fraud.
Waller advised “reputation takes decades to build but it can be destroyed in a fleeting minute.”
Waller revealed that the money defrauded by Hanks before he was caught in 2016 had led to lack of funds to buy safety equipment for the frontline life savers and to repair buildings, and they could never know the full impact of the fraud in lost donations. Shane Harmon, Chief Executive of Wellington’s Sky Stadium, has stated “the next six months are probably going to be some of the hardest for the (event and venue) industry since the pandemic broke.”
Speaking as the New Zealand Government introduced its ‘red traffic light’ restrictions, Harmon told Wellington newspaper the Dominion Post that given what he had seen from how the Omicron variant was impacting events and venues overseas, the red alert announcement had not come as much of a surprise, noting “we can only really roll with it and adapt. It hasn’t happened yet, so we’re proceeding as normal.” Harmon (pictured) said the red setting still provided some flexibility over level two including the possibility of separating attendees into sections of 100 people or fewer in the Stadium, adding “that could work for sports but large scale exhibitions and concerts most likely wouldn’t occur.
“Under the current traffic light system at least teams would be able to proceed with their broadcast obligations but crowds are going to be very small and, of course, no one’s going to be making any money.”
New research shows climate change threatening the future of Winter Olympics and all snow sports
Climate change is threatening the Winter Olympics and the future of snow sports by making conditions much more dangerous for athletes and participants, experts have warned in a new report.
The 2022 Winter Games in Beijing having been the first Winter Olympics to use almost 100% artificial snow, deploying more than 100 snow generators and 300 snow cannons, working flat out to cover the ski slopes.
Written by researchers from the sport ecology group at Loughborough University in England and the Protect Our Winters environment group, the report states “this is not only energy- and water-intensive, frequently using chemicals to slow (any) melt, but also delivers a surface that many competitors say is unpredictable and potentially dangerous.”
A sustainability report from the Beijing Winter Olympics Organising Committee say the Games’ “smart snow-making system” could use 20% less water than traditional methods.
Games organisers have also sought to counter fears that the events will put pressure on local water supplies by saying they will rely on mountain runoff and rainfall collected during the summer for their snowmaking.
AFL commits further $8 million to back revival at community level
The AFL has announced that it will commit $8 million in extra investment to help the game recover at a community level following two years disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the grassroots game seen as AFL’s foundation, the Leagues has made supporting community leagues, clubs, players, umpires, coaches, volunteers and administrators across the country a priority in 2022.
The package significantly increases the AFL’s commitment to community football and game development compared to the COVID-affected years of 2020 and 2021.
Festival organiser says promoters have ‘zero confidence’ in governments after live industry’s ‘disgraceful’ treatment
Chris O’Brien, the promoter of the Full Tilt festival, has slammed Australia’s state governments as well as the Federal Government for a collective failure to support the industry through the COVID pandemic and related restrictions and lockdowns.
Following the postponement of Full Tilt’s Melbourne and Brisbane legs, and the cancellation of its Adelaide and Sydney events, O’Brien advised “we have zero confidence in any of the state governments anymore. They constantly backflip on restrictions with absolutely no notice or industry consultation.
“For the most part we have been disgracefully and completely ignored by the States and the Federal Government.
“Two years in (to the pandemic) and we still have no ability to trade and generate income as an industry on a national level.”
Rescheduled Full Tilt festival events are currently planned for Melbourne and Brisbane in March and April.
Sports Nutrition Association looks to ensure sharing of best possible dietary advice
Established in Australia five years ago to standardise best practises in nutritional advice in relation to exercise, fitness and sport, Sports Nutrition Association sees itself as “leading the charge” when it comes to nutrition advice for those who are and seek to be active, whether personally or at an elite level. An educational and governing body that seeks to regulate personal trainers, exercise physiologists, strength coaches, exercise scientists, and clinical nutritionists looking to add sports nutrition and supplementation programming to their insured scope of practice, Sports Nutrition Association (SNA) President and founder Alex Thomas acknowledges that nutrition within the fitness space has always been a complicated topic.
Thomas notes “while some personal trainers do their due diligence to educate themselves on the best nutrition practises for individuals, it hasn’t really been a regulated space until recently, which has meant that some have happily spruiked unsafe diets and supplements without much trouble.”
The Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) has announced that it is opening foundation membership opportunities for swim teachers, pool staff and educators to join a network of likeminded professionals through their newly launched Associate Member program.
The program has been designed as a professional resource for those employed in the aquatic and education sectors who are not business owners to upskill in customer engagement, health and wellbeing, sensory development and marketing and will offer local and international research presentations that are available to view through the member portal.
VMA announces five-year strategic plan
The Venue Management Association [Asia and Pacific] has announced VMA25 - its strategic Plan for the 2022-2025 period.
Revealing the plan on behalf of the VMA Board, VMA President, Leighton Wood stated “in creating VMA25 - the Board envisions a future for the Association with a clear overriding purpose - to be the hub that connects and advances venue industry participants to best serve their community.
“VMA25 is a forward-looking document that outlines the aspirations of the Association over the coming four year window.
“The last two years has highlighted the opportunities that are open to the Association, in having understood the limitations of our existing pathway.
“Our members will forever remain our central and primary focus, while we take on higher ambitions to transition from representation of our community to strategic leadership of our industry.”
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New $475 million Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre officially opens
Christchurch’s $475 million convention centre Te Pae officially opened before Christmas after more than four years of construction.
Set on the Otakaro Avon river in the city centre, Te Pae Christchurch features 24 meeting rooms, including a 1000-seat riverside banquet room, up to 3,300 square metres of exhibition space and a 1,400-seat auditorium able to be configured into two completely autonomous spaces, and state-of-the-art technology throughout.
AMPSEA partners with Sportscover to deliver National Insurance Scheme
The Australian Mass Participation Sporting Events Alliance (AMPSEA) has appointed leading industry insurer Sportscover to launch and run a national insurance scheme for the mass participation sector.
The scheme includes two insurances to event organisers who are AMPSEA members, with both policies calculated on a per participant basis.
Stadiums Queensland has marked its 20th anniversary of operations, highlighting how over two decades the agency has hosted tens of millions of fans at thousands of events, such as the Commonwealth Games and numerous World Cup events.
In a social media communication, the Queensland Government agency recalled that over its life it has “hosted the sporting stars of our generation at major events such as the Brisbane International, The Ashes and State of Origin.”
Charged with the management of the state’s major sports facilities that are declared under Queensland Government regulation as being venues having the capacity to stage national or international sports events, recreational or entertainment experiences, today, Stadiums Queensland owns and operates more than $1.2 billion worth of sporting and entertainment infrastructure.
Circus Oz to cease performances and operations
Circus Oz, the contemporary circus company founded in 1977, is to cease trading as a result of the Board’s failure to secure the agreement of Company Members to a radical overhaul of existing governance structures.
Stripped of $2.6 million in Australia Council for the Arts funding, the Board stated it had failed to reach an agreement with the Company Members of Circus Oz over a decision to reform the company’s governance structure.
Because of this, the Board of Circus Oz has announced its intention to wind up the company.
One in four Fernwood Fitness members look to prioritise mental health
A survey undertaken by leading women’s health, fitness and wellness franchise clubs, Fernwood Fitness has seen one in four members say they’d be prioritising their mental health as much as their physical wellbeing when they returned to their local club.
Fernwood Fitness re-opened its Victorian and NSW clubs on a high note, welcoming back their valued members, along with new joiners (eager to increase their physical activity) en masse, while dedicating time and energy to managing and improving their mental fitness and wellbeing.
Surveying its members, the group found that two thirds of women missed having a ‘structured routine’ during lockdown while one in three admitted they hadn’t had an exercise routine at all.
NSW Government commits to delivering equal access to better public spaces at World Urban Parks Congress
The NSW Government has unveiled a commitment to delivering equal access to better public spaces, with the launch of the NSW Public Spaces Charter at the recent World Urban Parks Congress in Sydney.
Advising that the Charter established a set of 10 unifying principles to underpin the creation and improvement of highquality public spaces across the state, NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Rob Stokes stated “the pandemic has emphasised the need for safe and welcoming public space, and the NSW Public Spaces Charter will set a design bar for achieving that.”
The NSW Public Spaces Charter has been developed in close alignment with the United Nations Charter of Public Space which was developed in 2013 and formed a basis for the Global Public Space Toolkit.
New statistics show COVID’s devastating impact on New Zealand tourism
The devastating impact of the pandemic on New Zealand’s tourism industry has been officially measured for the first time, with the release of the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) for the year ended March 2021.
The TSA - the official annual measurement of the New Zealand tourism industry - includes measures of tourism spend by international and domestic visitors, the number of people employed through tourism, tourism’s share of export earnings and its contribution to New Zealand’s GDP.
The data covers a 12-month period that started with closed borders and later saw a country-wide lockdown, followed by regional restrictions.
The TSA shows that a third of all the people employed in tourism have gone, with a loss of 72,285 people from the industry - equivalent to almost the entire population of Palmerston North.
This includes 6738 or 25% of tourism ‘working proprietors’ - those owner-operators who are the backbone of New Zealand’s visitor industry.
Australian arts and culture support falls by 11% during pandemic
Private sector cash sponsorship for the arts and cultural sector in Australia has risen by $26 million from $351 million to $377 million since the onset of the pandemic according to a new report from Creative Partnerships Australia.
However, the biennial report - covering the 2019 calendar and 2019/20 financial years - advises that overall support for arts and cultural was down 11%, according to a biennial report by Creative Partnerships Australia.
The Giving Attitude report showed the 11% decline in overall philanthropic sponsorships was largely made up of intangible support from private sector organisations.
Although cash sponsorship has increased, in-kind arrangements have decreased $40 million to $25 million, volunteer and pro bono support is down $56 million to $124 million while bequest contributions are down $32 million to $17 million.
Adelaide becomes first Australian city to be named a National Park City
UK-based global National Park City Foundation has named Adelaide as the world’s second National Park City, and the first Australian city to receive the honour. The National Park City Foundation led the assessment supported by World Urban Parks and the Salzburg Global Seminar.
Chair of the National Park City Foundation Paul de Zylva said that the Foundation is absolutely delighted Adelaide is joining the growing family of National Park Cities and notes “at a time of great health, climate and ecological anxiety, becoming a National Park City is an incredibly positive, hopeful and pragmatic step for a city to take.”
Health and exercise sector organisations come together to form new Health and Exercise Professional Forum
Peak professional and industry organisations in Australia’s health and exercise sectors - including the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians, Australian Strength and Conditioning Association, AUSActive, Exercise and Sports Science Australia, Physical Activity Australia and Sports Medicine Australia - have announced their coming together to form the Health and Exercise Professional Forum (HEPF).
Collaborating to communicate a shared position to Government on key issues that affect a healthier, more active nation, Exercise & Sports Science Australia will serve as the Secretariat for the new body.
A-Leagues sell 30% stake to US private equity firm Silver Lake
Australian Professional Leagues (APL) advised that US-based private equity firm Silver Lake has acquired a 30% stake in the organisation.
Advising of Silver Lake’s minority investment in the League, APL stated that “the investment will drive technology enhancements and innovation aimed at improving the fan experience and driving further development of the game in Australia.”
Valuing the APL at approximately $425 million, the investment by Silver Lake - which invests in entertainment, sport and technology - is also expected to fund the acquisition of marquee players for the men’s and women’s Leagues.
Bailey Fitness converts to Genesis Health and Fitness clubs in Western Australia
The Genesis Health and Fitness franchise network has welcomed three new sites in Western Australia, with high profile fitness personality Adam Bailey confirming he will convert his three existing Bailey Fitness facilities to Genesis Health and Fitness clubs.
Bailey owns a chain of health clubs and martial arts schools in WA and across Australia and is a former World Middleweight Muay Thai Champion.
The clubs, located in Southern River, Morley and Baldivis, are being re-branded as Genesis clubs.
Australian master franchisee to launch Xponential Fitness brands in New Zealand
US-based Xponential Fitness, Inc. - the ‘curator’ of leading boutique fitness brands has announced it has signed a master franchise agreement in New Zealand for three of its brands: CycleBar, StretchLab, and Rumble.
The agreement will see Xponential’s master franchisor in Australia for CycleBar, StretchLab and Rumble, Boutique Fitness Studios Pty Ltd, become the New Zealand master franchisor through a wholly owned subsidiary, Boutique Fitness Studios NZ Ltd.
New Zealand tourism businesses are being warned to secure their social media accounts and IT systems in the wake of a series of cyberattacks.
AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand is the most high profile operator to reveal that it has been hacked - although there are understood to be others who have not revealed that they have been targetted.
AJ Hackett Bungy NZ is understood to have been subjected to an attack in January after hackers gained access to the operator’s systems.
Advising in a statement that the exact nature of the breach is still being investigated, Bungy NZ Chief Executive, David Mitchell commented that while the cyberattack was “incredibly disruptive, briefly undermining access to Bungy’s technology systems, the company was prepared for this kind of event.”
The future of Queensland’s Woodford Folk Festival has been secured through a State Government investment of $4 million over four years. The Woodford Folk Festival traditionally offers a mix of music, dance, circus, films, street theatre, visual arts, creative workshops, exhibitions, talks, debates, children’s activities, late night cabarets and First Nations arts with a focus on the traditions, customs and cultures of Queensland’s Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
At its peak, Woodfordia creates over 2,500 employment opportunities for artists and arts workers and contributes $29 million in economic impact to the Queensland economy each year.
$10.3 million in Sports Commission funds aimed at getting Australians get active
Federal Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck has advised that 36 new programs to provide more opportunities for Australians to connect with sport and get physically active are to share $10.3 million worth of Australian Sports Commission (Sport Australia) grant funding.
Among funding recipients, Skate Australia will establish ‘come and try events’ nationwide to provide opportunities for skaters to join competitions, clubs and events.
It follows a successful Olympic debut for skateboarding at the Tokyo Games which included a men’s park Gold medal for Keegan Palmer as well as a huge uptake in roller skating during COVID-19 lockdowns.
National Strategy launched for Australian Golf Industry
The Australian Golf industry’s milestone national strategy has been launched following the input of more than 10,000 people including golfers, club representatives, PGA Members, industry partners, public, government, equipment suppliers and industry experts in a series of webinars, meetings and surveys. Golf Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland notes “this National Strategy gives golf in Australia a strong sense of direction. It has allowed us to collectively lift our eyes to golf’s enormous potential as a sport for all. We share the industry’s excitement about the opportunities ahead - and commit to serving Australian Golf and its millions of golfers.”
Dunk Island developer receives $30 million penalty for misleading advertising
Mayfair 101 Group, the company behind ambitious plans to transform Mission Beach and Dunk Island in Far North Queensland, has been ordered to pay a combined penalty of $30 million by the Federal Court for misleading advertising of debenture products. Mayfair 101, founded by financier James Mawhinney, purchased a resort on Dunk Island in 2019, as well as 200 properties in the adjacent town of Mission Beach, with plans to turn them into a major tourism precinct.
Market leading and multi-award-winning data intelligence industry specialists ActiveXchange have partnered with Recreation Aotearoa, New Zealand’s peak body for Recreation to empower an industry-wide revolution to get more people, more active, more often, in more places and spaces.
The strategic partnership will advance the way data and analysis can effectively be applied to relevant industry topics such as member acquisition and retention, market segmentation, targeted community impacts, social value, grant applications and much more.
The new 5,000 seat show court at Melbourne and Olympic Park (left) has been named Kia Arena.
Moreton Bay Regional Council has opened its new $4 million regional tennis centre at the Harris Avenue Sports Complex in Narangba.
Melbourne Skydeck - formerly the Eureka Skydeck - has reopened to the public following a multi-million-dollar redevelopment, new name and brand and boasting the largest virtual reality theatre of its kind in the world.
The masterplan for the redevelopment of Brisbane’s landmark Ballymore stadium (left) has been formally approved by the Queensland Government, with construction of the venue’s new McLean Stand now underway.
The first stage of the $53 million upgrade to Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium is now complete.
Minyon Falls - located in Nightcap National Park, Northern NSW - now has a spectacular new lookout and viewing platform offering improved access for visitors to experience one of Australia’s best waterfalls in the renowned biodiversity hotspot.
The Western Australian Government has started building a new state-of-the-art dryland dive centre at HBF Stadium that will also be the new home of Diving WA.
Wave lagoon developer Surf Lakes International Pty Ltd has received Development Approval from the Livingstone Shire Council for its current research and development site in Yeppoon to be expanded to allow public access and offer tourist accommodation (left).
Construction of the $26.77 million Monash Tennis Centre at Melbourne’s Glen Waverley Sports Hub is a step closer with the project moving into the detailed design phase.
A new $7.5 million Police Citizen’s Youth Club has been officially opened in the northern NSW town of Walgett.
St Kilda Football Club has revealed a partnership with Belgravia Leisure that will see the facility manager take on responsibility for the soon-to-be-opened Danny Frawley Centre for Health and Wellbeing (left).
National Parks in South Australia continue to experience surge in visitation
Latest data from National Parks and Wildlife service show South Australia’s most popular national parks continue to see a surge in visitation with more people staying close to home during the holiday season.
Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park has been recognised as South Australia’s most popular regional national park, for online bookings, in 2021, with more than 85,000 visitors in the past year, a rise of more than 28%.
Located on the picturesque coastline of the Yorke Peninsula, the park is home to spectacular coastal scenery featuring dramatic cliff tops, shipwrecks, pounding surf beaches, tranquil bays and rock pools.
Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh MP, Federal Minister for Sport and AUSTSWIM Chief Executive Simon Weatherill at the funding announcement.
AUSTSWIM secures Federal Government funding for ‘Creating Jobs, Saving Lives’ project
AUSTSWIM, the national organisation for teaching swimming and water safety, is to receive $250,000 from the Federal Government for its ‘Creating Jobs, Saving Lives’ project which aims to address the current shortage of swim and water safety teachers.
Encouraging more teachers into the pool to strengthen aquatic skills and save lives, the project will focus on reengaging with swimming teachers who have left the industry and support them to return to the water.
The AUSTSWIM funding is one of 36 new programs sharing in $10.3 million committed under Sport Australia’s Participation Grant program - providing more opportunities for Australians to connect with sport and get physically active.
Queensland Government acquires Currumbin land for future Eco-Parkland
148 hectares of land at Currumbin on the Southern Gold Coast has been secured by the Queensland Government for transformation into one of Australia’s biggest ecoparklands.
Friends of Currumbin President Peter Kershaw said the group was delighted the Queensland Government had announced the acquisition of the land, known locally as Martha’s Vineyard or Martha’s Farm.
