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Locals enjoy Lambton Swimming Centre waterslide before it closes. Credit City of Newcastle

Australian Waterslides & Leisure to install new Lambton Swimming Centre waterslide

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City of Newcastle has progressed plans to replace Lambton Swimming Centre’s 22-year-old enclosed raft waterslide, with the project awarded to Australian Waterslides & Leisure.

With the project to make use of the existing supporting infrastructure, a like-for-like replacement of the 120 metre-long waterslide will be installed at the site of the existing slide within the facility over the winter months.

The Lambton Swimming Centre was developed as the City of Newcastle’s first inland swimming pool and was opened in 1963. An average of 184,000 people visit the popular facility annually. Contact 02 6653 6555, E: info@waterslide.net, www.waterslide.net

The P.A. People acquires venue engineering experts TheatreQuip

To expand its presence in the venue engineering space, The P.A. People has announced that it has acquired Sydney based business, TheatreQuip.

TheatreQuip, which can trace its origins in the Australian theatre industry back over 30 years, brings a wealth of theatrical experience and product to The P.A. People’s venue engineering portfolio, including a comprehensive range of drapes, curtain tracks and accessories, counterweight fly systems, portable staging and theatre machinery.

For 50 years, The P.A. People has been involved in the design and supply of staging and hoisting systems to venues.

The P.A. People Managing Director, Chris Dodds stated “we have been looking at expanding our capability to deliver staging solutions for quite some time.

“Over the past few months, we have received numerous enquiries from across the country looking for alternative providers of staging design and delivery.” Contact 02 8755 8700, E: venueengineering@papeople.com.au, www.papeople.com.au

Intamin supplies Luna Park Sydney’s new single-rail rollercoaster

Leading global amusement ride manufacture, Intamin has provided details of the world’s first launched single-rail rollercoaster at Luna Park Sydney.

Named the ‘Big Dipper’, the manufacturer’s first Hot Racer model opened on Boxing Day last year as the centrepiece of the Sydney Harbourside attraction’s largest-ever multiple ride investment within a short time period.

Big Dipper combines two launches with 10 thrilling elements, with Intamin tasked to create an exciting ride with a compact layout. The single rail coaster stretches over two main park areas, resulting in both Australia’s fastest and tallest multilaunch coaster.

Two seven-seater, race car themed inline-seating trains have made their debut. The cars’ integral ergonomic shaped seats and over-the-shoulder-lap-bar, ensures an ideal combination of freedom and comfort for riders, in combination with the highest level of safety for the passengers. Contact E: info@intamintransportation.com, www.intamintransportation.com

AUSTSWIM announces Waterlink partnership

AUSTSWIM has announced a partnership with Australian water quality experts Waterlink that aims to benefit AUSTSWIM Recognised Swim Centres, offering new innovative resources and opportunities that were not previously available.

Specialising in dosing, remote monitoring, disinfection, and other water quality devices, Waterlink has a range of equipment - most of which is built or assembled in Australia - suited to local conditions, covering all private and public pool facilities.

AUSTSWIM and Waterlink will be working together to give the industry some great insights and opportunities on delivering a safe and comfortable environment for patrons to enjoy the use of commercial pools for pleasure, exercise, or education. Contact Waterlink on 1300 897 200, E: info@waterlink.com, www.waterlink.com

Hiroto Ohhar surfi ng at American Wave Machines construction of its PerfectSwell artifi cial wave pool Surf Stadium in Shizunami

ProSlide to offer American Wave Machines’ PerfectSwell to global markets

American Wave Machines, Inc., wave technology pioneer and a global leader in surf pool development, and ProSlide Technology Inc., industry leader in water ride design, technology and manufacturing, have announced that ProSlide is now an authorised reseller addressing the water park and resort markets.

ProSlide will offer American Wave Machines’ proprietary PerfectSwell® to global markets starting with upcoming projects in Asia and the Middle East.

American Wave Machines’ PerfectSwell® technology can reproduce the best surf from around the world, away from the ocean. Their patented technology has already generated close to half a million surf sessions in places like Waco, Texas, Shizunami, Japan and American Dream in New Jersey. PerfectSwell® technology creates real ocean dynamics and provides infinite wave variety that appeals to elite surfers and beginners alike. Contact American Wave Machines on + 1 858 755 1497, E: info@AmericanWaveMachines.com Contact ProSlide Technology on +1 613 526 5522, www.ProSlide.com

Waterplay partners with Life Floor

World-leading aquatic play expert Waterplay has partnered with leading aquatic surfacing manufacturer Life Floor, to bring outstanding aquatic splash pad experiences to the global market - complete with splash features, structures, and playful surfacing.

Waterplay Vice President, Kerrin Smith commented “we’re thrilled to bring Life Floor to our customers. It just makes sense for our companies to team up and create a playful experience together.

“Life Floor is really stunning in the aquatic space and a perfect complement to our products and, of course, for customers looking for strong theming.”

Life Floor has established its position as a leading aquatic surfacing provider with a commitment to quality, longevity and outstanding customer support.”

Life Floor Vice President, Gwen Ruehle adds “we really couldn’t be happier to partner with Waterplay. They’re a leading manufacturer in splash pad design with a team who is incredibly passionate about play. Offering our products together brings the best of both worlds together for aquatic users - unique, imaginative play solutions paired with surfacing to match.” Contact Waterplay Solutions Corp’s Australian agent Parkequip on 02 9725 5604, E: info@parkequip.com.au, www.parkequip.com.au Contact Life Floor (AUS & NZ) on 1300 721 135, E: info@lifefloor.com.au, www.lifefloor.com.au

Envibe leisure management software helps Auckland Council make active recreation more accessible

Auckland Council’s adoption of Envibe leisure management software has enabled New Zealand’s largest council to find new ways to offer recreation amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Auckland Council runs a wide range of facilities, including aquatic centres (such as the Albany Stadium Pool pictured above), fitness centres, indoor sports facilities, climbing walls and even a roller-skating rink.

With thousands of visitors walking through the doors of these facilities every week, staff and programme organisers need to be on their game to provide the best possible experience.

It’s a challenging job, but one that Auckland Council consider has been made a little easier by Envibe leisure management software. Saving staff time and ratepayer dollars When Council made the change to Envibe in 2017, it centralised information for the 19 leisure facilities and provided a single platform that allowed for value-adds such as cross-facility bookings and simple marketing activities.

However, Envibe is not just smoothing the user experience as the software has also saved the Council money by allowing it to automate tasks that used to require three fulltime admin people.

Envibe’s PCI compliant integration with Ezidebit has made managing direct debits easier, benefiting Leisure facility users by enabling a wider range of direct debit payment options for membership fees, paid weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

Further efficiencies have been gained by using Envibe’s functionality that allows automated reminders to be sent to people who miss membership or learn to swim course payments.

During the Auckland Alert Level 3.1 restrictions, group fitness classes were restricted in capacity and could only be performed outdoors. With the help of Envibe, the Council was able to offer existing members and casual users safe physically-distanced outdoor classes - booked in advance and paid via the online portal.

When the New Zealand Government announced it was planning to introduce vaccine passports last year, the Council and many other Envibe users spoke to Jonas Leisure’s development team about implementing a solution that would allow them to record people who had shown their vaccine passports at a facility so they could swipe in for future visits without showing their vaccine passports each time.

Within weeks a solution was ready, and it will soon be used to streamline the entry process for people holding membership cards at most of the council’s leisure facilities. Contact 02 9906 7522, E: sales@envibe.com.au, www.envibe.com.au

Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre announces ticketing partnership with Eventfinda

Eventfinda, the New Zealand owned and operated event ticketing and marketing platform, and Toitoi - Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre have announced a new ticketing partnership.

The focus of the partnership is based on providing a comprehensive customer and client experience, combining Toitoi’s community and commercial-based values with Eventfinda’s extensive ticketing and marketing reach.

As New Zealand’s largest event marketing and live entertainment platform, Eventfinda reaches a wider event going audience than all other local entertainment websites and publications combined.

Since reopening in 2020, Toitoi has been dedicated to creating exceptional customer and client experiences, reaffirming the significance of arts, culture and entertainment to the community. The Toitoi team has been nationally acknowledged for their work, winning ‘Best Small Venue’ at the 2021 EVANZ Awards and Creative New Zealand Excellence Award for Cultural Wellbeing as part of the Local Government New Zealand Awards. Contact E:sales@eventfinda.co.nz, www.eventfinda.co.nz

Walltopia spotlights rise in popularity of children’s climbing zones

Leading climbing wall and active entertainment manufacturer Walltopia has introduced new ideas for children’s climbing zones within climbing gyms highlighting that “climbing is a brilliant way to have all family members spend time together in a healthy activity that simultaneously develops their bodies, minds, and social life.” Walltopia not only produces some of the highest quality climbing walls but also changes the global industry by constantly introducing product developments and new concepts for sports and entertainment. Walltopia’s Climb Academy is a full service climbing gym dedicated entirely for children aged three -11 years. The climbing walls are designed to offer the ultimate climbing experience for the smallest enthusiasts taking into account their physical specifics, cognitive skills and attention span. Additional climbing based attractions, such as kid’s Ninja Course, parkour course, elevated playgrounds and slides, diversify the experience while turning the sport into play. They incorporate climbing, crawling, jumping, sliding, and many other movements that come naturally to kids and make them happy and healthy. Contact +359 2 448 57 44, E: adventure@walltopia.com, www.adventure.walltopia.com

Ungerboeck reveals new integration between VenueOps and Tessitura Platform

Leading events and entertainment technology providers Ungerboeck and Tessitura have announced the expansion of their partnership with the launch of an integration between VenueOps and the Tessitura platform.

Since its debut five years ago, VenueOps has made waves in the event industry as an intuitive application for venue management and booking with performing arts centres, arenas, stadiums, museums, and other facilities relying on VenueOps to manage tasks including event booking, production, resource allocation and task management.

The integration translates to reduced friction between sales and box office teams, improved communication, and streamlined data entry. It also enables production data to be seamlessly shared between the two solutions, simplifying setup within Tessitura. The two-way data sharing also allows for simplified report creation within VenueOps, among other efficiencies. Contact 07 3359 7919, E: asiapacific@ungerboeck.com, www.ungerboeck.com

Replas recycled picnic tables to be installed in Melbourne parks

The Victorian Government’s $21 million Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program is seeing a number of parks across Melbourne receiving new picnic tables made from recycled plastic - saving tonnes of waste from going to landfill. 17 parks across Melbourne will receive new picnic tables made with recycled plastic from Replas.

The tables will save 5.67 tonnes of household and industrial plastic waste from going into landfill - helping Victoria reach its target of diverting 80% of waste from landfill by 2030.

The first stage of works for the $21 million program has been completed at Braeside and Cardinia Reservoir Parks, which received upgrades to picnic tables and shelters, drinking fountains, BBQs, toilets, signage and road repairs.

The program also involves extending the Bay Trail between Sanctuary Lakes and Point Cook Coastal Park and repairing the historic sea wall at Point Gellibrand Coastal Park so more families can ride their bikes further and enjoy the views and amenities at these stunning coastal parks.

Visits to parks in major metropolitan parks across Melbourne grew from 29.5 million visits in 2018/19 to 36 million visits in 2020/21, as more people sought the health and wellbeing benefits of being outdoors while staying close to home. Contact 1800 737 527, E: sales@replas.com.au, www.replas.com.au

revolutioniseSPORT launches ‘next generation’ websites for thousands of Australian sporting clubs

Leading sports management technology platform revolutioniseSPORT has released what is says is the “next generation” of sporting club websites to thousands of clubs across the country.

Over 14,000 clubs that use revolutioniseSPORT platform’s inbuilt website tool now have the ability to build and promote a website that has a modern, streamlined, user-focused experience, and is mobile-first in its approach.

The move comes as reports from Google continue to indicate that the majority of website traffic (more than 50%) comes from mobile devices, a trend that has been steadily increasing over the last few years.

Clubs already using or looking to use the revolutioniseSPORT platform can make full use of the full suite of features, including a completely mobile-first architecture, an easy-touse editor that does not require any IT skills, and a user-first design approach, which prioritises key workflows including membership registrations and e-commerce.

All revolutioniseSPORT customers have now been migrated to the new website template. Contact 02 9746 5389, E: info@revolutionise.com.au, www.revolutionise.com.au

Technogym and TrainingPeaks announce integration for smart equipment

Technogym has announced a new compatibility with leading performance training platform TrainingPeaks with the new API integration allowing users to seamlessly execute their TrainingPeaks planned workouts on Technogym’s connected smart fitness equipment.

To view TrainingPeaks workouts on Technogym, athletes will pair their Technogym and TrainingPeaks accounts, and workouts will be automatically available on the Technogym Live equipment interface.

Once synced, Technogym will start up with TrainingPeaks workouts prescribed by coaches or via training plans. Technogym will automatically adjust resistance to the suitable intensity for every individual athlete, while completed training data will be seamlessly uploaded to both Technogym’s Ecosystem cloud and the TrainingPeaks platform, so that it can be reviewed later on to adjust future workouts. This integration will allow athletes to quickly perform the training they’ve been prescribed on any given day on the Technogym smart equipment without having to keep track of workout duration or intensity. Contact 1800 615 440, E: info.au@technogym.com, www.technogym.com

Polin spotlights its contribution to construction of National Aquarium of Abu Dhabi

With the National Aquarium of Abu Dhabi - the largest aquarium in the Middle East - having recently been completed, Polin Aquariums spotlights its contribution to the construction.

Using advanced designing and project management skills and much creativity, Polin Aquariums was proud to complete the largest aquarium in the Middle East which houses more than 45,000 animals with 60 different exhibits within its 10 zones standing over 5500 metre2 floor area.

Each of the 10 zones is specifically themed: UAE’s Natural Treasures; Red Sea Wreck; Atlantic Cave; The Sub; Ring of Fire; Ocean Magic; Frozen Ocean; Flooded Forest; Bu Tinah Island and Back of House - each backed by a narrative and contains creatures that tie in with the theme.

Polin Aquariums designs and builds public aquariums, taking them from initial concept and architecture to construction, business plan, procurement of living creatures and development of brand identity. It aims to achieve excellence with its team of experienced architects, engineers, biologists, veterinarians and technical experts. Contact: +90 (262) 656 6467, E: aquariums@polin.com.tr, www.polinaquariums.com

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PMY Group expands sports and venue data capability with Sports Data Services acquisition

PMY Group has announced the expansion of its global data solutions offerings with the acquisition of Sports Data Services, a leading provider of data solutions to sports and venues throughout Europe. The move further supports PMY’s ability to transform venues, infrastructure and major events through technology, with data and digital solutions being an increasingly critical element of this transformation.

Based in the United Kingdom¸ Sports Data Services provides innovative data solutions that allows sports governing bodies, venues and clubs throughout Europe to optimise the capture, storage and use of critical data sources across customers, participants and fans.

This acquisition marks another milestone for PMY and its team, supporting its vision to become a global leader in the provision of technology solutions to major public venues. Contact 0400 260 886, E: apac@pmygroup.com, www.pmygroup.com

Swimming Victoria announces partnership with Hawk-Eye to deliver world first competition video review technology

Swimming Victoria has announced a partnership with HawkEye Innovations - the sports technology leader in officiating and tracking technologies - that will see the introduction of the world’s first video review technology for the sport during the 2022 swimming season.

Beginning with the 2022 Victorian Age Long Course Championships which ran from 10th to 14th March, Swimming Victoria and Hawk-Eye’s collaboration has seen the use of proof of concept (PoC) to ensure fair competition in swimming.

This is being achieved through Hawk-Eye’s latest SMART (Synchronised Multi Angle Replay Technology) Video Review system, giving Swimming Victoria a new methodology for assuring fair competition.

The aim of the partnership is to improve the efficiency and automation of officiating and timing in swimming. Currently, certain events require around 50 officials for an event to take place. Contact: +44 1 256 822080, www.hawkeyeinnovations.com

Installation commences of water slides at Christchurch’s Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre

Installation has commenced on the five eel-inspired hydroslides (the term for waterslides in New Zealand) at Christchurch’s Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre (the Christchurch Metro Sports Facility).

The hydroslides will include New Zealand’s first ever trapdoor waterslide, the 12.6 metre Looping Rocket. Manufactured by Swimplex/Polin Waterparks Australia/NZ the Looping Rocket will see riders start their experience by standing on a trapdoor, which will then open and plunge them down a sheer drop reaching blinding speeds of up to 40km/h.

The 32,000metre2 indoor sports and aquatics facility is being delivered by Crown company Otakaro Limited and will be operated by Christchurch City Council.

Swimplex Aquatics/Polin Australia and NZ Project Manager, Murray Booth, says the installation process is incredibly complex and advises “in some places there are seven sections of hydroslide between the ground and the sky because of the way they exit, twist, drop, then re-enter Parakiore. It’s challenging work, but we’re lucky we get to build something that is solely being put here to bring joy into people’s lives.” Contact 1300 796 759/02 6651 9825, E: sales@swimplex.com.au, www.swimplex.com.au

Hockey Victoria reveals GrasSports Australia partnership

Hockey Victoria has announced a two-year partnership with GrasSports Australia in a landmark deal that will see the leading synthetic sports surfaces construction company become the naming rights partner for several Championship events as well as sponsoring the Game Clothing Premier League Ball Patrol.

GrasSports are specialists in both the installation and maintenance of synthetic hockey fields, in addition to its expertise in the design and construction of synthetic sports surfaces for schools, clubs, councils, as well as being Victoria’s most experienced tennis court builder.

GrasSports Australia owner Bernard Evans has been extensively involved in the sport of hockey as a player, umpire, and as a Board member of Hockey Victoria and has been in the sporting surface industry for almost 50 years.

The key components of the partnership are: •GrasSports to be the naming rights sponsor of the Junior Country Championships, Senior Country Championships and Junior State Championships. •GrasSports logo to appear on the Junior State Championships playing shirts and Goalkeeper smocks. •GrasSports to sponsor the Game Clothing Premier League Ball Patrol. This will see all Premier League Clubs supplied with a uniform for their ball patrol teams to wear. Contact 03 9792 0622, E: bevans@grassports.com.au, www.grassports.com.au

Wexer acquired by Core Health and Fitness

Digital health and fitness provider Wexer has revealed its acquisition by Core Health and Fitness - a vertically integrated global manufacturer of fitness equipment, and portfolio company of US-based private equity firm Gainline Capital Partners. The deal will provide Wexer with the funding to scale its business - including through significant acquisitions to consolidate the digital fitness sector - and drive digital adoption across the global health club sector.

Wexer Chief Executive, Paul Bowman advises “this is a momentous step for Wexer, simultaneously granting us the support, investment and distribution we need to dramatically scale our business and accelerate towards our mission of hybridising the fitness industry.”

The collaboration is seeing a global roadshow designed to educate and inspire the fitness sector around the need to embrace omnichannel fitness. Exploring the powerful impact that a digital offering has on health club membership sales, up-sales and member retention, the roadshow will support operators with insights not only into why but also how to make the business-critical shift to a sustainable hybrid model. Contact +1 917 300 0673, E: content.partnership@wexer.com, www.wexer.com/

Solar pool heating delivers energy savings for Hindmarsh Shire Council

Supreme Heating have reported on their recent completion of a heating renewal system at the Rainbow Swimming Pool for Hindmarsh Shire Council in Western Victoria.

The Shire was looking for a new, long-lasting system to replace the existing former solar pool heating system - nonfunctioning due to age and damage caused by birds - at the popular community pool.

Now installed, the new system incorporates the robust Heatseeker Suntuf range which is designed for environments where bird damage is prevalent as well as the innovative DualSun PVT system.

The DualSun system was selected due to the ability of its dual purposes, generating electricity to offset the operating costs as well as the additional solar hot water generation.

Incorporating 24 PVT (photovoltaic thermal) panels with a combined output of 9kWs, the DualSun system generates free electricity for the facility offsetting the operational costs when the facility is operating. When the pool is closed during the winter months, this energy is delivered back into the local electricity network providing additional revenues for the Shire.

The water from the pool is pumped through the heat exchange system embedded in the DualSun panels as well as through the Suntuf rigid panel system to provide warm water for the pool without the need for additional heat pumps or gas heating.

This water also has a cooling effect on the PV generation which increases electricity performance by up to 20%.

One of the key issues for solar heating in traditional strip solar heating is the damage caused by native birds such as corellas and cockatoos.

The Heatseeker Suntuf is made from high grade polymer with a thick circular wall structure that is highly resistant to hail and birds. It is also UV stabilised and designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.

The modular design allows for easy instalment and is adaptable to a variety of roof configurations. The modular panels are connected via reinforced watertight unions without the need for gluing or the use of clamps, guaranteeing a robust leak-free connection.

As there are no moving parts in the system apart from a water pump - and the embedded heat exchange system is not exposed to the elements - the system has a 25 year performance warranty ensuring high electrical energy output as well as high thermal output.

The system will ensure that the Rainbow community has a long-term solution to enjoy the community asset for many years to come.

Dual Sun provides councils with an environmentally sustainable solution that will offset their operating costs while demonstrating their involvement in reducing their facilities’ carbon footprint and achieving net zero carbon goals. Contact 1300 787 978, E: info@supremeheating.com.au, www.supremeheating.com.au

Polytan named Germany’s ‘brand of the century’

Artificial turf manufactured by Polytan under the Poligras and LigaTurf brands, has been named as the ‘Brand of the Century’ by Germany’s Zeit publishing group.

Selected by an independent jury of experts Polytan, with its Poligras and LigaTurf brands, was commended in the artificial turf category of the recent ‘German Standards: Brands of the Century’ awards.

Tempus Corporate, which is responsible for the Zeit publishing group’s competition, selected the candidates for the awards following a rigorous selection process. A review panel then proposed the best brands for specific categories with that panel then assessing the overall result - award points based upon facts about the brand.

The jury, recruited from the editorial team of the brand compendium, were then able to make their final decision based on a systemic evaluation.

Advising that Polytan’s artificial turf was able to win over the expert jury in all test disciplines, Florian Langenscheidt, Publisher and founder of the ranking, explained that the process “reveals the results of a total of three evaluation phases and clearly confirms the selected brands’ unique position as ‘Brand of the Century’ in a specific product category.” Contact Polytan in Australia on 1800 663 812, E: enquiry@polytan.com.au, www.polytan.com.au

OneFitStop reveals rebranding as Hapana

Leading fitness business solutions provider OneFitStop has announced that it will trade under a new name, Hapana, while also introducing a new logo and brand identity. Launched nine years ago with the intention of serving personal trainers, the business has since evolved to deliver an enterprise end-toend platform for enhanced member engagement and business management solutions to growth focused fitness businesses.

Today, over 60% of Hapana’s fitness brand customers are multi-site operations who are enjoying the full scope of the company’s platform.

The rebranding initiative was jointly led by company Chief Executive Jarron Aizen and Chief Risk Officer Corey Loehr with Singapore-based Shift Partners undertaking the project and the results proved to be a fantastic choice in a strategic decision for our future. Contact 02 8520 3901, E: sales@hapana.com, www.hapana.com

Advertisers Index

Advertiser Page No.

AALARA 2022 67

Active World 37

Afl ex Infl atables 11

ASBFEO Alert 13

AUSTSWIM 23

Axess 21

BHFitness 29

Choose France 13

FITNESS + WELLNESS SHOW 31

Hydrocare Pools 39

Jonas Leisure 34 & 35

Laykold 41

Life Floor 25

Myrtha Pools 9

ParkEquip 39

Perfect Gym 2 & 3

ProSlide Technology 17

Quayclean 21

SLE Worldwide 43

SPLASH! Expo 15

Supreme Heating 68

Swimplex Aquatics 19

Technogym 27

TNW Australia 33

Vertel 5

Viva Leisure/Plus Fitness 7

Freemotion from iFIT and Australian Fitness Supplies agree distribution partnership

Global fitness equipment and technology pioneer Freemotion from iFIT has announced that Australian Fitness Supplies will be the new distributor for its products in Australia.

Announcing the distributorship, Freemotion from iFIT parent company iFIT Health & Fitness Inc. advised “this partnership will enhance the brand’s presence in the thriving Australian commercial fitness sector, supporting new and existing Freemotion customers

across the country.

“The move also expands the reach of iFIT- the parent company of Freemotion and one of the world’s best health and fitness platforms.”

Freemotion from iFIT is a global pioneer in fitness equipment and technology, having introduced the world to cable-based strength training, the Incline Trainer and the first road-simulating indoor bike. Contact 07 5630 3707, E: sales@australianfitnesssupplies.com.au, www.australianfitnesssupplies.com.au

Salon, spa and beauty platform Fresha acquires Australia’s Bookwell

Australian-founded beauty and wellbeing marketplace Bookwell has been acquired by global competitor Fresha in a deal reported as valuing the company in excess of $10 million. Founded in 2017, Bookwell is a free online marketplace allowing people to book treatments at small and medium beauty and wellness businesses. The acquisition by, UK-based Fresha, the world’s biggest beauty and wellness bookings services, will see a change for the more than 700 salons and day spas around Australia that currently reach customers through the Bookwell platform. As of earlier this year, about 80,000 customers accessed the marketplace every week. Contact hello@fresha.com, www.fresha.com

Sportscover Australia supports East Coast flood recovery effort with sports grants

Sportscover Australia is making available up to 50 unconditional grants of $500 to assist eligible sports clubs, sports associations, gymnasiums and recreational facilities replace sports equipment lost as a result of the floods which inundated SE Queensland, NSW and Victoria earlier this month.

This is similar to the support provided by SCA to affected communities in response to the devastating bushfires that ravaged Australia in 2020 and the East Coast floods in 2021.

Sportscover Australia notes “we appreciate that applying for such assistance may not be a priority for the people who have been most affected by the floods. We are therefore extending the offer to them through their insurance broker, as the broking community will be very much aware of the nature of any loss their/our clients may have suffered. Sportscover is writing to all our broker partners individually with the necessary information and application process.

“Sportscover is Australia’s leading specialist underwriting agency providing casualty (liability), personal accident, property, travel, cyber and contingency insurance to the sport, fitness and leisure sector for 35 years. As a Company, and as individuals, we are committed to the health and wellbeing of this sector which is why we wish to make this contribution to the recovery effort.

“We stand ready to assist our clients with their insurance needs at this most challenging time, and particularly in relation to any flood-related claims needing to be logged.

“Sportscover extends its sincerest sympathies and best wishes to all our fellow Australians impacted through the current flood crisis.” Contact 03 8562 9100, E: info@sportscover.com, www.sportscover.com

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