Two Months in Leisure Some of the industry headlines over recent months. Daily industry news can be read at www.ausleisure.com.au
89% rise in AFLW club membership numbers The AFL has reported a “massive 89% increase” in AFLW club memberships to reach record levels, advising that “support for elite women’s football has reached new heights … almost doubling over the last year to surpass 48,000 for the first time.” AFL advised that a total of 48,712 fans “across the country became a member of their favourite AFLW club this season, breaking the previous record of 25,782 set in the West Coast Eagles players engage with their fans 2021 NAB AFLW Season. The new figure equates to an 89% increase year on year.” Newly licensed AFLW club the Sydney Swans topped the overall membership tally on 4,388 members, followed by the Adelaide Crows (4,219) and St Kilda (4,055). In addition, 14 AFLW clubs broke their previous club membership records, including the Adelaide Crows, Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Collingwood, Geelong Cats, Fremantle, GWS Giants, Gold Coast Suns, Hawthorn, Melbourne, Richmond, St Kilda, North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos and the Western Bulldogs.
Octagon launches specialist agency focusing on sport’s role in driving social change Sports marketing agency Octagon has launched a new division called No2ndPlace which seeks to use sport to generate awareness around a range of issues and bring about social change. Focusing on the role sport plays as a catalyst for change, No2ndPlace will help brands, sporting bodies, and not-for-profit organisations, drive awareness of societal issues and deliver impactful action and progress. Launching initially in Australia, Ben Hartman will lead the venture as Managing Director alongside some of Australia’s strongest social advocates for change through sport, including world champion Paralympian and gold medallist, Madison De Rozario, AFL great and indigenous role model Adam Goodes, former Socceroo and human rights and refugee campaigner, Craig Foster and former Wallaby and climate and marriageequality advocate, David Pocock.
Wellington concert promoter wraps up after 30 years Phil Sprey, Wellington’s only concert promoter, has advised that he is calling a halt to his Capital C: Concerts business after 30 years, blaming the New Zealand Government’s ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and lack of support for the events and entertainment sector. Sprey, whose Capital C Concerts has worked with the likes of Elton John, Alice Cooper, Bon Jovi and Ozzy Osbourne over the last 30 years, stated “the reason is all the lack of movement from government to help the hospitality entertainment industry through a very tough period. “And now the announcement that we’re still in red, it doesn’t make it very sensible to try to fight an uphill battle. “You can’t do deals with artists, you can’t secure anything, you can’t make the public feel confident that an event you might be arranging will actually go ahead.”
New website promotes Western Australia’s trails network The Western Australian Government has invested in a new website for Trails WA making it possible for anyone to access the state’s extensive trails network. The new website features downloadable maps that can be accessed offline and is rich in content, offering information on bushwalking, mountain biking, trail running and water trails, through to food and wine trails or wheelchair access. The mobile friendly website showcases more than 800 of Western Australia’s trails. 8 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 150
Western Australia Minister for Water Dave Kelly, City of Bayswater Deputy Mayor Catherine Ehrhardt and Water Corporation Manager of Water Efficiency Partnerships Nadine Riethmuller.
Perth’s Bayswater Waves receives platinum waterwise title Perth’s Bayswater Waves has been named the inaugural Platinum Waterwise Aquatic Centre of the Year at the Western Australian Water Corporation’s 2022 Waterwise Recognition Awards. Having a range of efficiency measures over the past 12 months as part of the centre’s staged refurbishment, the accolade recognises Bayswater Waves as a leader in efficient, sustainable water use. These include upgrading existing basin taps to push button taps, installing new shower heads and water flow reducers, and replacing rinse showers with dry change facilities. Another key initiative was adding ultrasonic depth sensors in all balance tanks to allow the centre to better monitor its water usage. The Water Corporation’s Waterwise Aquatic Centre Program, created in partnership with the Leisure Institute of Western Australia (LIWA) Aquatics, has this year seen eight aquatic centres achieve gold recognition for best practice in water management.
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