22 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
89% rise in AFLW club membership numbers
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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 West Coast Eagles players engage with their fans record of 25,782 set in the 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.
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.
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.
Western Australia Minister for Water Dave Kelly, City of Bayswater Deputy Mayor Catherine Ehrhardt and Water Corporation Manager of Water Effi ciency 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.
IN BRIEF The Norwood, Payneham and St Peter’s Council has announced that the $24 million plan to redevelop its Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre, located in the Adelaide suburb of Felixstow, is to go ahead.
The Australian Grand Prix will remain in Melbourne until at least 2035, with Formula 1 signing a new agreement with race organisers extending the city’s contract for another 10 years.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council has announced that work has commenced on the first stage of its Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct project.
The long-awaited construction of the new Hakoah White City development in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs is set to commence following the recent signing of a construction agreement.
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust has been named as the operator for the new Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCEC) that will open in 2026.
A $10 million transformation of the Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club on Sydney’s Northern Beaches (previewed in Australasian Leisure Management issue 147) has been completed with the 1690 metre² facility now open.
Central Coast Council has confirmed that VenuesLive will take over management of its Central Coast Stadium, tasked with bringing a diverse offering of sports games and entertainment for the local community to enjoy and a boost to the region’s economy.
Greater Dandenong City Council has announced that its four major aquatic and recreation centres will be managed by its wholly-owned subsidiary South East Leisure (SEL) Pty Ltd as of 1st July.
Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre will receive an investment of $4.6 million from the Victorian Government to upgrade its facilities and enliven the Southbank arts precinct to provide Victorians access to a wider range of outdoor performances.
Her Majesty’s Theatre in Adelaide has secured another national award, adding to its list of accolades, winning the Master Builder Association’s National Commercial/Industrial Construction Award $50 million to $100 million.
The redevelopment of East Fremantle Oval will proceed as planned as a result of a commitment of a further $5 million contribution from the Western Australian Government.
The Hordern Pavilion in Sydney’s Moore Park precinct has rebooted with a multi-million dollar seating and behind thescenes upgrade enabling the venue to host more events than at any time in its history.
Her Majesty’s Theatre credit: Chris Oaten
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Walsh Bay Arts Precinct opens to public showcasing redeveloped Pier 2/3
The Walsh Bay Arts Precinct - a cultural precinct on Sydney Harbour foreshore presenting a diverse program of theatre, music and art - opened to the public following the completion of major redevelopment works on the historically significant Pier 2/3.
The Precinct is home to nine of the nation’s foremost performing arts companies presenting a vibrant program of musical concerts, theatre performances and public events throughout 2022.
Claiming that it “continues to lead professionalism within the industry”, Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) has announced that it is bringing its Certified Parks and Leisure Professional (CPLP) program for industry professionals in-house.
Further noting that “the CPLP program is the only Australian national benchmark for industry professionals”, PLA advise that the program has been transitioned from Indianna University’s collaboration with Eppley World Park Academy (WPA) to being fully administrated by the body for Australia’s recreation planners and parks managers.
Gema Group acquires Epicure catering business from Spotless Facilities
In a move that will see it expand its position as the premier provider of hospitality and catering services at national and international major events, high profile venues and leading sporting stadia across the country leading hospitality and major event caterer the Gema Group have acquired Epicure and Pandanus catering brands and contracts from Spotless Facility Service Pty Ltd.
The acquisition includes hospitality and service delivery at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast, Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, Melbourne Town Hall and Brisbane City Hall, adding to Gema’s existing wide portfolio of stadia, venues and major events.
Founded in 1984, Gema Group has the capacity to cater everything from intimate indoor events to large scale outdoor festivals, sporting events and stadiums.
Federal Government’s Job Outlook anticipates ongoing rise in fitness jobs
The Federal Government’s Job Outlook website says demand for fitness instructors is expected to remain strong over the next five years.
With the fitness industry having been significantly impacted by COVID over the past two years - with restrictions forcing gyms to close and forcing fitness instructors out of work - the reopening of the economy is triggering a surge in demand for fitness instructors and personal trainers to help motivate and train locals to achieve their fitness goals.
Fitness and Lifestyle Group to close childminding facilities at Fitness First and Goodlife Health Clubs
Fitness and Lifestyle Group is reportedly set to close childminding facilities at 89 Fitness First and Goodlife Health Clubs across Australia.
As of the beginning of July, childminding facilities at the two gym chains will close as a result of a “drastic reduction” in attendance that “rendered the service unsustainable” at its top tier clubs.
The move, reported as “sparking outrage among parents” will see staff who are unable to be redeployed made redundant.
A spokesperson for the Fitness and Lifestyle Group advised that the health and fitness industry was still recovering from the pandemic and was now in a period of “transition” that took into account current gym and lifestyle habits, stating “recovering from COVID-19 continues to represent a significant challenge to all in the health club industry.”
AALARA and the Showmen’s Guilds announce stop work campaign
In an effort to raise the profile of the insurance crisis impacting amusement and attractions operators, events and regional shows, members of the Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association (AALARA) and the Showmen’s Guilds of Australia have been undertaking a series of stop work campaigns since early May.
The action results from fears expressed by the Showmen’s Guilds and AALARA that ‘the show won’t go on’, slamming the Federal Government’s backtracking on a promise to support a Discretionary Mutual Fund (DMF) for the amusement and leisure industry (see page 53).
Explaining the action, AALARA President, Shane McGrath stated “while this action is unfortunate, our industry has been left with no option. As an industry we employ thousands, entertain millions and mean so much to so many.”
AALARA cited a number of theme parks, which have struggled through lockdowns, having been forced to pay up to $1.5 million for insurance this year when four years ago they secured coverage for $150,000.
Court in father-son drowning case hears that Airlie Beach Lagoon lifeguard contractor had no ‘relevant’ experience
A multi-million-dollar lawsuit in the Queensland Supreme Court over the drowning deaths of a Chinese father and child at Airlie Beach’s lagoon attraction in October 2018 has heard conflicting accounts over the pair’s final moments.
Jie Tan, whose husband Yuanwei Zhang and five-year-old son, Chenxi, is suing Whitsunday Regional Council (WRC) and its lifeguarding contractor, Ellmill Enterprises for $4.5 million (21 million yuan) in damages.
ASCTA adopts new identity as SWIM Coaches and Teachers Australia
Aiming to remain at the forefront as leaders in the everchanging aquatic industry, the Australia Swim Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA) has announced a rebranding and evolution into a new and exciting identity.
The association will now be known as Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia (SCTA).
Explaining the rebrand, SCTA President, Joanne Love stated “the stylised ‘swim’, currently incorporated into the Swim Australia™ logo will be the consistent theme across everything we do.
“The objective of the rebranding is to ensure that the ‘SWIM’ logo is instantly recognised and associated with everything SWIM Coaches and Teachers Australia does.”
Conference sees APOLA ride a wave of change
The Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association’s 2022 conference has seen the election of Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hopkins as APOLA President and the body adopt a new name - the Australian Pool and Ocean Lifeguard Association (APOLA) - in an effort to broaden its membership and influence. Commenting on the Association expanding its membership base, Hopkins explains “lifeguards play a vital role in the safety of millions of people who use waterways, pools and the coast every day.
“Lifeguards’ expertise and experience should be valued as they play a vital role in water safety which is often overlooked by Government and the industry.”
Working with the Australian Water Safety Council (AWSC) will be a priority for APOLA in supporting the AWSC aspirational goal of reducing drowning in Australia by 50% by 2030.
ASM Global’s new facial verifi cation technology. Credit: PopID
ASM Global introduces facial verification technology for live events
ASM Global has launched an ‘industry-first’ facial verification network for live events as part of its multi-year investment to ‘redefine’ the return of the industry by creating seamless and secure experiences.
The innovation, developed in partnership with technology provider PopID, which verifies payments and authenticates tickets via a fan’s face, includes payments, terminals and pointof-sale integrations, and is designed to streamline consumer transactions, irrespective of the payment method or network.
New $6 million live music precinct to open in Adelaide
Live Nation, Secret Sounds, Five Four Entertainment, and the team behind Brisbane’s successful Fortitude Music Hall and The Triffid venues have announced the launch details of a new live music venue for Adelaide - Hindley Street Music Hall - set to become one of the city’s premier music hubs and to include a separate street level nightclub and restaurant.
With an anticipated opening in August 2022, Hindley Street Music Hall will be a ground-breaking entertainment precinct for the city of Adelaide, acting as a hub for domestic and international touring artists.
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Funlab launches all new Laser Tag and Zero Latency Virtual Reality experience at Docklands
Adding to the already popular gaming at Archie Brothers Docklands, entertainment and hospitality provider, Funlab, has launched a ‘first-of-its-kind’ Laser Tag and Zero Latency Virtual Reality experience, featuring the latest generation entertainment platform.
Seen as one of the best virtual reality offerings available, the latest generation Zero Latency technology provides a substantially better user experience to create a completely immersive free-roam VR, with 5K resolution graphics and 3D spatial audio, transporting users into an unbelievable fantasy world that makes it hard to tell what is real and what isn’t. Both the laser tag and VR experiences add to the ‘hospo-tainment’ group’s stable of brands and brings more fun and excitement to the Docklands.
The Australian Institute of Fitness has partnered with ZeeFi - an Australian fintech specialist in education funding - to provide a ‘Study Now Pay Later’ solution to students.
The Australian Institute of Fitness (AIF) considers affordable and flexible education repayment plans to be crucial in opening access to those seeking to enter the leisure industry.
AIF General Manager Sales, Shane Neumann said there was always a proportion of prospective students who struggled to fund the education they required to change careers into something that is rewarding, and they are passionate about.
Fair Work Ombudsman takes former fitness centre operator to court
The Fair Work Ombudsman advises it has commenced legal action against the former operators of a fitness centre in Sydney.
Facing court are Core9 St Ives Pty Ltd, which formerly operated a Core9 Fitness franchise outlet in St Ives, and the company’s sole director Kyle Arnold.
The FWO is seeking penalties. Core9 St Ives Pty Ltd faces a penalty of up to $33,300 with Arnold facing a penalty of up to $6,660 for allegedly failing to comply with the Compliance Notice.
The regulator investigated after receiving a request for assistance from a worker who had been employed by Core9 St Ives Pty Ltd as a full-time marketing assistant between February 2018 and March 2021.
Yarra Valley Wine Region. Credit Vist Melbourne
Cedar Mill Group acquires prime Yarra Valley for planned Victorian premium tourist precinct
Winarch Capital-owned Cedar Mill Group has acquired a 100acre site on the Maroondah Highway in the Yarra Valley for its third purpose-built outdoor amphitheatre and tourism project, expected to open in 2024 at a cost of up to $200 million.
This strategic purchase is anticipated to be the beginning of Cedar Mill Group’s rollout of multiple sites in Victoria, as they are currently doing in NSW.
Plans for Cedar Mill Yarra Valley, which is just over one hour’s drive from Melbourne central, are to house a 300-bed hotel, conference and function facilities, three restaurants, 20 boutique villa units, tennis courts, a lake and gardens precinct, arts and craft village, and outdoor amphitheatre to host live concerts and events from major local and global touring acts.
2021 Melbourne Royal Show receives $3.2 million to support costs incurred from cancellation
The Federal Government is providing $3.2 million to the Melbourne Royal Show under Round 2 of the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program to support costs incurred from the cancelled 2021 event. Royal Melbourne Show/RACV. The Melbourne Royal Show was cancelled in 2021 for the second consecutive year in the interest of public health and safety due to COVID-19.
The Melbourne Royal Show promotes and celebrates excellence in agriculture, with thousands of rural and regional Victorian agricultural producers coming together. In a normal year the show attracts around 450,000 visitors over 11 days and contributes more than $244 million to the state’s economy.
Swim Jobs Victoria program sees launch of $3.4 million career recruitment package
Aiming to reverse the massive shortage of swimming teachers in Victoria, 280 new swimming teachers will be recruited and trained as part of a new ‘earn while you learn’ Swim Jobs Victoria initiative. A $3.4 million partnership between Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia (SCTA) and Jobs Victoria, the Swim Jobs Victoria program will enable jobseekers recruited into the program to access an income while completing the accredited training required to work in the industry.
AUSactive expands its National Awards Program in 2022
AUSactive has launched an expanded National Awards Program which includes 28 individual, business and community awards honouring Australia’s growing health and exercise industry.
AUSactive members, as well as wider community groups, can enter the National Awards Program, that has been significantly revamped following the AUSactive new brand rollout late last year.
AUSactive Chief Executive, Barrie Elvish said the evolution of the annual awards program was an important reflection of the increasing scope of AUSactive that now included Pilates, yoga and aqua professionals and businesses, as well as recognising the work community groups do to help people get active.
Collective Wellness Group’s Richard Peil buys into A-League’s Central Coast Mariners
The A-Leagues’ Central Coast Mariners have announced Richard Peil, co-founder and Director of the Collective Wellness Group, has joined the Club’s Board as a Director and will take on the role of Chair. Peil, who is understood to be making a significant financial investment in the club, will replace longstanding owner Mike Charlesworth on the Board of the Mariners and the Central Coast Mariners Academy as a Director.
Australia Zoo launches NFT project using world’s greenest blockchain
Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast is launching an NFT (non-fungible token) project, creating a unique Australian wildlife themed NFT collection. Aiming to help protect wildlife and wild places, the NFT collection is created on Algorand, the world’s first carbon-negative blockchain technology, and Australian technology startup Meadow Labs.
Les Mills research compares gym vs digital formats as most effective way to train
Les Mills Research Lab has conducted a pilot study comparing exertion and enjoyment levels between a live class in the gym and two digital formats (live-stream and on demand) of the same workout, with surprising results.
Taking a class at the gym brings better results and more enjoyment than doing the same workout digitally at home, according to new research presented recently at the 2022 American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Conference.
Believed to be the first of its kind, the pilot study from the Les Mills Research Lab compared a traditional fitness class in a gym setting with home-based live-stream and on-demand sessions performing the same workout.
Participants’ average heart rate was 14% higher during the gym class compared to the live-stream and on-demand sessions, despite being the exact same class format and release.
As well as motivating them to work harder, the gym-based workout was rated by participants as being 13% more enjoyable and 14% more satisfying than the two digital workouts.
Researchers believe the greater intensity and more positive perceptions of a gym-based class can be attributed to what they call ‘Groupness’.
The term was coined after previous research from Penn State University found that people in live group exercise classes experience increased levels of individual exertion, enjoyment, and satisfaction as a result of exercising together in a studio, particularly when their movements are synchronised.
Aventuur signs long-term ground lease for the site of the Perth Surf Park
Global surf park creator Aventuur has announced it has signed a long-term ground lease with the Western Australian Planning Commission for the site of the Perth Surf Park.
Located on Prinsep Road, Jandakot, adjacent to the Kwinana Freeway and Cockburn Central, the $100 million Perth Surf Park will be accessible from the Perth CBD and Perth Airport within 25 minutes. Offering authentic surfing, wellness and cultural experiences, the Perth Surf Park will cater to local and travelling surfers, adventurers, experience seekers and families of all ages and abilities.
Featuring a 56-module Wavegarden Cove surfing lagoon, the park’s perfect waves will be complemented by accommodation, beach club, quality bars and restaurants, retail stores, a health & wellness centre, casual workspaces, a high performance surf academy, a hire store offering board, wetsuit and equipment rentals, regular events and high-quality landscaped amenities.
New Arts and Culture Trust Board to replace Perth Theatre Trust
The formation of a new Arts and Culture Trust Board for Western Australia marks the start of a new era - moving away from the Perth Theatre Trust (PTT), which was limited to managing theatres.
The new authority will oversee a range of art and cultural assets other than just theatres, and apply a State-wide lens to engagement, business activities and presentation of productions for the arts and the community.
The new Arts and Culture Trust (ACT) and Board is effective from 1st July 2022 with highly regarded industry experts appointed to take on board roles.
Rainforestation Nature Park Kuranda announced as global Peace Park
Award-winning Rainforestation Nature Park Kuranda has been announced as an IIPT Global Peace Park. In collaboration with SKAL International Cairns, and the Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference, the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) welcomed and dedicated the park with a special ceremony at Rainforestation. There are over 450 IIPT Global Peace Parks throughout the world, which dedicate a piece of land to the commitment of ‘Building a Culture of Peace’.
Rainforestation Nature Park Kuranda joins several other Peace Parks around Australia - the Lone Pine Peace Park in the Blue Mountains, Q Station in Sydney, and a Peace Promenade in Hobart incorporated within the new Macquarie Point development.
Gemba and ClimatePartner join forces for sport and entertainment sustainability strategies
Leading sport consultancy Gemba has teamed up with ClimatePartner - a world leader in global climate action, to offer tailored climate action strategies for rights-holders and sponsors in the region.
By coming together in the APAC region, Gemba and ClimatePartner are offering a service to guide rights-holders through the key components of a sustainability strategy - measurement, reduction of emissions, offset programs and communication strategies. All this is augmented with Gemba’s deep understanding of building world-class sport and entertainment organisations.
From measuring corporate and product carbon footprints, to reducing and offsetting those emissions, all the way to communicating positive outcomes, the partnership gives Gemba’s clients a tailored solution as part of their sustainability journey.
Gumbuya World looks back on a successful summer
Victorian amusement, water and wildlife park Gumbuya World has reported on its performance since the end of the state’s lockdown late last year.
Having experienced almost two years of closures, Gumbuya World Chief Executive, Ron Weinzierl told Australasian Leisure Management “the summer was very successful coming out of Victoria`s COVID lockdown.
“In December we had really strong support from our education community for both (our) wildlife and Oasis Springs water park. We also had a great response to our COVID front line support week.”
This initiative saw Gumbuya World offer free entry for COVID frontline workers in celebration of its third birthday.
Sport NZ revives Push Play campaign to get nation moving again
Sport New Zealand has relaunched its Push Play campaign, aiming to get people to add more movement into their day to day lives.
New research from Sport NZ’s Active NZ survey has shown that physical activity levels dropped significantly in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, with adults doing 16% fewer hours. And while physical activity rates have rebounded to some degree, many New Zealanders are still struggling to get back into the swing of things.
Advising that the campaign is about making physical activity simple and achievable, Sport NZ Chief Executive, Raelene Castle notes “whether that’s walking, online classes or reconnecting with your local sports club. We’re encouraging all New Zealanders to ‘Push Play’ in whatever ways work for them.”
