26 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
Aussie World’s first rollercoaster - the Dingo Racer - has opened to thrill-seeking guests
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The spinning coaster has a capacity of 960 people per hour, seats four people per car and is open to anyone over the height of 120cm. It travels along the coaster track up to 14 metres in the air before twisting and turning along the track up to speeds of 72km/h. Coffs Harbour City Council has unveiled the $14 million Coffs Coast Regional Sports Hub Stage 2 Project which delivers a comprehensive range of sporting facilities that cater to local through to elite requirements.
The construction phase of the $28.4 million Salisbury Aquatic and Recreation Precinct Redevelopment in North Salisbury, South Australia has commenced.
The historic Toll House situated within Sydney’s Moore Park Precinct has been transformed into an inclusive fitness and wellness facility with the original 1860s building cleverly renovated and restored to become a state-ofthe-art gym and group fitness space.
The City of Rockingham, located south of Perth, has completed a $5 million project that has involved expanding and upgrading Koorana Reserve to boost sporting opportunities for residents living in Warnbro, Waikiki, Port Kennedy and surrounding areas.
Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District has welcomed the official opening of the prestigious Hong Kong Palace Museum.
The demolition of the old EJ Whitten Stand in Melbourne’s Inner West is making way for a major upgrade of facilities at Footscray’s Whitten Oval, along with providing training and administrative headquarters for the AFL’s Western Bulldogs FC and the home ground of its reserve team which competes in the VFL.
Monarto Safari Park has opened ‘The Outpost’ education centre - a transformation of the previous Visitor Centre which offers a welcoming education space to ignite passion in protecting and saving species.
VenuesLive, the newly-appointed operator of the Central Coast Stadium, has commenced a search for a new naming rights partner for the venue.
City Venue Management has opened a new Fish N Flips swim school in Townsville within the Stage Four expansion of the Fairfield Homemaker Centre.
New lifeguard facilities at Bondi Beach including tower renovations and a new first aid building, part of Waverley Council’s project to improve beachgoer safety and responses to major incidents, are due to be completed in September.
The new South Australian State Centre of Football has officially opened, with the venue now commercially known as ServiceFM Stadium following a naming-rights deal.
Financial report reveals Netball Australia’s crisis
Following the making public of Netball Australia’s latest full financial reports, the details on the governing body’s financial position is fuelling speculation around the future of the national sporting organisation and its Super Netball competition.
The sport’s governing body has lost $7.2 million in the past two years and is in the process of extending $4.2 million worth of loans until 2025.
The sport’s losses increased by 55% to $4.36 million in 2021 and while revenue for the last financial period was up by 4% to $30 million, this was offset by increases in operating expenses including high-performance programs (up 9% to $2.6 million) and engagement and social impact costs increasing by $1.9 million to $2.4 million.
Amid reports that the governing body could face foreclosure, Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells stated “I have been advised that none of the issues affecting Netball Australia have or will have an impact on community and grassroots sport.”
Fixed price negotiated for Christchurch multi-use arena, Te Kaha
Christchurch City Council has been advised by Te Kaha Project Delivery Limited that it has been successful in negotiating a fixed price for Te Kaha multi-use arena with its lead contractor BESIX Watpac.
Based on the fixed price contract negotiated, there is confidence that the multi-use arena can be delivered for a total project cost of $683 million - a figure that includes sufficient contingency to cover any issues that might emerge during the build. Meanwhile, Lancaster Park the city’s main stadium before the 2011 earthquakes, has been transformed into community sports fields.
FLUIDRA announces backing for ASSA’S SAFERwater Warriors program
FLUIDRA Australia has revealed that it is to support the Australian Swim Schools Association’s SAFERwater Warriors program.
With a mission to create the perfect pool and wellness experience, Fluidra’s partnering with the Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) helps communicate the SAFERwater Warriors message. The partnership aligns well with the leading manufacturer and supplier of swimming pool equipment’s values and environmental and social governance initiatives to improve the safety of all who enjoy the pool environment. The ASSA SAFERwater Warriors program features child friendly characters, each communicating the vital layers of protection using the SAFER Swimming acronym.
New exercise skill set qualification released for rising aqua fitness sector
Growing in popularity as it attracts a new legion of participants, a new instructor training program has been launched for aqua fitness.
Three and a half years in the making, this new program, developed in consultation with AUSactive, SkillsIQ and a range of industry input, provides a structured skill set program to ensure instructors have appropriate professional qualifications to meet the increasing demand and ensure the safety of participants in the water.
With increasing awareness of the benefits of low impact exercise for strength building, fitness and injury recovery, water-based fitness programs are in high demand. The sector is attracting young and old, with many top athletes incorporating water training and new tools such as aqua pole, spin bikes and drag resistance equipment alongside their traditional training programs.
New Shareholders and Directors to drive expansion of Coffs Harbour’s The Big Banana
Aiming to expand The Big Banana Fun Park as not only a Coffs Harbour attraction for short stopovers, but as a major tourism destination in its own right, its owners have recently released new shares to “sophisticated and professional investors”.
To date, 3.4 million additional shares have been issued, raising over $4.1 million to assist with the implementation of the attraction’s Master Plan and Capital Expenditure program.
Federal Court orders Viagogo to pay $7 million penalty for misleading Australian consumers
Ticket resale company Viagogo has been ordered to pay a $7 million penalty for misleading Australian consumers, after its appeal against a previous judgement was rejected in the Federal Court.
The ruling follows the Switzerland-based reseller having, back in 2019, been found by the Federal Court to have made misleading claims on its website relating to the reselling of tickets to live music and other events.
Appealing the judgement and the seven-figure fine imposed upon it, Viagogo was unsuccessful in arguing that it had not breached Australian Consumer Law.
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Norm Graham Ranger at Arakwal National Park. Credit: NPWS Consultation commences on new model for Aboriginal joint management of NSW national parks
Consultation has commenced on the development of a new model which could lead to the handback of title to all NSW national parks, which cover nearly 10% of NSW, over a 15 to 20 year period.
Expanding Aboriginal joint management will be a significant, practical step towards Reconciliation and Closing the Gap targets because it enhances opportunities for Aboriginal employment and businesses, while strengthening the role of Aboriginal people in decision-making, cultural heritage protection and park management.
Australian Institute of Sport delivers new video technology to benefit coaches and athletes
New state-of-the-art video technology from the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) is helping to give coaches and athletes real-time feedback as they train.
The AIS Video Optimisation Grants program, supported by the Australian Government and in partnership with Australian company Fulcrum Technology has so far allocated a total of $1.17million worth of multicamera video training systems across 28 high performance training centres spread across every Australian state and territory, including: Perth Hockey Stadium, WA; Squash Australia’s High Performance Training Centre on the Gold Coast, Queensland; Surfing Australia’s High Performance Training Centre in Tweed Heads, NSW; the National Snowsports Training Centre in Jindabyne, NSW; and the Combat Institute of Australia in Melbourne.
AIS Video Optimisation Grant. Kieren Perkins with Kookaburras
New venture capital firm XT Ventures looks to invest in fitness, sport and wellness businesses
A new venture capital firm, XT Ventures, has announced the creation of a new fund to invest in fitness, sport and wellness start-ups.
With leading health insurer HCF among the first companies to invest into the fund, Fund General Partner Andrew Fagan is confident that its activities will give new ventures a significant boost.
Fagan, who brings more than 25 years of experience in the sports industry and insights and operational leadership experience, spent nearly a decade with the Australian Institute of Sport, followed by 20 years running large professional clubs in rugby and AFL.
International Visitor Survey results show export tourism industry will take time to recover
The latest International Visitor Survey results - the first solid measure of Australia’s inbound market since borders reopened - show the export tourism industry will take some time to recover as both domestic and international pressures continue to dampen demand.
ATEC Managing Director Peter Shelley said barriers to rebuilding include economy wide issues like staffing, international pressures such as fuel prices and the war in Ukraine as well as Australia’s own bureaucratic systems.
Shelley noted “the recovery of Australia’s $45 billion tourism export industry is both a marketing challenge in attracting intending travellers to come to Australia, as well as tourism product challenge, ensuring we can rebuild our travel offering which has been significantly eroded by the pandemic.”
Accredited training program looks to address shortage of entertainment technicians
The national shortage in experienced technical crew members caused by people having left the industry for more secure work during the pandemic is to be addressed by the implementation of a new, $750,000 accredited industry training program.
Arts Centre Melbourne will partner with Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and Stage QLD to deliver the training program, which is specifically focused on technical crews in the performing arts.
Kai Tak Sports Park opening delayed until 2024 as pandemic impacts construction supplies
The Kai Tak Sports Park - the new sports and entertainment precinct being developed in Hong Kong - will not be ready for its planned opening date in 2023 after delays in construction work, with the main 50,000-seat stadium now not set to open until 2024.
Completion of the adjacent indoor sports arena, which has a seating capacity of up to 10,000, has also slipped to mid-2024. However, a public sports ground designed for community sports, sports days, training sessions and domestic competitions, including 5,000 spectator seats, is still anticipated to open as of late next year.
PAC Australia announces a new name and approach for their annual awards
Performing Arts Connections Australia’s annual awards which celebrate best practice and innovation in performing arts are to be renamed the Impact Awards to reflect the impact Performing Arts Centres have in their local communities. PAC Australia has presented the awards, previously known as the Drover Awards, since 2003. From the
PAC 2019 Awards Linda Christof Dubbo Regional 2022 ceremony, which Theatre and Convention Centre will be presented at the Australian Performing Arts Exchange (APAX) in September, the awards will be known as the Impact Awards.
Sydney Opera House reveals its newly transformed Concert Hall
After more than two years of extensive renewal works, the Sydney Opera House has opened the $190 million transformation of its largest performance space, the Concert Hall.
The major works of the largest and final project in the World Heritage-listed venue’s Decade of Renewal, a 10-year program of capital works totalling almost $300 million, have been completed ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2023.
The complex renovation of the Sydney harbourside venue combines respect for heritage with cutting-edge technological innovations, including state-of-the-art theatre machinery and staging systems. These systems better equip the hall in presenting an ambitious range of performances, from classical music to contemporary concerts, theatre and beyond.
The project has improved the acoustics for artists and audiences in both orchestral and amplified mode, enhanced access for people with mobility needs, and provided a more flexible and safer working environment for staff behind the scenes.
Opera House Chief Executive Louise Herron enthused “we’re thrilled to be welcoming the community back to the renewed Concert Hall. Artists and audiences are set to experience world-class acoustics in a venue that is more accessible, safer and better equipped to present the full breadth of 21st century performance. We have been working towards this moment for a long time and are incredibly grateful to the NSW Government and to everyone else involved in making this once-in-a-lifetime project possible.
“You can feel the clarity and warmth now in both amplified and symphonic mode; the range of sound is much clearer now.”
Since the venue closed for renovations in February 2020, hundreds of construction workers, acousticians, architecture and heritage experts have been busy delivering the biggest upgrade to the Concert Hall since it opened almost 50 years ago, with all possible care and attention taken to protect and respect the heritage of this treasured performance space.
Special acoustic diffusion panels have been added to the venue’s timber box fronts, allowing for a more balanced and true sound for non-amplified performances while a new state-of-the-art sound system has also improved the venue’s capability for amplified performances.
Other upgrades have improved accessibility with a new lift and passageway making it possible for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility to access all levels of the hall independently.
The stage has been lowered by 400mm to improve sightlines and create more intimacy between artists and audiences. Backstage areas have also been enlarged.
A world-class team of experts including original structural engineers Arup, ARM Architecture, heritage advisors Design 5, theatre consultants Theatreplan, construction firm Taylor, specialist theatre machinery contractor Waagner Biro, building services engineers Steensen Varming, acousticians MüllerBBM and the Opera House’s renewal project team have seamlessly integrated the upgrades into the existing structure. All works have been carried out in line with the Opera House’s Conservation Management Plan to ensure the upgrades respect the original interiors, designed by Peter Hall, the architect who completed the Opera House after Danish designer Jorn Utzon departed the project during its construction.
The Concert Hall is one of the world’s largest (2600 seats) and longest (45 metres) performing arts halls in the world.
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Wellington Zoo becomes the first zoo to receive Rainbow Tick certification
Wellington Zoo has officially become the first zoo in the world to be accredited with the Rainbow Tick certification, solidifying the Zoo’s position as a safe and welcoming environment for members and allies of Aotearoa’s Rainbow Community.
The Rainbow Tick certification process tests whether a workplace understands and welcomes sexual and gender diversity. Wellington Zoo was evaluated on their LGBTTQIA+ inclusion in five areas: policies, staff training, staff engagement and support, external engagement, and monitoring.
The Australian Sporting Alliance for People with a Disability (ASAPD) has launched a new website as a central place for the sport sector to access information and resources relating to inclusive sports for those with a disability, impairment, or limitation.
The launch of the website is part of the strategic plan of the ASAPD, and the Alliance has set its sights on becoming the ‘go-to’ authority for information. This website aims to support a one voice strategy, thereby driving better outcomes for the nine members of the ASAPD.
A $19 million National Cricket Campus has been launched in Brisbane delivering a new home for women’s cricket and a premier venue for state, national and youth championships.
The National Cricket Campus is spread over two sites including Allan Border Field and the Northern Suburbs District Cricket Club grounds at Shaw Road, Kedron.
Upgrades at Kedron include an ultramodern pavilion, new turf wickets on three ovals, 16 turf practice wickets with nets, new lighting, more carparking and better public facilities.
Les Mills exergaming
AusPlay report shows a growth in popularity of surfing, skate sports and exergaming
While Australians of all ages return to sport after more than two years of disruptions through COVID, according to the Australian Sports Commission’s latest national AusPlay report, titled ‘How Australians’ participation in sport and physical activity is adapting to COVID-normal’, surfing, skate sports and exergaming are becoming more popular.
An estimated 196,000 Australians 15+ have taken up surfing and 119,000 have taken up skate sports since 2019. The majority of these are women.
Among team sports, basketball (with an estimated 219,000 extra participants), football/soccer (196,000), volleyball (121,000) and cricket (102,000) are leading the sector’s COVID-19 recovery after recording significant increases in participation since 2019.
Royal Life Saving report spotlights equal access to aquatic facilities
Having commissioned a new report to review the legal and human rights frameworks governing aquatic facilities in Australia, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia has found a new non-discrimination guideline for pool operators is needed to help ensure equal access to public aquatic facilities.
While research into the barriers of accessing facilities and programs has been undertaken previously, this report goes deeper to increase an understanding of some of the less obvious barriers.
The report, ‘Equal Access to Public Aquatic Facilities: Guidance for Local Councils, Facility Managers and the Aquatic Sector’, was authored by Dr Beth Goldblatt from the Faculty of Law at the University of Technology Sydney. The report also reviews discrimination law.
Inactivity costs Australia’s healthcare system $2 billion per year
A global Deloitte Report, commissioned by The Global Health & Fitness Alliance, in collaboration with AUSactive, has analysed health and fitness industry impacts on 46 countries - showing transforming inactive individuals to active is key to cutting healthcare costs and raising GDP.
In its Australia report, Deloitte found the Australian health and fitness sector had a direct GDP contribution of $1.52 billion and an indirect contribution of a further $2.49 billion from its supply chain.
The Belgravia Group has launched Recreational Gymnastics Australia at the Gymnastics Clubs Australia National Congress in Darwin - supporting the growing popularity of recreational gymnastics across the country.
Recreation Gymnastics Australia (RGA) is an industry-focused organisation committed to supporting and advancing recreational gymnastic
coaches nationally.
The first task of the RGA is to establish the Gymnastics Coach Accreditation Framework to focus on workforce development for recreational gymnastics programs including training, accreditation and provision of insurance. Accreditation will be available from January 2023.
Zoos Victoria to take on management of Kyabram Fauna Park
The Victorian Government has announced that the management of the Kyabram Fauna Park in the Goulburn River Valley will be taken over by Zoos Victoria. From October, the regional wildlife park will join Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary, gaining access to $3 million in Victorian Government funding that will benefit the resident wildlife, deliver improved staff opportunities and increase tourism to northern Victoria.
Secured after several years of negotiations, the facility will be officially transformed into the state’s fourth zoo.
Lift Brands investment to drive Fitstop’s international expansion
Australia gym franchise business Fitstop is reported to be ready to expand in the USA, backed by a $3.3 million investment from global fitness franchisor Lift Brands. The capital injection follows on from the company (the parent brand to Snap Fitness and Fitness On Demand) securing a 30% stake in Brisbane-based Fitstop early last year.
The latest funding will be used for Fitstop’s US expansion including establishing the 10 locations already secured with business owners across California.
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ASM Global technology partnership to deliver new venue management platform
Global venue management company and live event producer ASM Global has agreed a multi-year partnership with cloud software firm Infor that will deliver the live entertainment industry’s first fully integrated booking, sales, food and beverage and event management platform for domestic and international venues.
ASM is already deploying the recently developed software at select arenas, stadiums, theatres and convention centres across the USA before the rollout is expanded to ASM’s global facility portfolio with an expected completion by December.
Canstar Blue research reveals Les Mills as having New Zealand’s most satisfied customers
Research undertaken by consumer ratings agency Canstar Blue has shown that Les Mills delivers the Most Satisfied Customers among New Zealand’s gyms.
Canvassing the opinions of 607 New Zealanders who regularly use their gym memberships, Canstar Blue measured and tracked satisfaction across categories including atmosphere, equipment and facilities, flexibility and perks, staff availability and value for money.
The research also revealed three of the biggest grumbles made by gym members were overcrowding, cleanliness and other annoying gym members.
In Australia, Canstar Blue rated F45 for delivering highest levels of customer satisfaction for the fourth consecutive year.
Recreation Aotearoa Board and Staff 2022
Recreation Aotearoa’s significant development over the years, has seen them become the first Sport NZ partner to achieve Governance Mark for the second time.
To achieve the Mark an organisation shows alignment with the Governance Framework for sport and recreation in New Zealand. The framework covers the key areas of clarity and cohesion; people; boardroom processes; and integrity and accountability. An organisation attaining the Mark must go through a process of self-assessment, third-party review, governance development and reassessment.
Gemba research shows Australian sports organisations behind in the data game
Research undertaken by leading sport and entertainment consultancy Gemba, to understand the current state of data and analytics maturity across the Australian sports industry has revealed that Australian sports organisations rated themselves on average 5.6 out of 10 for data maturity. The research revealed satisfaction with data technology, use of membership, ticketing data, and datadriven marketing barely rated a pass mark. Only in high-performance did sports organisations feel moderately satisfied with their use of data and analytics, rating themselves 7.4 on average.
The research revealed that there is a large gap between intent and execution when it comes to leveraging data to support organisational objectives in sport.
Shareholders back sale of Ardent Leisure’s US-based Main Event business
Shareholders of Ardent Leisure have overwhelmingly backed a proposal to sell the business’ US-based Main Event division, to NASDAQ-listed restaurant and entertainment business Dave & Busters.
The vote means Ardent Leisure will exit the US entertainment market to focus on its remaining Australian businesses - Gold Coast theme parks Dreamworld and WhiteWater World and the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the top of the Q1 skyscraper at Surfers Paradise.
The deal will see Dave & Busters acquire the Main Event social entertainment centres for $1.1 billion.
Australian Sports Commission’s Kieran Perkins delivers a vision for sport
Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Chief Executive Kieran Perkins presented the NSC oration at the opening of the 2022 National Sports and Physical Activity Convention (NSC) in Melbourne.
Having just passed 100 days in the role, Perkins outlined a desire to achieve a vision to have more Australians playing more sport, underpinned by three supporting pillars: helping Australians understand the significant benefits of sport; enabling sports organisations to be able to deliver; and driving involvement and inclusion in sport.
Referencing the 10-year “green and gold runway” of Australia hosting multiple international sporting events up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Perkins emphasised that he is in his role “to deliver for sport”.
Having worked in senior roles in banking for more than a decade before taking on the role of Chief Executive at the ASC (for which he was a Commissioner/board member from 2001 to 2007), Perkins explained he sees his responsibility as being about “making sure that our athletes and coaches are absolutely given the best opportunity to be ready to perform.”
BFT opens 200th studio
The ongoing growth of BFT (Body Fit Training) has seen the group open its 200th site in the Auckland suburb of Flat Bush.
Doubling its market growth year on year since its launch in 2017, the brand is approaching a sell out of available franchise territories in New Zealand with 57 locations sold and 22 open.
Having last year secured a $60 million dollar cash upfront partnership with Xponential Fitness to launch in the US and Canada, the business’ regional expansion now sees it operating 154 studios in Australia, with 236 territories sold and 21 studios open in Singapore with 37 territories sold.
It will also be opening its first UK studio in September.
Wellington’s St James Theatre reopens with first performances in three years
Following its restoration, St James Theatre in Wellington has reopened and is celebrating with its first performances in three years.
Bought by Wellington City Council in 1993, it is the city’s leading venue for large-scale theatre, opera, and ballet.
The restoration signals the revitalisation of Wellington’s theatre district and the ability to, once again, bring world-class theatre experiences, cultural diversity, and performances to Wellingtonians and visitors alike.
Sydney’s National Centre of Indigenous Excellence set to remain open
A high-profile dispute between the Indigenous Land and Sea Council (ILSC) and the new owners of the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE), the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC), appears to have been resolved with the Redfern facility to remain open. Having incurred significant operational losses, the ILSC had threatened to see the facility closed and around 50 staff made redundant.
Rising Melbourne Royal Show carnival costs due to increased insurance costs for ride operators
With media reports advising of the rising costs of rides at the 2022 Melbourne Royal Show, carnival attractions operators having pointed out that increases are being driven by rising costs.
Carnival operator Damian De Jong, owner of Action Events told Melbourne’s The Age, ride prices would be up this year as the sector battled rising insurance costs and increases across the board, from petrol to the fluffy toys used as sideshow prizes.
De Jong noted “everything’s going up … inflation is killing all of us. Our insurance has gone up 400% in the last two years (and) there’s only one insurer who will cover amusement rides in Australia.”
Set to return at the end of September after a two-year absence, the Melbourne Royal Show has also revealed a partnership with Live Nation to deliver a live music program of major acts including The Veronicas, Baker Bay and Havana Brown.
New Zealand Government unveils plan for tourism industry transformation
New Zealand Minister of Tourism Stuart Nash has unveiled a draft plan that aims to transform the nation’s tourism industry with a focus on sustainability. Unveiling the draft of the ‘He Mahere Tiaki Kaimahi/ Industry Transformation
Minister Nash at the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand’s annual conference in Nelson Better Work Action Plan’ at the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand’s annual conference, Minister Nash delivered a vision of how to change perception, improve conditions and strengthen the workforce through a “regenerative tourism system”.
Minister confirms cost of terminating Singapore Sports Hub partnership
The Singapore Government has revealed that the cost of terminating the public-private partnership (PPP) for the operation of the Singapore Sports Hub will reach S$2.3 billion (US$1.67 billion).
In June, Sport Singapore (SportSG) announced that it will take over the ownership and management of the Sports Hub from current operator SportsHub Pte Ltd (SHPL) on 9th December. SHPL, a consortium set up to build and operate the Sports Hub and which has been running the complex since it opened in 2014, had been due to run the precinct until 2035.
Ticket Rocket’s unsecured creditors unlikely to get payout
Receivers attempting to generate value from the assets of defunct ticket company Ticket Rocket are reportedly having little luck in selling the company’s ticket platform software code.
Believed to be the one asset of value left to sell, receivers have been unable to generate buyer interest.
As a result, and with the company’s accounts reported to be in a “terrible state”, the prospect of a payout for unsecured creditors is now getting less likely.
Fortress Information Systems, trading as Ticket Rocket and previously known as TicketDirect, was placed into receivership and liquidation in 2020, with associated companies Dash Group and Dash Tickets New Zealand also placed in receivership.
New report predicts ongoing growth for Australia’s sportstech industry
The Australian Sports Technologies Network’s inaugural report on the nation’s sportstech industry shows its rapid growth and potential to be one of the most mature and interconnected sportstech industries in the world. Marking ASTN’s 10th anniversary, the Sports Innovation Report 2022 quantifies the rapid evolution of the sportstech industry over the past decade, showing it is on track to reach unprecedented levels. With the global sportstech industry estimated to be worth $US17.9 billion in 2021, it is expected to grow by 17.5% per annum to more than $US40 billion by 2026.
VMA opens 2022 Venue Management School for enrolments
The Venue Management Association (Asia Pacific) has opened enrolments for its 2022 Venue Management School, encompassing the VMA Leadership Institute.
The only industry run school of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region, this immersive program combines the ultimate venue industry networking experience with a tailored education program essential to any venue industry professional.
Held over five days from 6th to 11th November 2022 at the Mantra and Peppers on Salt Beach Kingscliff in Northern NSW, the internationally recognised School combines 35 industry specific subjects delivered by 23 executive level industry Instructors. For more information go to www.vma.org.au
Deakin University report says sport industry jobs set to boom
A new national survey by Deakin University has revealed that while 97% of the population believe that Australia is a sporting nation, there is still low awareness of the projected industry growth and career potential in sport.
Speaking to over 1000 Australian parents and 300 high school students aged 16-17, the survey sought to understand the population’s sentiment towards sport and careers in sportrelated fields.
The survey comes as Australia is set to enter an unprecedented decade of sport - with the nation anticipated to host 10 major global sporting events over the next 10 years, generating thousands of job opportunities for those interested in sport-related fields.
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