CEO REPORT

2017 was an important year for SPASA Australia.

The growing demand for a stronger, unified and collective voice that represents and promotes our industry took a historical step on the 1st of January 2017 when SPASA NSW & ACT, QLD and SA successfully merged into SPASA Australia.

Thank You

I would like to put front and centre my thanks to all those who have been a part of delivering the outcomes achieved during this year. The SPASA Australia Board of Directors have shown true leadership setting the standard for culture and strategy. The committees and members have all played a vital role in the outcomes achieved this year, providing guidance and regular feedback. By anyone’s measure, the year delivered outcomes that see immediate positive changes for members and a platform for growth in following years.

The last 18 months has unprecedented support from the volunteer board and committees, members, suppliers and staff to merge 4 separate business entities together. During this process a single unified culture has been developed by and resilient and hardworking staff who I am blessed to lead. This positive can-do culture has continued to deliver the day to day the services for members throughout the immense distribution of the mergers. Consumers saw no pause or fault in our marketing, phone or digital support. New member services and benefits were delivered via an operational efficient association.

Providing leadership for the swimming pool and spa industry is a critical part of everything we do, helping to fulfil our vision of having a positive impact on the consumer, regulators and government. Equally, making sure that swimming pool and spa ownership is promoted in a way that is seen as the only choice for consumers who are considering other options.

Marketing & Communication

We have continued to take a strategic approach to media and government relations on key issues, which has helped raise our profile as the “voice” of the industry. Our branding and reputation as a powerful Peak Industry Body is rapidly growing.

Increased investment in Consumer Expos, Magazines, Digital, Awards and other programs will be under constant review to improve our promotion of members to consumers and industry. A special thanks to Astral Pool Australia as our 2017 Platinum Sponsor and AB Phillips our Partner in Insurance and finance.

Every organisation needs systems. To support our vision and strategic goals, we are continuing to address information technology changes, which will enable further enhancements to the way in which we communicate with our members, deliver education programs online and provide information via our website.

Training & Education

SPASA Australia continues to be the industry leader for all competency-based education for members and the broader swimming pool and spa industry. We continue to remain the only swimming pool and spa dedicated Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in Australia who provides Accredited National Training for both Pool and Spa Service Technicians and Swimming Pool Builders.

Membership

Members are our greatest asset.

The association continues to consolidate its position as a peak body representing the swimming pool and spa industry in Australia. Strong membership growth continues to be the foundation which underpins SPASA Australia’s reputation as the pre-eminent voice in representing, supporting and promoting the industry.

Advocacy

SPASA Australia’s credibility in its advocacy relationships with Government, Regulators and industry stakeholders and has played a significant part in influencing Australia’s policy settings and regulatory framework.

77%

Training increase over 2016

745

Members & growing

Fighting for the industry

Consumer and Trade Expos

SPASA Australia directly controls consumers expos in NSW and SA, which are hugely successful and contribute millions of dollars in consumer sales to members across Australia.

The launch of the SPASA Leadership Convention was a resounding success and a turning point for industry. The Convention was designed for current leaders looking to grow their business and for those looking to make leadership their vocation.

Our acquisition of SPLASH! is part of SPASA Australia’s integrated strategy and delivers on a key objective – to engage more with members while expanding the brand’s exposure to a larger audience.

Following our recent alliance with Pool+Spa media, the acquisition of SPLASH! is a natural progression for the association as it increases our skill set, expands our communication reach and provides another collaborative model to shape the industry.

Members Voice

Behind all the various aspects of the Association is Membership. The direct feedback received is the driving force behind every decision made to promote grow and protect the industry. Thank you to all Members for your support of SPASA Australia.

Lindsay McGrath

Chief Executive Officer