Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147 2021

www.ausleisure.com.au

ISSUE 147

VENUES

Perth’s AFL Grand Final Digital Ticketing and Engagement

AQUATICS Print Post Approved PP100022562

Pool Covers Skills in the Pilbara

DESIGN

Post Pandemic Considerations Contemporary Surf Club

ACTIVITY

Fitness Australia Rebrands Effective Decision Making

ATTRACTIONS Insurance Challenges Theme Park Recovery

PLUS

Franchise Warriors Giant Video Screens Tenpin Bowling’s National Championships

contents

Issue 147

24

30

40

62

52

48

features 18

A Grand Final for the ages Optus Stadium’s AFL Grand Final hosting

24

Venue Design in a post-pandemic world Facility design is being impacted by new considerations

30

Pool Covers: Solutions for Reducing Energy Costs Simple solutions to reduce costs

36

Big Screen Scene Big Screen Video’s installation at Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast

40

Bold new vision for the Health and Wellbeing of Australia Fitness Australia rebrands as AUSactive

44

Actioning a more Active Nation Data and insights improve decision making

46

Franchise opportunities in childrens’ fitness

COVER: Action from the 2021 AFL Grand Final at Perth’s Optus Stadium.

Credit: VenuesLive.

48

regulars

50

6 From the Publisher 8 Two Months in Leisure 66 People in brief

More than a Ticket Innovations delivering unique patron experiences

Encouraging Natural Behaviours Pico Play’s formula for wildlife parks and attractions

52

Theme Parks ready to Entertain The latest TEA/AECOM global attractions report

58

67 People 69 Products

Activity Franchise Warriors

Can the Show go on?

The potential of a Discretionary Mutual Fund

60

Making Waves on Sydney’s Northern Beaches The new Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club

www.ausleisure.com.au for all the latest industry news, products and events

62

To subscribe go to subscribe.ausleisure.com.au

64

Children Showcase Aquatic Skills in the Pilbara Royal Life Saving WA’s annual Pilbara Spirit Carnival

4 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

Live Championships drive Digital Engagement Tenpin Bowling Australia’s National Championships

From the Publisher Resurgence

Published by Australian Leisure Media Pty Ltd, 102 Taiyul Road, North Narrabeen, NSW 2101 (PO Box 478, Collaroy, NSW 2097) AUSTRALIA ABN 32 092 549 721

Tel: 02 9970 8322 E-mail: leisure@ausleisure.com.au www.ausleisure.com.au Twitter: @AusLeisure Facebook: www.facebook.com/AusLeisure Editor Karen Sweaney Publisher Nigel Benton Design Australian Leisure Media Pty Ltd Contributors James Croll and Gwen Luscombe

Advertising Inquiries Nigel Benton Tel: 02 9970 8322 Email: nigel@ausleisure.com.au Printed in Australia by Pegasus Print Group Building B, 1A Bessemer Street, Blacktown NSW 2148 Tel: 02 8822 0600, www.pegasusprintgroup.com.au Annual subscriptions cost $99 in Australia and New Zealand.

Details at subscribe.ausleisure.com.au or call 02 8227 6486.

Members of AALARA, ARNA, ASPA, ASSA, EVANZ, ExerciseNZ, IAKS, LIWA Aquatics, the Sports and Play Industry Association and the VMA receive the magazine as a membership benefit.

The views contained in Australasian Leisure Management are not necessarily those of Australian Leisure Media Pty Ltd or the Editor. While every care is taken with advice given, Australian Leisure Media Pty Ltd and the Editor can take no responsibility for effects arising therefrom. Views expressed by contributors may be personal and are not necessarily the views of their employers or professional associations.

© Australasian Leisure Management, 2021.

ISSN 1446-1374

Official Publication

In Association with

As 2021 comes to a close, none too quickly for many in the industry, a sense of resurgence is in the air.

With lockdowns eased, or poised to be eased, and significant percentages of the population double-vaccinated, consumers are ready to experience this industry’s offerings to attain, achieve, enjoy and be entertained.

Campaigns from the likes of the Australia Council and Ticketmaster are encouraging people to again enjoy live experiences.

Aiming to drive a return to live entertainment, Ticketmaster’s two short films - Radical Hope and Back To Live - explore the impact the pandemic has had on Australia’s live industry.

The documentaries give a behind the scenes look from the perspective of promoters, artists, production crew, ticketing agents, and all those involved in getting shows back on the road across the country through lockdowns and imposed restrictions on mass gatherings.

Bolstered by the passion and determination of the people that keep it running, the films show a resilience that not only applies to the live sector but that is also present across the entire leisure industry.

Such resilience will be vital in attracting consumers’ time and spending in 2022, particularly in reversing the ongoing crisis of inactivity - a trend that has been exaggerated during lockdowns.

To that end, this issue reports on Fitness Australia rebranding as AUSactive, reinvigorating its activities to fight the nation’s inactivity crisis and the establishment of the new Active Australia Alliance which aims to bring employers in the ‘community leisure’ sector to collectively present to the Federal Government with an understanding of how the community leisure industry supports their preventative health plan.

Remembering Industry Legends It’s sad that this issue contains farewells (vale is the Latin word to say farewell) to three significant figures in this industry: Neil Cox, Brendan Edwards and Bob Romanes.

Knowing them all, and enjoying close friendships with Brendan and Bob - both of whom I had massive respect and affection for - I hope that the obituaries on our People page go some way to recognising their professional achievements.

It’s also appropriate to recognise the support Brendan and Bob gave to this publication.

From the time when Australasian Leisure Management was founded, Bob and I had many debates about the word ‘leisure’, Bob having been a passionate advocate for recreation during his career.

In a communication sent by Bob shortly before his death he wrote “whoever would have thought that when you and I sat down in my office in Albert Road (Melbourne, the then national office for the YMCA) in the mid 1990s that the magazine would be such a success.

“I am very glad that you won the discussion about what the magazine should be called. I must admit that I thought ‘here is another Englishman wanting to use the word leisure’ when all we could think of was sport and recreation.

“It has been a great decision and has enabled you to broaden the readership to really capture the whole field.”

New Subscriptions

Australasian Leisure Management is an Australian product, Australian owned and printed in Australia.

From this issue, Australasian Leisure Management has introduced a news system for subscriptions that will be more responsive than before.

Introduced as part of a series of technology improvements to what we do online and with the mailing of the magazine, direct subscribers to Australasian Leisure Management can check the status of your subscriptions by emailing subscribe@ausleisure.com.au or calling 02 8227 6486.

New subscriptions can be made at subscribe.ausleisure.com.au Nigel Benton, Publisher

Requirements • Min 500 members • Min 400m2 premises • Profitable over the previous 24-36 months • Opportunity to grow • Multi-club operations (desirable but not essential) • Will consider franchised locations if the franchise can be terminated

Two Months in Leisure

The preliminary design for the Canterbury Multi-Use Arena.

Some of the industry headlines over recent months.

Daily industry news can be read at www.ausleisure.com.au

Swimming Australia halts support for ASL elite competition Swimming Australia has suspended its support for the Australian Swimming League (ASL) in the wake of revelations that the new elite competition’s founder and principal backer had been convicted of tax fraud.

Just months after announcing a strategic partnership with the ASL, Swimming Australia has cooled its ties with the proposed League following growing concerns about its ownership and commercial viability.

Swimming Australia’s move coincided with the confirmation of Eugenie Buckley as its new permanent Chief Executive.

Buckley, who had been acting in the role since 31st August, is understood to have closely scrutinised the governing body’s commercial and governance links with ASL, which would have delivered a minimal financial return to Swimming Australia.

Completion date for Canterbury Multi-Use Arena estimated as mid-2025 Christchurch City Council has advised that the construction of the Canterbury Multi-Use Arena (CMUA) is estimated to be completed in mid-2025 with CMUA Project Delivery Board Chair, Barry Bragg, noting that additional planning work has been required to expand the CMUA from 25,000 to 30,000 seating capacity, while staying within the project’s budget.

Preliminary design images for the venue - crafted by architects Warren & Mahoney and international stadium design experts Populous - have also been released.

Concept for the new Goulburn Performing Arts Centre.

Tourism and Transport Forum advise skills shortage hinders industry recovery

Goulburn Performing Arts Centre managers look for early 2022 opening

According to new research from the Tourism and Transport Forum, as tourism operators prepare to enter the peak summer season, one in four businesses from the industry say they have insufficient staff to cater for pent up demand.

The national survey of over 500 businesses - from both tourism and related sectors - conducted by Newgate Research for TTF, shows that one in three tourism reliant businesses let staff go during the pandemic and were now struggling to fill positions to cater for their customers.

Over 50% of tourism related respondents to the survey also said that a lack of skilled labour has a medium to high impact on their business while only a quarter from other industries felt the same way.

Goulburn Mulwaree Council has advised that its new $18.95 million Goulburn Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) is nearing completion, with its grand opening expected in early 2022.

Built on the site of the old Goulburn Town Hall, GPAC will be a state-of-the-art theatre able to seat 400 patrons.

Beginning in late 2019, construction has been highly complex due to the narrow boundaries of the site and the heritage-listed status of the existing building.

BCG report details $90 million financial shortfall facing Cricket Australia Amid ongoing speculation over private investment into the sport, Cricket Australia has been warned of a $90 million shortfall over the coming three years.

A strategic roadmap produced by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has warned of the funding challenge, with partial privatisation among the options presented.

However, former PwC Director Nick Hockley, who was installed as Cricket Australia’s permanent Chief Executive in June following a period of turmoil, has dismissed concerns about the game’s local sustainability.

www.ausleisure.com.au for all the latest industry news 8 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

Supercars at Sydney Motorsport Park. Credit: Sydney Motorsport Park.

New owners for Supercars as races resume Australia’s Supercars motor racing series has a new majority shareholder with Racing Australia Consolidated Enterprises (RACE) purchasing private equity firm Archer Capital’s majority stake for a sum believed to be in the region of $60 million.

The consortium, headed by Melbourne entrepreneur and former Swimming Australia President Barclay Nettlefold, is the amalgam of a joint bid by TLA Worldwide and Australian Racing Group.

Developments in Brief The long delayed official opening of Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Yawa Aquatic Centre has been held (left) The Port Adelaide Football Club has received a $15 million funding commitment from the Federal Government for the redevelopment of its Alberton Oval base.

Work has started on Victoria’s new State Basketball Centre as part of the expansion of the Knox Regional Sports Park that, once completed in 2023, will host up to two million visitors a year.

Australia’s newest art museum, the $50 million Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is now open (left), presenting nine free exhibitions, four new artwork commissions and displaying the works of more than 200 artists.

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The newly transformed Memorial Drive Tennis Centre on the banks of the River Torrens in Adelaide will play host to blockbuster tennis in early 2022 with back-to-back Adelaide International events.

Club Pilates, the world’s largest Pilates brand (left), has announced further expansion of its Australian franchise operations, with multiple new agreements taking it closer to a growth target of 50 outlets within 10 years.

AFL’s Richmond FC has unveiled updated designs for its planned $65 million redevelopment of its traditional home at Melbourne’s Punt Road Oval.

New Royal Life Saving research shows social impact of the aquatic industry Increased social cohesion and improved health and wellbeing are two of the main social benefits of the Australian aquatic industry, according to a new report initiated by the Royal Life Saving Society - Australia (RLSSA) and Swinburne University of Technology.

The Social Impact of the National Aquatic Industry report, looked at all levels of the industry, from small swim schools through to major aquatic and recreation facilities.

Advising that the report includes the four key elements of social impact infrastructure - people, places, policies and programs, Royal Life Saving Chief Executive, Justin Scarr stated “public pools mean more to communities now than just being a place to swim; for many communities it is a central hub where people come together. The social impacts are much more diverse than has previously been appreciated.”

EVANZ announce new insurance partnership to benefit members The Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand (EVANZ) have partnered with insurance industry leader Apex Insurance and risk management consultancy Reliance Risk to offer a new scheme exclusively to its members.

With increasing insurance and compliance costs creating significant pressures for New Zealand’s venue owners and operators - particularly those who do not have access to the buying power of large insurance pools - the scheme is a bid to reduce this pressure, brings venues together under a single umbrella, providing long term cost savings and competitive insurance buying power.

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New Active Australia Alliance looks to represent ‘community leisure industry’ A coming together of employers in the ‘community leisure industry’ has seen the launch of the new Active Australia Alliance.

A statement introducing the group, advises “the Active Australia Alliance will bring together employers to collectively present to the Federal Government with an understanding of how the community leisure industry supports their preventative health plan.

“The Alliance will demonstrate how the industry can join the dots between physical activity, community sport participation, facility owners and the employers who provide the community services.”

With the significant impact of COVID having solidified collaboration across the industry, the founding members of the Alliance include the chief executives of Aligned Leisure, Belgravia Leisure, BlueFit and the Y (YMCA).

Commencing engagement with other community leisure employers, including local governments who self-manage facilities, to join the Alliance, the new body is aiming to work together to drive the Federal agenda for community aquatic, fitness, recreation and sport and find solutions to industry challenges that have emerged and intensified during the disruptive period of the pandemic.

Sea World marks 50th anniversary Gold Coast theme park Sea World has marked 50 years of operations - during which more than 50 million guests have walked through its gates.

With its marine park having officially opened on 30th October 1971, for over five decades it has been Australia’s premier marine park bringing joy and memories to generations of visitors through an array of world-class shows, rides, attractions and animal experiences.

The marine theme park will be opening its New Atlantis precinct including the Leviathan wooden rollercoaster in 2022.

Human Rights Commission releases guidelines to address spectator racism in sport The new Trees Adventure in Sydney's St Ives.

Experience Co acquires Trees Adventure and TreeTops parks in $46.9 million deal Adventure tourism company Experience Co has acquired the Treetops and Trees Adventure ropes course and zip line operators in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania for $46.9 million.

Complementing the ASX-listed company’s existing portfolio and providing access to what it says is “a previously untapped domestic leisure market”, Experience Co advise that the acquisition will put it in “a strong business position as residents in NSW and Victoria prepare to emerge from lockdown”.

Trees Adventure currently operates 14 locations across the country under the Trees Adventure, Tree Tops, Next Level and Hollybank Wilderness Adventures brands.

The transaction sees Nicolas Dansin and Marc Flaster, cofounders of Victorian-based Trees Adventure and their current management team remain with the company under Experience Co’s ownership.

Founded by Frederic Galimard and Sandrine Gaymard, TreeTops Adventure Park commenced operations in NSW’s Ourimbah State Forest in 2010.

The two businesses began working together in 2019.

www.ausleisure.com.au for all the latest industry news 10 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

The Australian Human Rights Commission has published a new set of guidelines that aim to help Australian sports organisations act effectively and consistently in responding to incidents of spectator racism and preventing racism from occurring at sporting events.

Major professional sports organisations including the AFL, Cricket Australia, NRL, Tennis Australia, and some of the nation’s largest stadiums have already endorsed the guidelines, and the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) expects more to sign on.

The Spectator Racism Guidelines are the result of consultations hosted by the Commission with professional sporting codes, clubs, players, venue operators, and antiracism experts.

Decade-long campaign sees Munga-Thirri-Simpson Desert declared Australia's largest national park Following a decade-long campaign to protect the area from exploration by fossil fuel companies, the Munga-ThirriSimpson desert has been declared Australia’s largest ever national park.

Although the desert stretches into Queensland and the Northern Territory, the area covered by the new national park lies within the Lake Eyre Basin in South Australia covering 3.6 million hectares - double the size of Kakadu the next biggest national park in Australia - and four times the size of Yellowstone national park in the United States.

Queensland gyms and fitness centres deemed an essential service AUSactive (the former Fitness Australia) has welcomed advice from the Queensland Government that, under its vaccination road map, gyms and other health and fitness facilities are now considered an essential service.

As a result, both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people will be able to continue accessing health and fitness facilities after 17th December when Queensland reaches its COVID-19 vaccination rate of 80%.

Fitness Australia’s rebranding as AUSactive is explained in a feature on page 40.

Luna Park Sydney counts down to opening of new Big Dipper ride Luna Park Sydney’s project to upgrade its attractions with the addition of nine new rides is approaching completion with the amusement park icon looking to have all the new rides running for the Christmas holidays.

Luna Park Sydney’s $30 million investment has seen eight of its new rides, including six new children’s rides, all now operating while the largest of the new additions, The Big Dipper, the first inline seating launch rollercoaster in the world, is now in the commissioning stage with engineers from the ride’s Liechtenstein-based manufacturer Intamin currently completing the project.

Taking its named from a wooden rollercoaster that operated at Luna Park from 1935 until 1979, The Big Dipper is a ‘oneseat wide’ train.

www.ausleisure.com.au for all the latest industry news

Belgravia Group’s Jump! Swim Schools brand opens new franchises Making the most of rising demands for swimming lessons, Jump! Swim Schools has advised that it is opening four new sites with new locations at Mernda West, Noble Park and Caroline Springs in Victoria as well as Richlands in Queensland.

With the franchise having been rescued by the Belgravia Group in 2019, becoming part of its Belgravia Kids (BK) business, it has now expanded to a post-lockdown network of more than 50 swim school locations across the country.

It also has three sites in development at Armstrong Creek and Tarneit in Victoria, and Marsden Park in NSW.

Latest AusPlay reports shows volunteers as key to sport’s successful return post COVID-19 Volunteers remain key to ensuring sporting clubs and organisations across Australia can get back on track following the impact of the pandemic, according to Sport Australia’s latest AusPlay report.

The new AusPlay study has identified volunteering as the lifeblood for organised competition with an increasing number of opportunities identified, particularly for those with a disability, retirees, low-income households and people who speak a language other than English.

It found, almost three million Australians volunteer in sport, but additional support is needed to ensure organised competition returns stronger than ever following the impact of the pandemic.

The report also highlights the strong role sporting clubs play in rural and regional communities with volunteering more common outside of major cities despite having similar participation rates.

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ACCC says Trivago should be fined $90 million for misleading Australian consumers The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has called for hotel search and price comparison platform Trivago to be fined $90 million for misleading Australian consumers.

The Netherlands-based company may face that penalty for having told customers it would show cheapest room rates when the service it provided did “almost the opposite”, instead prioritising deals from its highest advertisers.

The Federal Court ruled the travel booking platform was guilty of misleading consumers in January 2020 when the ACCC took action on claims its website showed the lowest prices despite its algorithm favouring its advertisers.

Ecotourism Australia celebrates 30 years with a new vision Ecotourism Australia has marked its 30th birthday with a shift in strategic direction and an accompanying suite of new logos.

The changes, three years in the making, are significant but are very timely for the organisation, says Ecotourism Australia Chair, Dr Claire Ellis.

Dr Ellis explains “30 years ago, our founders imagined a world in which travel was for good - where environments were protected, cultures were preserved and communities were connected thanks to a shared purpose. They were thought leaders, status quo challengers and bold, big picture thinkers.

“Today, their dream is the reality of travel. Operators and destinations have embraced sustainability principles as the foundations for their businesses and communities. The travel industry has realised that quality certification drives business success and resilience. And travellers themselves demand more from the places they visit.”

Australia’s first Fire Fit gym opens in Sydney suburb Fire Fit, the leading south east Asian boutique gym brand, has launched its first Australian location in the inner Sydney suburb of Alexandria.

Fire Fit Alexandria offers two different group fitness training rooms and four time-efficient exercise formats that combine multiple modalities.

With Fitness Business Sales handling the franchising arrangements for Fire Fit’s Malaysian-based owner Evolution Wellness - whose portfolio of brands also includes Celebrity Fitness and Fitness First Asia - rugby league star Nathan Brown, who currently plays for the Parramatta Eels, has partnered with two associates to take on the franchise.

12 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

The JackJumpers in action at the MyState Bank Arena.

MyState Bank Arena welcomes Tasmania JackJumpers Hobart’s redeveloped MyState Bank Arena has been reopened and is now hosting the Tasmania JackJumpers’s games in the NBL. Home to the first Tasmanian-based team to compete in the NBL for 26 years, the $66 million redevelopment of the former Derwent Entertainment Centre will not only allow the hosting of the new franchise but will also enhance Tasmania’s ability to attract and host major concerts and live performances.

The Tasmanian Government is also moving forward with its establishment of the new Stadiums Tasmania agency following the passing of the Stadiums Tasmania Bill 2021 through the state’s House of Assembly.

Initially Stadiums Tasmania is expected to assume responsibility for MyState Bank Arena and the Launceston Silverdome, which are already owned by the Tasmanian Government.

It is also planned that the new statutory entity will manage the Blundstone Arena and University of Tasmania (UTas) Stadium, subject to negotiations with their respective owners the City of Launceston and the Clarence City Council.

Former Broome tourism operator sentenced nine years in jail over child sex offences A formerly well-known figure on the tourism scene in Western Australia’s Kimberley region has been sentenced to nine years in jail after pleading guilty to more than 30 child sex offences.

Charles Batham was sentenced in the Perth District Court in November for offences relating to the sexual abuse of two girls, committed between 2006 and 2011 while he was running the Broome Trike Flights business which flew tourists on an ultralight plane over the region.

Prior to the Court case, Batham had been on the run for almost a decade before an ABC News investigation led to his arrest in Italy during March last year.

Partnership between Zoos Victoria and RSPCA creates connected wildlife hospital network Funds donated to RSPCA’s bushfire appeal, will transform Zoos Victoria’s ability to respond to wildlife emergencies with a wildlife ambulance, upgraded hospital facilities and the appointment of a health and welfare specialist.

The funding partnership will create a connected wildlife hospital network across the state, with new wildlife treatment facilities at Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo, serviced by a customised vehicle that will be known as the RSPCA & Zoos Victoria Wildlife Response Unit, based at Healesville Sanctuary.

Dreamworld announces 15th December opening for its new Steel Taipan rollercoaster Gold Coast theme park Dreamworld has announced the official grand opening date of 15th December for its new Steel Taipan rollercoaster, coinciding with its 40th birthday.

Dreamworld’s biggest ever investment in a single attraction, costing $32 million and creating over 200 Queensland jobs throughout its construction, the opening - which will feature a range of additional entertainment, giveaways and fun for team members and guests - has been described as the best birthday present in the park’s history.

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Belgravia Leisure’s NSW aquatic facilities receive exceptional Royal Life Saving safety score

To subscribe go to subscribe.ausleisure.com.au

Belgravia Leisure facilities have reported a Group Mean Safety Score of 91.8% at the 2020/21 Aquatic Facility Safety Assessment (AFSA) in a report released by the facility management business in partnership with Royal Life Saving NSW. The result significantly exceeds the NSW average of 83.2%.

The report also shows that 18 out of 20 facilities managed by Belgravia Leisure rank in the top half of the state in 2020/21. Of the top 10 ranked facilities across the state, five are operated by Belgravia Leisure.

Victorian Government reveals event insurance scheme in move to revive live music The Victorian Government has announced moves to restart the state’s live music and festival scene, with an events insurance scheme for the next 12 months along with other industry support measures.

The package offers $8 million for music festivals to help them recover from the uncertainty and impact of rescheduled and cancelled events due to the pandemic and $4 million to back live music performances in Melbourne, complementing a previously announced $5 million for regional and outersuburban events.

A further $8 million has been allocated to music to recruit and train new staff, invest in COVIDSafe infrastructure and get more musicians and industry professionals back to work.

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Concept for a rebuilt Gabba hosting athletics events at the 2032 Olympics.

Credit: Suncorp Super Netball.

New legislation establishes Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee

Melbourne Storm Group assumes full ownership of Super Netball’s Sunshine Coast Lightning

The Queensland Government has passed legislation to establish an organising committee for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Passed in the state Parliament at the beginning of December, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk advised that the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Bill 2021 was the next step in the state’s marathon run to 2032.

The Melbourne Storm Group, owner of the NRL team, have become the sole owner of Super Netball’s Sunshine Coast Lightning, following the announcement the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) has transitioned from being a partowner to a principal partner.

The Melbourne Storm Group and USC had held joint ownership of the club since the establishment of Lightning in 2016.

The move will likely see Lightning further develop their collaboration with Melbourne Storm, while USC will continue to invest heavily in the club and will remain on Lightning’s uniform, with the club to also remain at USC Stadium.

LPA calls for insurance and wage support in wake of $1.4 billion lost revenue With COVID-19 having wiped $1.4 billion from the live entertainment industry in 2020 - a 70% decline nationally - Live Performance Australia is calling for governmental insurance and wage support for phase 2 industry recovery.

Following record high levels of performance in 2018 and 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on the live entertainment industry with LPA’s ticketing data showing the massive decline in revenue and attendance after the industry was shut down in March last year.

Soundsplash.

New Zealand government launches insurance scheme for major summer festivals Plus Fitness opens 200th club Australian owned and founded gym franchise Plus Fitness has opened its 200th club - Plus Fitness Ryde - just 10 years after it commenced operations.

The Plus Fitness 24/7 model first stepped into franchising in 2011 and, over the course of a decade, has expanded across Australia, New Zealand, India and East Timor.

Parent company Viva Leisure has advised that membership across its brands has returned to 99% of the June 2021 (pre COVID-19 lockdowns) member numbers, and that, for November 2021, the group has exceeded the June 2021 member numbers.

Subscriptions Subscribe to this magazine for just $99 (in Aus/NZ) for 12 months/six issues.

To subscribe go to subscribe.ausleisure.com.au 14 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

The New Zealand Government has announced that it will offer major summer festivals financial certainty to proceed in the face of a COVID-19 threat with the launch of the Events Transition Support Scheme (ETSS).

Announcing that it will “shoulder the lion’s share of risk” during the planning stages of paid, ticketed events with audiences of more than 5,000 vaccinated people, the ETSS will cover 90% of unrecoverable costs if organisers are forced to cancel or postpone due to COVID-19 public health measures.

Designed to give festival organisers greater confidence to plan and incur costs, the scheme will apply from 17th December until 3rd April 2022.

Recreation Aotearoa respond to reports of customer staff abuse at New Zealand facilities Recreation Aotearoa has responded to reports of frontline staff facing abuse from customers in aquatic and recreation facilities, particularly at swimming pools and are urging people to heed the New Zealand Government’s ‘be kind’ messaging.

One high profile example, which led to a man’s conviction, saw a female lifeguard at the Gore Aquatic Centre attacked by a patron who held her under the water for about 10 seconds.

22% of Australia gymgoers cancelled their membership due to COVID-19 Almost a quarter of Australia gymgoers (22%) cancelled their membership due to COVID-19 while 27% of club members have found it hard to get back to the gym since restrictions eased.

The revelations, emerged from Canstar Blue’s annual review of gyms and fitness clubs, with the consumer review and comparison website this year also looking at Australian gymgoers thoughts and preferences about gyms, their features and culture.

The survey of 1,000 gymgoers also found that, through the pandemic, 41% maintained a regular exercise routine despite gym closures.

Nielsen introduces sports data and insight platform Stadium into Australasian market Global measurement company Nielsen has launched Stadium, its new client engagement platform into the Australia and New Zealand market.

Providing single sign-on access to a suite of syndicated Nielsen data sets, Stadium is a robust and comprehensive benchmarking tool for the sports marketing landscape.

Intuitive, interactive and user-friendly, Stadium has been designed specifically for a local client base and local market.

The Grampians Peak Trail. Credit: Parks Victoria.

160 kilometre Grampians Peak Trail opened in western Victoria A new 160 kilometre hiking trail running the length of Victoria’s Grampians National Park opened to the public in November.

Looking to meet growing demand for multi-day hiking trails, the Grampians Peak Trail spans some of the Park’s most spectacular peaks and is one of the longest trails in Victoria.

The Trail is a 13-day/12-night journey starting at Mt Zero and travelling south over the ranges that make up the Grampians (Gariwerd) and ending in the town of Dunkeld, 270 kilometres west of Melbourne.

The $33.2 million project was originally slated to open last year but faced construction delays as a result of heatwaves, a wet winter and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australia Council campaign urges vaccination as key to reopening of cultural and creative venues and events The Australia Council for the Arts is promoting a nationwide advertising campaign, urging Australians to get vaccinated before returning to galleries, museums, theatres and other live entertainment venues.

Following the live music industry’s #VaxtheNation campaign, the television and social media campaign - It’s time to take our seats, Australia (#TakeYourSeats) – has been rolled out across the country, with an undertaking by SBS to translate the advertisement into at least eight languages.

Featuring empty venues and outdoor seating, the campaign encourages people to ‘take a seat’ at a vaccination clinic before doing so at a live performance event.

www.ausleisure.com.au for all the latest industry news

Hotel operator Accor signs seven-year naming rights deal for Stadium Australia Accor, the largest hotel operator in the Pacific region, has won the naming rights for Stadium Australia, with the Sydney Olympic Park venue now known as Accor Stadium.

The newly branded venue is one of the world’s most recognisable and diverse venues in the region. With a capacity to hold concerts for 100,000 spectators and over 80,000 people for seated sporting events, the stadium has hosted the world’s best in entertainment.

Insurance group AAMI has also renewed its naming rights sponsorship of The Melbourne Rectangular Stadium for a further five years.

The Melbourne Park venue’s major tenants are the NRL Melbourne Storm, A-League teams Melbourne Victory FC and Melbourne City FC and Super Rugby’s Melbourne Rebels.

Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147 15

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Perth’s Optus Stadium hosted the 2021 AFL Grand Final. All images courtesy of VenuesLive.

A Grand Final for the ages Claire Krol explains how Perth’s Optus Stadium delivered the 2021 AFL Grand Final … in just 25 days

W

hen AFL Chief Executive Gil McLachlan announced Optus Stadium would host the 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final, the VenuesLive team in Perth reacted with a sense of excitement … and more than a hint of foreboding.

It was 31st August, and the Grand Final was scheduled in only 25 days’ time.

The permanent staff of less than 100 didn’t know it then, but in the next 25 days they would also deliver an AFL Semi-Final, an AFL Preliminary Final, a Bledisloe Cup rugby Test, an Open Training session for 10,000 fans and the Brownlow Medal event, followed a week later by the WA Football Finals.

In all, 256,000 fans would pass through the gates of Optus Stadium in a month, while the VenuesLive team also delivered a busy Meetings and Special Events (MASE) program off the

pitch, highlighted by the lavish Brownlow Medal Dinner.

To understand the magnitude of this feat requires some perspective … in 2020 Brisbane had 55 days to prepare to host the Grand Final only. There was also the added complexity of delivering a series of events in the age of COVID, when nothing is straight forward.

For Optus Stadium and VenuesLive WA Chief Executive Mike McKenna (pictured right) and his team, being custodian of the AFL Grand Final carried significant responsibility.

McKenna explains “the AFL Grand Final is the highlight of the season and the pinnacle of a player’s career - we wanted to deliver an outstanding event, not just for those watching at the Stadium and from home, but for the players, the clubs, the AFL … everyone who had worked so hard to ensure the 2021 season could even be completed.

“As someone who had lived for several years in Victoria and worked for the Essendon Football Club, I knew only too well where this event was placed in the hearts and minds of Victorians. We wanted to put on a show that paid homage to the Grand Final legacy, with a uniquely Western Australian flavour.”

Behind The Scenes Once the announcement had been made, the VenuesLive team quickly swung into action, pulling together a Steering

18 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

Melbourne players celebrate their historic win.

Optus Stadium lights up.

Committee that included representatives from VenuesWest, Tourism WA, the City of Perth, Western Australian Football Commission (WAFC), Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council and the AFL. Meeting regularly, the Steering Committee’s role was to ensure Perth provided the best possible AFL Grand Final experience, delivered on commitments to the public and AFL, removed barriers for working groups and ensured a safe event for the fans and players. A series of Working Groups were created - across the operations, communications and marketing, broadcast and events spectrums.

In the days preceding the announcement, the AFL had quietly begun sending key AFL staff members on planes from Melbourne to Perth. The first would leave their hotel quarantine on 10th August, with another dozen left to return negative COVID tests and finally leave their hotels four to five days before the Grand Final.

McKenna recalls “this meant that many of our teams were ‘the feet on the ground’ for their AFL counterparts, while the latter were working remotely. Our team was able to provide invaluable local market expertise and strategic advice across a range of fronts - the Perth market is very, very different to what they had dealt with in Brisbane last year and in every other year at the MCG.”

systems and processes. In the IT area, we deployed additional Point of Sale terminals and backup systems across the venue in the lead-up to the day, as well as investing a significant period of time integrating Frontier’s entertainment equipment with our systems.

“The existing SafeWA COVID-19 signage around the venue was audited and boosted. The facilities team calculated the drain on the Western Power network from the event and contingencies were put in place.

“Conversations were had with government authorities to suspend voluntary burn-offs, commonplace in spring in Perth and often leaving the city covered in a thick layer of smoke.

Assurances were given to ensure that wouldn’t happen on Grand Final Day. “Everything that we could think of that could go wrong, we tried to put a plan in place to manage it. We have an experienced team here with great relationships, but we couldn’t have delivered such a successful event were it not for the support of state and local government, and our partners. This included a large public transport solution, which transported 80% of fans to the game.”

Projectco, along with their facilities management contractors BGIS and turf managers HG Turf, put in long hours to ensure the Stadium was in ship shape and the playing surface was looking a treat and ideal for the Stadium’s biggest ever event.

Systems & Processes It was also during this time that teams across the Optus Stadium business began running desktop response exercises to test key IT and finance systems.

From an event planning perspective, the Grand Final was a lot like running sports and concert major events simultaneously, with double the demand on preparation activities and stakeholder management.

McKenna noted “we did a lot of work to test the robustness of

Dreamtime in Perth According to McKenna, hosting Dreamtime in Perth in early June was the moment that proved Perth could handle itself on the big stage.

He explained “on that occasion we had six days to pull off a huge event for a sell-out crowd, and facilitate and support the historic Long Walk from the WACA to the Stadium. Again, the Essendon Football Club had understandably only skeleton staff on the ground and none of the local networks we do, so we were really able to step in and step up to ensure the event was just as grand and meaningful as it is in Melbourne.

“Because of the success of Dreamtime, by the time we got to the Grand Final, we had already learned a lot about this kind of mega event - and the appetite of WA footy fans for the game.

“It also meant that the AFL had trust in us to deliver on their major events, especially one announced at such late notice.

“When the General Public tickets sold out in less than 10 minutes, none of us were surprised. Western Australians love footy and they know that watching the biggest sporting event on the calendar at The World’s Most Beautiful Stadium (the title given to Optus Stadium at the Prix Versailles 2019 Architecture Awards) was something not to be missed.”

Premium Event Spaces & Five-Star Hospitality One of the reasons the AFL favoured the WA Grand Final bid was the ratio of premium event spaces available at Optus

20 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

Stadium. The VenuesLive pitch included options to flip existing spaces and turn them into premium event spaces.

That ultimately meant there were some 9796 people accommodated in premium spaces on Grand Final Day - the highest number ever. About 2800 of those were in Private Suites.

There was also a uniquely West Australian problem to be faced: the Bureau of Meteorology was predicting 28 degrees on Grand Final Day, and many of the premium event spaces would be in full sun throughout the afternoon.

McKenna added “our teams came up with some really innovative solutions to ensure fans attending the game in those spaces had respite areas they could go to for shade and plenty of water.”

Western Australian producers came to the party, with a raft of suppliers delivering a feed like no other in Perth for spectators, whether they were in corporate boxes, function rooms or general admission seating. Fans dined out on scotch fillet from Marble Bar, crayfish from Cervantes, fresh produce from local market gardens and local freshly baked bread and pizzas.

The staging of the Grand Final at Optus Stadium translated into more business and more jobs for Western Australians. On the day, the Stadium served more than 160,000 cups of beer, 70,000 items of hot food in public outlets and the equivalent of 30,000 courses in premium hospitality meals.

The Staffing Challenge The unemployment rate in Western Australia is at an all-time low of 4.6 per cent. With no international students or travellers with working visas travelling into the state, finding and keeping staff is currently the most challenging part of running a major venue.

On a normal major event day, Optus Stadium employs some 1400 casual staff and for the Preliminary Final the venue employed 1900. For the Grand Final, an additional 600 were needed because of the length of the day and the volume of premium event spaces.

McKenna went on to say “we were very lucky that our corporate 22 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

partners and local and state government organisations came to our aid … with staff coming from Gage Roads, Coles, the Town of Victoria Park, the City of Perth and RAC Arena and VenuesWest to help us out for the Preliminary Final and the Grand Final.

“Our VenuesLive permanent staff proved once again that given the challenge, they have the experience, skill and work ethic to deliver massive events, on the shortest of notice.”

The Vision The 2021 AFL Grand Final will be remembered as the year the Melbourne Demons Football Club broke a 57-year premiership drought with a 74-point win over the Western Bulldogs in a gripping decider.

But it will also be remembered for the stunning event held in front of 61,118 fans at Optus Stadium ... a stadium Western Australians are rightfully proud of.

Earlier this year, the VenuesLive team rewrote their vision: To be the most formidable, respected and trusted venue operators globally.

From an Optus Stadium point of view, the vision is to be recognised as Perth’s premier entertainment destination and to connect people through shared experiences and memorable moments.

It would be hard to argue that in 2021 the venue team hasn’t gone a long way to delivering on that vision.

McKenna concludes “by staging the biggest event on the Australian sporting calendar, with only 25 days to plan and execute, shows we can source and deliver the biggest events going around.

“We have demonstrated that Western Australia has the stadium, the fans, the staff and the suppliers to deliver the best events in the world.”

Optus Stadium is operated by VenuesLive on behalf of the WA Government.

Claire Krol is Head of Media, Communications and Government Relations at Optus Stadium.

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Above left: Granville Park Stadium, NSW & above right: USC Stadium Sunshine Coast.

At dwp | design worldwide partnership, we are well placed to tackle these challenges. We take a proactive and collaborative approach to risk management, and our global studios are located in countries that have generally been successful in reducing the spread and impact of COVID-19.

Blundstone Arena (Bellerive Oval) Hobart, Tasmania.

Venue design in a post-pandemic world Michael Hegarty discusses how stadium design is set to be impacted by the considerations of a post-pandemic world

T

he COVID-19 pandemic saw mass disruption to live entertainment and sporting venues globally - and while there is growing optimism around the resumption of economic activity, social functions, and major events as vaccine roll-outs gain momentum, the long-term impact of the pandemic on stadiums is uncertain. With the likely ongoing need for flexible spaces that can accommodate rapidly changing needs around social distancing and hygiene measures, however, it is clear that we need to begin to re-think stadium design for a post-pandemic world.

We collectively need a thorough understanding of the longerterm changes to stadium standards and spectator management, and need to understand how to integrate the relevant changes into the design of upgrades or new facilities.

24 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

Minimising Disruption The experience of attending live sports and entertainment events in recent months has been a drastically different experience for spectators. Some events, such as the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, proceeded without spectators; while others, such as NFL games and Premier League football matches, relied on “canned noise” crowd sound effects. Some events were even characterised by an eerie quiet punctuated by the swearing of players and coaches. It goes without saying that none of these approaches matches the spirit of the action or is any substitute for the real thing, for either participants or remote spectators. dwp has been working with stadium management to learn from the events of the past year and understand how to minimise disruption moving forward. We have covered a full spectrum of scenarios, including how to optimise contingency plans for the social distancing of spectators in the stands should the need arise, whether the stadium is at full or reduced capacity. As a result of these collaborative partnerships, we have a detailed understanding of the types of spaces that will need to be considered at the initial design stage for a new stadium or the refurbishment of an existing venue.

In addition to this, the UK Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) issued new guidance in September 2020. The Planning for Social Distancing at Sports Grounds is a supplement to the Guide to Safety at Sport Grounds (known as the ‘Green Guide’). Along with SGSA’s new policy guidance, Sport with Spectators: COVID-19 Regulatory Controls, these documents will help venues get spectators back into live sports events while conforming to social distancing requirements.

The UK guidance above sets out two methods for calculating social distancing. Recently, however, in Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries, we have seen that spectator capacity is not only limited by the number that can be safely seated while socially distanced. It is also essential to take into account capacity in the concourse and crowd flow at entry and exit points. At dwp, we always work with stadium management and public health authorities to ensure our approach is workable for every specific location.

Interestingly - and perhaps most importantly - the decadesold practice of creating facilities that can be sectionalised to establish ‘bubbles’ of spectators to keep rival fans apart has new application in a post-pandemic world. The same considerations can now be used to provide public health safeguards between distinct groups of spectators, regardless of team allegiances.

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USC Stadium Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

In order to implement these sectioned areas, the principal elements required are: •To have discrete controlled access points for each section from outside the stadium, •Vertical circulation, including stairs and lifts, adequate for the capacity of each section, •To have viable exits in two directions from the stands and any concourse areas, •To have compliant and accessible WCs, hygiene, and sanitary provisions suitable for the crowd capacity in each section, and •To have suitable food and beverage provision readily accessible from the stands.

The Long-Term Impact The pandemic will leave a lasting mark on the stadium experience, and there are key lessons that we can take from recent months that will inform our approach to stadium design and construction. We predict that there will be a move towards smaller venues with more luxurious, better connected spectator facilities. This will involve both physical design elements and new technologies - for example, using timed ticketing to manage crowds at entrance points, or the implementation of disinfecting arches as seen at some venues in Asia. Health screening, handwashing, and PPE may also need to be sporadically addressed at entry points during outbreaks.

Inside, the primary challenge is to ensure the circulation process is as safe and contactless as possible. Currently, very few vomitories are wide enough to allow socially distanced, two-way traffic to the seating, so we will need to establish how temporary one-way systems, or possibly traffic lights, can be implemented.

Future designs will also likely offer more variety in seating types for spectators, such as loge (theatre-style) boxes. This will help to address the increased space needed per person to accommodate social distancing, which has risen from as low as 0.25 metre2 per person to around 0.8 metre2.

Granville Park Stadium, NSW.

26 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

An additional pressure on managing enclosed concourses safely is that queues shouldn’t form inside the toilets during an outbreak. In order to manage this, it will be necessary to increase the number of toilet facilities to reduce crowding. A more general move towards universal, rather than gender specific, toilets and changing facilities could assist with this, however the uptake will vary for individual countries depending on appropriate cultural considerations.

Other long-term responses to the pandemic include maximising the use of contactless technology throughout; and facilitating temporary clearing of concourses to help manage capacity by having demountable or moveable merchandise, food and beverage facilities.

As with all aspects of design and construction, it is important to evaluate efficiency. It might seem appropriate, for example, to consider bacteria-resistant materials for future stadium design.

However, it’s often easier to clean stadiums than other building types thanks to their robust construction, which is mostly steel, concrete, and plastic. The use of innovative bacteria-resistant materials would make stadium construction dramatically more expensive, and so there isn’t actually an immediate cost benefit. By intelligently evaluating possible responses to the pandemic, we can create stadiums that truly meet the needs of our new normal.

Minimising Disruption to Design Work As the new normal becomes established, it is essential that we not only consider how to approach the design of various building typologies but also how to ensure a smooth work flow throughout the design process. dwp remained fully operational throughout 2020 and 2021 across our regions. We managed the impact of the pandemic with a variety of initiatives and protocols, including physical distancing, cleaning regimes, and remote working for periods.

One of our biggest advantages was our investments over the last two years in cloud technology, Autodesk BIM 360, Google Cloud, Amazon Cloud, and 100% Wi-Fi-enabled hardware.

When all 250+ dwp staff in multiple studios around the world began to work remotely, we did so with no business interruption.

Our teams and clients review projects using 3D Revit and BIM360, and we can provide real-time access to the live BIM model, with visualisations, images, walk throughs, Room Data Sheets, FF&E schedules, interior and exterior finishes, and materiality, making it easy for all stakeholders to gain a full understanding of a project throughout the design and construction phases.

Minimising Disruption to Construction While we have seen minimal disruption to construction site works due to COVID-19 in most of the regions dwp operates in, other countries have suffered from closed sites and reduced workforces. In addition, the blocked shipping channel at the Suez Canal caused some disruption to the supply chain.

At dwp, we work collaboratively with stakeholders to develop strategies to facilitate these kinds of challenges. These considerations may impact the sequence of works on site, or lead us to explore multiple work-fronts progressing in parallel or a staggered sequence rather than the more conventional staged manner.

We also specify locally sourced materials as much as possible, and work proactively with the managing contractor to put in place strategies to mitigate disruption.

This proactive approach ensures that dwp is ready to face whatever challenges arise going forward, and not only ensures the stadiums we design meet the needs of our new normal but that they are delivered efficiently.

Michael Hegarty is Chief Executive of dwp | design worldwide partnership.

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Pool covers: a simple solution for reducing energy costs James Croll investigates how commercial pool cover suppliers are now employing highly tailored scientific solutions to optimise efficiencies and massively reduce heating costs

F

or years, the commercial aquatic sector saw pool covers simply as a means of keeping a pool warm and the water’s chemistry in check. However, recent years have seen aquatic venues appreciating that fitting the right pool cover can result in benefits that are far more reaching and which can dramatically reduce costs. The shift is the result of a number of Australia’s pool cover suppliers continuously raising the bar and introducing some fascinating and ground-breaking solutions.

One such supplier, Sunbather endorses the importance of extensive research prior to tailoring a pool cover solution to a venues specific needs.

Sunbather Managing Director, Tom Boadle explains “in the first instance we offer a free energy audit and return on investment calculation using a unique pool heating simulation developed by the University of NSW specifically for swimming pools.

“We can calculate a pool centres current running costs, then apply the savings solar pool heating and/or pool covers will generate showing the savings in dollars, evaporation (litres), and greenhouse gas tonnes.”

The resultant cost savings are impressive. It is very common that by simply installing pool covers Sunbather can reduce a $200,000 a year pool heating bill down to $70,000. Very few products available generate such a rapid return on investment as typically the cover systems are paid for within 18 months.

A specialist in the commercial pool cover sector, Sunbather’s extensive research and analysis is particularly relevant in a number of high-profile projects they have completed in recent years since they have provided covers for some of the most complex and challenging projects. This was typified by their recent residential project - the Sky Pool at Hawthorne Park with Aloha Pools, an Australian pool design and construction Sunbather pool cover installation at Ballarat Aquatic Centre.

30 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

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Above & below: Sunbather’s Sky Pool cover installation at Hawthorne Park with Aloha Pools.

Above:Sunbather installations at Melton Waves and below at SA Aquatic Leisure Centre.

company known for constructing pools in difficult and demanding locations.

Boadle advises “the Sky Pool at Hawthorne Park was Melbourne’s first sky pool. It was built and suspended seven storeys high between two buildings at the $300 million Hawthorn Park development. It’s an astonishing feat of engineering. The pool itself is a 25-metre lap pool with a clear acrylic bottom, giving swimmers a spectacular view of the landscaped gardens below.”

The pool’s 50-tonne stainless-steel frame from Myrtha Pools was constructed in two parts and two cranes were needed to winch both parts into place.

Constructed to allow the structure to move independently of the two connecting buildings, Boadle advised “it’s a massive feat of engineering which took over seven months to build.

“We’ve worked with Aloha Pools on a number of exciting projects and this was a particularly exciting challenge as it saw us not only needing to design and manufacture a cover for a complex site but transport the cover seven stories up and get it poolside for installation.”

Boadle’s team solved the challenge with a sophisticated project plan that involved transporting the cover up via cranes.

They also designed the cover to withstand the demands the exposure placed on the cover and managed to provide a solution that retained the pool water heat as efficiently as if it had been at ground level.

In addition to the more complex challenges posed by a number of Aloha projects, Sunbather are also seeing a massive trend for going underground; specifically, the installation of pool covers under ground level at poolside. Their award winning Downunder pool cover system was named Product of the Year at the SPASA Australia National Awards of Excellence and is a highly innovative energy saving system recognised for its outstanding achievement in pool product creativity, innovation, and design excellence.

The cover and roller are installed below ground level in precast concrete pits out of the way, leaving the pool deck clear of clutter. The Downunder system works simply, with operators needing to lift a hinged lid and pull out the thermal blanket to cover the pool before closing the lid so there’s no bulky roller on the pool deck to get in the way. The process is simply reversed to store the cover.

Boadle goes on to say “we’ve designed the Downunder

system so that it can be operated manually or, for larger locations, mechanically with our Sunbather Aqua Valet.

“It’s an Australian invention, manufactured in Australia to handle tough local conditions. The system saves enough energy to pay for itself in just a few years.”

In keeping with a venue’s objective of keeping areas clean and de-cluttered are the innovative solutions suppliers are now delivering which combine pool cover storage with seating.

Boadle adds “under seat storage not only provides the perfect choice when space is limited.

“It also serves the dual purpose of providing seating at a budget friendly price (so) again, our focus is also on ease of use as the rollers are automated and can be easily stored or opened by one member of staff with the Sunbather Aqua Valet.

The Aqua Valet is manoeuvrable, and the user simply plugs it into the side of the roller, pushes the button, and leaves the Valet to do its work.”

Perth and Sydney based Daisy Pool Covers, has been a leading supplier to Australia’s commercial aquatic industry for over 37 years.

Always ensuring that the company maintains a highly regarded reputation for providing innovative, tailored solutions for each project, Daisy Managing Director Derek Prince explains “every job is different. We have to tailor solutions for every project. The location of the venue, the actual space, storage, even the number of staff are all issues that need to be

32 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

Daisy Pool Covers Installation.

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carefully addressed. Our process generally sees us addressing every determining factor that will come into play not just with the installation of a pool cover but its ongoing use. We carefully address what the venue is actually trying to achieve, how they plan on using the cover, and how they can use it wisely to get the most benefit.”

This attention to detail usually results in Daisy Pool Covers utilising an eight-page proposition document which covers everything from the design, the size, how the cover will get into the venue poolside, the installation and staff training to ensure the venue optimises the benefits of the cover.

Quite often a solution and proposition may be surprising to a venue, with Prince noting “in addition to commercial pools we specialise in school swimming pools.

“More often than not a solar cover solution is more beneficial in this instance as it helps to heat and insulate, whereas a thermal foam solution which a school may have initially envisaged only insulates. We also often find with schools, that a smaller series of covers and rollers rather than one large one system is the most efficient solution as they are easier to use.

“Our research is critical to ensuring the venue not only meets their own objectives but ensuring that the benefits are met that they had not previously realised they could attain. People are genuinely shocked at the results a well-researched tailored pool cover solution can bring. Generally, our solutions save pool warmth and reduce heating costs by 30 to 40%. There are also massive savings on cleaning costs and the cost of chemicals, whilst evaporation is reduced by 97% which not only retains chlorine but reduces corrosion and condensation in indoor heated pools.”

Daisy’s Pool Covers provide solutions for any commercial or larger pool needs. Their commercial rollers include below ground rollers, under bench rollers, drive motor options as well as wall mount, mobile manual and power rollers.

Prince notes “our Rollers are complimented by sophisticated winches They are designed so they can be managed and operated literally by one person, which is critical if one staff member is opening up or closing up the venue at the start or end of the day.”

Daisy’s Commercial Pool Cover range includes the 525 Solar Cover using their patented UltraDome™ Technology, which is renowned for delivering thermal efficiency, unparalleled performance, and longevity in the life of the pool cover. Daisy also offer the ThermoTech™ 4.5mm thick, cross linked PE closed cell Polyethylene foam pool cover. Another product renowned for substantially saving costs.

Prince goes on to explain that it’s not just a case of reducing costs, as a tailored pool cover can significantly extend the swimming season thus increasing revenue, adding “our research and statistics show that our pool cover solutions pay for themselves within 12 months.”

James Croll was talking to Tom Boadle of Sunbather and Derek Prince of Daisy Pool Covers.

Daisy Pool Covers wall mount Installation.

34 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

Supreme Heating installations at Isis War Memorial Pool.

Moving to the Zero Energy Pool Supreme Heating has been heating Australian pools for over 30 years, committed to creating ground-breaking renewable and sustainable pool heating solutions.

The company has a unique product line with a complete range of award-winning products. Their support service and delivery capability are exceptional. The company has offices nationwide extending to New Zealand.

Reducing carbon footprint and operating costs Supreme Heating released in Australia, the world’s first certified hybrid panel, the Heatseeker Dualsun.

The system is designed for simplicity and performance to transform into intelligent, positive-energy buildings. It utilises the available space in one footprint, designed for simplicity and performance to transform into intelligent, positive-energy buildings.

The outstanding features of Dualsun are that it is adaptive, Supreme Heating can provide and build the system to suit thermal input into pools. Turn the thermal peak and redirect the exchange intake into hot water systems, extracting the maximum efficiencies of the panels. Its smart logic can assist in future projects and building management.

The Heatseeker Dualsun uses the power from the sun to simultaneously produce electricity and heating for pools and other hot water applications. The water jacket underneath the panel is unexposed to UV radiation creating an ever-lasting lifespan. It is the ideal solution for multi-use commercial applications.

Isis War Memorial Pool, Bundaberg Regional Council In 2018, Bundaberg Regional Council put out a Request for Tender (RFT), where they required the construction of a solid share structure and a sustainable heating system to cover and heat the pool. Their requirements included: year-round swimming; minimum temperature of 27-28c; proposed roof surface of 700-800 metre²; minimising whole of life costs; 70,000 litre indoor swimming pool; convert outdoor pool to an indoor facility and energy-efficient and cost-neutral.

The Supreme Solution Supreme Heating’s solution provided the Council with: 120 x 280w Dualsun PVT panels 33.60kW Heatseeker Dualsun PVT solar system 216m Heatseeker Plus strip solar system 2 x 120kW supplementary inverter heat pumps In one year, they made $31,266 savings and, in 20 years will make $625,320 savings. The system will expect to pay for itself in six years.

Big Screen Video’s installation Wet’n’Wild.

Big Screen Scene Big Screen Video’s 45 metre² video screen at Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast s their flagship project with Village Roadshow Theme Parks, Big Screen Video’s impressive 45 metre² video A screen sitting atop the Giant Wave Pool at Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast certainly creates an impression.

Village Roadshow brought back Dive’n’Movies to Wet’n’Wild in late 2019. With extended park hours for their heightened seasons and the potential to bring in large numbers across those times, it was imperative to find the right application to last the test of time and be capable of additional usage. In an outdoor environment such as Wet’n’Wild, previous projector technology was obsolete; unable to cut through both the harshest of sunlight and regular daylight hours.

With a screen location directly above water demanding careful product selection, Big Screen Video (BSV) - the only LED screen supplier in Australia to be accredited with ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System, ISO14001:2015 Environmental Management System and ISO45001:2018 Occupational Health & Safety Management System - could point to a list of over 1100 projects across Australia and New Zealand, with high profile clients such as outdoor media powerhouses JCDecaux and oOh!media and stadia including the MCG, the Gabba and Optus Stadium.

BSV’s 10mm pixel pitch LED product was ideal for the install environment, and the ingress protection rating (IP Rating) was selected carefully to ensure the protection of the LED diodes against the events of submersion up to the depth of the Giant Wave Pool. Given the position of the attraction within the water theme park, and the subsequent sunlight the screen would receive during the day, this product was also selected to provide ultimate brightness and clarity of vision during the day.

36 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

As BSV Queensland Sales Manager, Andrew Lee explains “the team at BSV couldn’t be more pleased and more ecstatic about what we have delivered in the 45 metre² outdoor video screen. It’s really activated the area, there is a lot of potential that these guys see.

“We’ve delivered a first-class product, there’s no one thing we can fault. It’s been a real seamless project.”

Installing a screen of this size, in a complex installation environment, was no easy feat for the team. Structural teams worked behind the scenes on site to construct the screen frame and supporting structure, before populating LED panels into the frame. The screen was then framed by an advertising surround, ensuring Wet’n’Wild has continuous static advertising opportunities.

Coming in from behind the Giant Wave Pool, the screen was craned in place shortly after Wet’n’Wild closed for the night and was commissioned and ready to be played the next day.

From design, fabrication and installation, BSV delivered the video screen project on site with over 300 working hours.

Commenting on the project, Shane Phillips, General Manager for Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast, Australian Outback Spectacular and Paradise Country, stated “collaborating with a team of people such as BSV and the crew that are on the ground with Village Roadshow Theme Parks, they’ve been amazing to deal with.

“As far as the deal, the service, the quality of what they’ve installed and the process of installing in itself, has been second to none. In a very short period of time to be able to make it to this point and start our Dive’n’ Movies on time was fantastic.”

At 8.96 metres wide and 5.12 metres high, the screen provides a multitude of uses and is unmissable to any patron who passes the Giant Wave Pool. The ability to host movie events around the screen during peak seasons is, of course, a huge drawcard, but the ability to further advertise year-round in such a central location for the park means continual benefit to Wet’n’Wild and Village Roadshow Theme Parks.

BSV continue to bring Village Roadshow Theme Parks to life with their dynamic LED screens, having completed projects at their three Gold Coast theme park locations - Movie World, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild - with five projects in total.

From billboards to scoreboards, to screens above water or railside, BSV can take your vision to reality.

Saul Heffernan, Group Commercial Director, Big Screen Video.

Contact 1300 244 727, E: info@bigscreenvideo.com.au.

Latest installaƟon at the City of Sydney’s Gunyama Park AquaƟc and RecreaƟon Centre

02 9725 5604 E: info@parkequip.com.au www.parkequip.com.au

We love designing and delivering aquaƟc playgrounds and customed themed waterparks

Big screens.

The Gabba.

SKYCITY Adelaide.

Big impact.

bigscreenvideo.com.au

Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147 37

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AUSactive takes account of the diversity of traditional body building, yoga, Pilates, spin, dance, aqua classes, wellness and complementary health.

A bold new vision for the

health and wellbeing of Australia Fitness Australia’s Barry Elvish reveals the peak body’s rebranding

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lmost two years ago, Australians first became aware of a new ‘virus’ emerging from Asia; Coronavirus. A few months later and the renamed Covid-19 appeared for the first time in Australia, quickly causing health authorities to swing into action with community messages to wash our hands, cough into our elbows and maintain a safe distance. Then, in March 2020 our sector, along with all other indoor physical activity and exercise modalities, was shut down with no consultation and only 24 hours’ notice. Understanding how and why such drastic decisions with devastating impacts could be made caused significant reflection within our membership base and at Fitness Australia from the Board down.

It quickly became clear key stakeholders were making decisions often based on outdated perceptions, erroneous information, overseas experiences and the need to respond to Covid expeditiously; all factors that contributed to the health and fitness sector initially being treated without due consideration or meaningful engagement.

Over the following months and through numerous discussions with all State and Territory Health departments, relevant ministers, police and other government agencies several key messages emerged. Firstly, few government departments in the past have fully understood how and where to categorise exercise, physical activity and fitness resulting in every government jurisdiction placing all three regimes under Departments of Sport and Recreation. Although there are clear pathways between exercise, fitness and sport, we are not sport.

Secondly, and despite all government messaging during the various lockdowns emphasising exercise as one of the only four reasons to be able to leave your home, highlighting its essential purpose for the maintenance of a healthy body and mind, the same messages were not linking exercise with our member’s services and/or facilities. This was also regardless of the fact 50% of Australians who claim to exercise use fitness, Pilates, Yoga and group class facilities as their preferred venue or program of choice.

Thirdly, and much to the initial chagrin of the other modalities, 40 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

we learnt the government not only did not comprehend where to categorise fitness and exercise, it effectively lumped all indoor physical activity and exercise programs including yoga, Pilates and dance under the generic classification of ‘gyms’.

Accordingly in March 2020, all were closed simultaneously with gyms and since then Fitness Australia has been collaborating with, and supporting the relevant Associations through government advocacy, members support and media statements. This experience has identified a demand from several complementary modalities for new membership categories offering support for both Pilates and yoga facilities and professionals. A potential obstacle to becoming more inclusive was the label ‘fitness’, a word that has connotations of exclusivity rather than inclusivity, elitist rather than accommodating.

Concurrent with the ongoing negotiations with government, Fitness Australia late last year completed two sector surveys one industry wide and one for members only. The former was designed to assess the appetite for regulation in the industry - the lack of which was a constant reason given by Health authorities as to why we were closed when Allied Health was not. The responses received indicated a strong desire for increased standards, industry oversight and governance and ongoing professional development.

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The members’ only survey messages were equally forthright; stop advocating on behalf of non-members and initiate a consumer campaign educating the community of the benefits of using a member facility and/or exercise professional.

Although separate and with slightly different audiences, when considered together the two surveys had a powerful correlation. Fitness Australia members wanted to differentiate themselves from non-members on the basis of professionalism, standards, credibility, ethical practice and safety; equally any future advocacy and consumer campaigns needed to reinforce these demarcations.

The Board and staff of Fitness Australia considered the Covid situation, the survey messages, feedback received at many face-to-face member meetings, direct feedback from members and constructive criticism from ‘critical friends’. It became apparent that strategically a conscious and concerted effort was required to reposition our sector in the minds of key stakeholders, external decision makers and the wider community. It was agreed that as the nation emerges from state lockdowns, combined with various other favourable factors outlined below, now was the ideal time to implement this strategy.

One of the few positive outcomes of the pandemic is mental health and wellbeing now being ‘top of mind’ for the wider Australian community, not just those affected by it. As the Federal Treasurer indicated during his Budget speech earlier this year, mental health is now ‘a national priority’ and the exacerbation of mental health issues as a result of Covid has only heightened the seriousness of the problem. Mental health organisations, medical professionals and our members all agree on the direct benefits exercise can bring in managing and mitigating mental health issues. Exercise is essential. For our mind, our body and our wellbeing.

Australia is also experiencing worsening rates of obesity, dementia, diabetes, kidney failure, heart disease, arthritis and dietary risk failures to name but a few. When combined with more spectator than participant sedentary behaviour, urban congestion, time poor families, limited public space and long commuting times it is easy to understand why the nation is facing a health crisis. Exercise professionals, be they Aqua, Pilates, yoga or fitness, all have an essential role to play to halt and ideally reverse this trend.

In November 2018 the Federal Government signed on to the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity with a commitment to inspire 15% more Australians to be more active by 2030.

Unfortunately, since then nothing has been activated. We know public preventative health campaigns work, think QUIT antismoking, AIDS, and sofa ensconced Norm encouraging us 42 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

to ‘Be in it’ 40 years ago. Government at all levels need key community partners to support and activate health campaigns; a more inclusive Fitness Australia has the capacity, energy and desire to fill that role.

Research over many years in many countries has proven the value of preventative health campaigns in not just addressing physical and mental health problems but also in saving government’s money by not having to spend more money once a health problem has manifested itself. Covid has left the Federal Government with a huge deficit but by working with a reactivated Fitness Australia it has the potential to reduce both the instance of health problems and the cost of managing them. Exercise professionals can help stop Australians needing rehabilitation services, they can act as the precursor to Allied Health services.

In 2032, the Olympics are returning to Australia and this will lead by default to increased community interest in sport, trickling down to fitness, exercise and physical activity - a very good thing. However, it also means that most sport and recreation departments, especially federally, and most sport related government agencies will be financing and focusing on elite sports and future gold medals. Another reason why we need to rethink and reposition our sector away from sport to health.

Our sector has evolved from an emphasis on looking good to a focus on feeling good. Fitness facilities now encompass a diverse range of programs, from traditional body building to yoga, Pilates, spin, dance, aqua classes, wellness and complementary health.

There are now more female club members and female Fitness Australia professionals, more facilities are welcoming people with disabilities, the older age cohort and members from a cultural and linguistically diverse background; our sector has changed and continues to reflect the changes that are occurring in the wider community.

In recognition of these changes and the evolving and recognised importance of exercise and movement professionals, the opportunity to embrace additional modalities, the potential to collaborate with governments and other key stakeholders as their critical preventative health partner and expand our advocacy capability, Fitness Australia also needs to change.

AUSactive is the visible representation of a strategic rethink and repositioning of our sector. Welcome to the united body for Australia’s health and wellbeing; AUSactive - Activating: Every body. Every way. Every day.

Are you ready to join the movement for movement?

Barrie Elvish is Chief Executive of Fitness Australia/ AUSactive.

For more information go to www.ausactive.org.au

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Actioning a more active nation James Ellender explains how learnings from ActiveXchange’s Expert Circles are being transformed into action and opportunities for a more active nation

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acilitated by Martin Sheppard, ActiveXchange’s Board Chair, more than 30 industry leaders have come together from academia to Sport Australia, local government and state peak bodies, through to national sporting organisations (NSOs), operators and businesses, to collectively explore how we can use data and insights to broaden our knowledge for decision-making.

Following the meeting, Sheppard explained “what was abundantly clear was that whilst everyone is ready and willing to collaborate on solutions to answer key questions ranging from the inactivity in our communities and organised sports participation to infrastructure and social value, it is not as simple as it seems.

“As we rebound out of lockdown and back to some form of day-to-day life, there is no doubt we will quickly return to the hundred-mile pace we are used to (and) this is where the role of data becomes incredibly important, giving line of sight, common threads, all with the ability to not just inform decisions, but advocate at a greater volume for change.

“One of the biggest challenges highlighted in the Expert Circles is understanding how active and inactive Australasians currently are. Coming out of lockdowns, especially longer periods in NSW and Victoria, being able to measure the level of inactivity is important to making everyone ‘more active, more often’.”

As part of the collaboration, the initial aim would be to provide every local Council in Australia access to ActiveXchanges’ SportsEye platform so that they can appreciate the level of activity or inactivity within their community.

But two questions linger; how can inactivity be captured?

And more importantly what is inactivity?

For a long time, organised sport has been a benchmark of being active. Whether that is being part of a sporting club, social club, church group, workplace, or gymnasium, that has been

44 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

the way an active society has been measured. What about the people who aren’t involved in these circles? Those members of the community who are out walking in their suburban area, playing in the park, hiking, bushwalking and the like.

As Anthony Neal, Director of Recreation Services for the City of Melbourne, explains “the City of Melbourne has recently used the social value model to inform three key initiatives that are ongoing including the community recreation infrastructure needs in two urban renewal areas and after informing the Recreation Infrastructure Master Plan for the City.

“We are digging deep to understand what the data is telling us and what the future will hold for Melbourne as the population continues to rapidly grow.

“And as the City begins rebounding from one of the longest lockdowns the world has seen, it is providing currency for the role recreation can play in supporting the people post lockdown. How can we encourage workers back into the CBD through recreation? It could be from them wanting to go for a run at lunchtime with colleagues - friends, mates - to using the gym or the pool.”

Being able to have clear definitions of what is physical activity and exercise as well as what data should be collected to be aligned not just across the sector but nationally and more so globally, was one opportunity explored during the Expert Circles.

And it is through data-alignment that commercial providers including membership organisations (such as organised sports) and event promoters, which encompass fun runs, that we’ll be able to identify and reach prospective customers going forward.

There is no doubt Australia and New Zealand are sportloving nations, and investment at the elite level is evident but as obesity rates increase how can we transfer this love and passion to a community level.

Year upon year, education campaigns have been a key source to trying to get the public more active - but education alone isn’t enough. The people who are physically active are already out there.

Now it moves into taking the sport to the people, becoming more interactive within our communities because social interaction is a key part of being active.

The Expert Circles found that there is a correlation of people who attend community sport facilities, aquatic and recreation centres, and sport events and who would have a high level of interest in ‘connecting’ with their chosen sport - maybe not as sports members, but as part of the sports ‘family’.

Sometimes looking abroad to ideas that have been implemented could be a starting point. The London 2012 Olympic Games had a legacy no other previous Games had.

They attempted to inspire a generation to engage in sport and to be more physically active.

The UK city of Sheffield, along with the East Midlands and London, became part of the national centre for sport and exercise medicines. It was a transformation for the city to become more physically active.

One aspect that was invested in was sporting hubs.

With Australia’s population size and investment into sport, there is a great opportunity to bring sporting hubs into our metropolitan and regional areas. Bringing this idea to life in local communities instead of running sport at a high level. Allowing organisations to not just engage directly with their local community but provide what is uniquely needed based on a deep and rich understanding of the community profile, its health and wellbeing needs and importantly, understanding its activity and inactivity levels.

With all that at the front of mind, what should we do next?

Well, being able to keep the discussion going between all levels of government, peak bodies and facility operators to find solutions to the issues we are facing with inactivity is a great starting point.

As we approach the 10-year mark until the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games it is more important than ever to be able to encourage future generations of participants to simply be active. We will continue to listen, collaborate and answer the questions alongside the industry and look forward to gaining deeper knowledge through partnerships already in place in Canada with the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association and collaborations with organisations such as Europe Active.

The focus of the group is to develop: •Clear definitions on what is physical activity, exercise and what data should be collected as there is a significant amount of options which needs to be aligned, across the sector, across the nation and globally •Clear definitions of data collection are needed that allows for specific alignment and targeting •An integrated approach for aggregating data from, sport, leisure facilities, event participants would create a significantly improved modelling and avatar creation. Data alignment would allow for significantly improved targeting and identification of ‘future participants’ across the country •Support the collection of qualitative data to align the experience of participation with the transaction of being a member or participant ActiveXchange has established and is resourcing the Expert Circles to listen and collaborate to enable data across leisure, recreation, sport and government.

James Ellender is Chief Executive of ActiveXchange.

If you or your organisation are interested in contributing and being part of the solution, E: james@activexchange.com.au

Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147 45

Activity Franchise Warriors John Pirlo explains why childrens’ fitness and entertainment is a booming sector for franchising (and how to achieve new revenue streams through your franchise business) or anyone looking to go into business for themselves, jumping into a franchise business may be just what you Fneed, especially if you have not run your own business before.

According to Seek, there are over 1,160 business format franchises in Australia, so a franchisee has a lot of options to choose from and has the ability to compare offering before making a decision.

For franchisees, the opportunity is buying into a tried and tested business format that has already shown success and has ironed out any major issues.

46 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

In addition, franchisees will receive head office support for things like systems, marketing, public relations, guidelines on how to hire and manage staff while getting a head start as the brand is already built from an awareness perspective.

Having a strong name attached to your business is a win for anyone looking to get into business with franchises presenting an attractive option for those who want to be their own boss, but who also want to minimise the risk in their investment.

Moving forward, an opportunity for franchisees to consider is in childrens’ fitness and entertainment. Of course, there are lots of different types of franchise businesses, from cafes, coffee shops, fitness studios to finance businesses but a child-oriented franchise is not only fun but also presents the opportunity to connect with your community which helps with repeat customers. Additionally, as you are both freeing up the parentals time and entertaining their children, it is likely that people will come away from your business feeling good and passing on positive feedback to others.

You may also find working to be even more satisfying given people come to you for entertainment.

While there are multiple fitness studios on every main street these days, there are few childrens’ fitness and entertainment business and less competition, means more opportunity.

With a good area where children are likely to be, for example, if the suburb is family friendly, or there is a school nearby, then you have the potential to develop a lucrative business.

Childrens’ fitness and entertainment offers a major franchise opportunity.

Multiple revenue streams due to the occasions that children celebrate The great thing about working with children and families is that there is always something to celebrate or a special occasion.

In the case of Ninja Parc, we offer everything from casual play passes to birthday party programs, school holiday programs, classes for parkour and Little Ninjas and even adult fitness classes - each a part of generating multiple revenue steams. By having these multiple revenue streams we create a consistent flow of revenue instead of relying on seasonal revenue streams such as school holiday programs or casual passes.

Benefits of a franchise model While running a business will always have its challenges, if you are involved in a franchise community, there is a network of people there to help you along, answer your questions, celebrate your wins and also help you with essential tasks like marketing, brand awareness and systems that help you train up your staff and manage your clients and finances. Getting handed a road map on how to run a business is something that few entrepreneurs receive.

With the global pandemic for example, head office should step in to help the franchisee negotiate rents and come up with solutions to keep going even though the world has shut down.

At Ninja Parc, we have managed this well.

We recently launched a new centre in the Melbourne suburb of Bayswater, despite Victoria being in lockdowns for most of last year.

Additionally: •Visitations were up by 72% between January 2020 and January 2021 in Newcastle and Townsville • We have further new franchises in the pipeline and over three times the number of enquiries (February 2020 vs 2021) •The new Bayswater site saw more than 500 visitors through the door on its opening weekend • More than 10,000 casual visitors came to a Ninja Parc centre in January 2021 •Birthday parties that have been on the rise, with a near 25% increase across all three centres in March compared to February.

•February birthday parties were also up by 72% in Townsville and Newcastle compared to the previous year Since the launch of our first centre in 2018 we’ve had so much interest from childrens and families who are love accessing our obstacle course through play passes, birthday parties and school holiday programs, to name a few.

Ninja Parc strives to inspire a world of movement for children, teenagers and families and it has proven to be an attractive option for people of all ages. From youngsters who need to burn off some energy, to adults who want a fun way to get active either with the family, or on their own John Pirlo is the founder of Ninja Parc and the operator of Genesis Health and Fitness franchises in the NSW Hunter region.

Repeat customers A childrens’ fitness/entertainment business generally means repeat customers as youngsters will always insist on going back if they loved the experience. They may even book a birthday party, bringing other local children in which exposes your business to even more people who may become customers.

To back this up, the important thing is ensuring you have a good staff team to provide excellent customer service, ensuring that every time someone walks into your business they have a fun time and what to come back and talk about their experience.

Huge industry with a lot of potential A 2020 report by financial comparisons website Mozo revealed that Australians households are spending $3.8 million a year on after school activities - and this spending is likely to stay.

After school activities are important for furthering childrens’ education, getting them active, keeping them busy and social and are an important element of growing up.

Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147 47

Optus Stadium hosting the 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final

Sydney Royal Easter Show.

More than a

Ticket The latest innovations in ticketing is enabling venues and events to deliver unique, tailored experiences for ticket buyers.

Nigel Benton explores the pace of change

T

he traditional ticketing and distribution model for theatre and events has been transformed by technology in recent years, moving way beyond buying tickets at a booth, queuing up at box offices or hanging on telephone hotlines.

Accelerated by changes demanded as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, ticketing can now offer a more seamless digital customer experience that engages experience for patrons, fans and eventgoers, As the live industry begins to emerge from COVID-19, Gavin Taylor, Managing Director of Ticketmaster Australia, is seeing what he says is “an unprecedented demand for live shows and events coming into 2022.”

2021 has seen Ticketmaster deliver ticketing for an increasingly diverse range of events including the Australian Open tennis, the Sydney Royal Easter Show, the NRL State of Origin in Townsville and the AFL finals series at Brisbane’s The Gabba, Perth’s Optus Stadium, and Tasmania’s UTAS Stadium.

To meet what he calls “the pent up demand from fans” for live events, Taylor says Ticketmaster has “been working with all of our clients to ensure that COVIDSafe events can be delivered and having fully integrated digital tickets for all our clients together we have a completely new way to engage with what was once an anonymous fan with a paper ticket. The digital ticketing experience means we can now communicate, engage and interact with a fan from their first interest in an event right through to the time that they actually arrive at the venue.

48 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

“We’re working alongside our venues to understand both their operational needs day-to-day, but also what their longer term strategic priorities are, then tailoring our digital ticketing solution to meet their needs.

“Through the data that we and the venue collect we can get a better understanding of the fan which allows us to provide fan experiences such as event recommendations based on preferences and tailored upsell packages.

“The digital ticket really allows that personalised service to be driven. And so how we first reach customers in the marketplace, how we engage them to purchase tickets, and then importantly, how we can communicate with them through that whole fan journey in terms of their arrival at a venue and post event experience, means the customer is engaged in a tailored experience like never before.”

Taylor continues “(as a result) the understanding of fans is now far greater than what we’ve ever had previously.

“If we look at a big event such as the Sydney Royal Easter Show, their adoption of 100% digital tickets through COVID saw multiple days of the 2021 Show sold out with over 800,000 tickets sold overall.

“That was achieved digitally - which was a huge shift in terms of consumer behaviour - with the shift allowing patrons to turn up to the Show informed by communication points on how to prepare for the event, what to plan for, how to get there and so on, ensuring the experience is simple and seamless for the fan.”

Echoing this approach, as part of its reopening transformation, Theatre Royal Sydney has introduced innovations that break away from the traditional commercial theatre ticketing and distribution model.

The historic venue’s new operator, leading global live entertainment company Trafalgar Entertainment, has made the decision to prioritise the customer experience during all stages of a theatregoers experience - from the moment they buy a ticket - while also maximising commercial potential for the shows that it hosts.

In 2020, Trafalgar appointed global digital ticketing technology company, TixTrack, to implement a ticketing solution which would align Theatre Royal Sydney’s ticketing sales strategy more closely to that of New York’s Broadway and the London’s West End. With the implementation of TixTrack, Theatre Royal Sydney, via their website becomes the primary ticket seller for all performances, ensuring tailored, exceptional customer experience.

This ticketing solution also allows third party ticket partner Ticketek and marketing agent TodayTix and others to sell tickets for shows taking place at Theatre Royal Sydney.

The first Australian venue to appoint and implement TixTrack’s NLiven platform in Australia with Jagged Little Pill when it went on sale - the platform provides a frictionless and user-friendly experience with multiple payment options including Apple Pay and leading buy-now-pay-later payment options, Afterpay and PayPal. Having identified a need to create a secure, central store of data and to consolidate marketing activity within a unified platform, Trafalgar has appointed HubSpot as the CRM provider for the venue, becoming the first of the group’s businesses to implement this platform.

HubSpot will allow Theatre Royal Sydney to grow traffic, convert more visitors to the site and to run marketing campaigns, with the aim to drive more ticket sales and profitability.

Additionally, HubSpot will provide Theatre Royal Sydney with all the tools and integrations to maximise marketing potential, analyse sales and data, streamline content management and execute exceptional customer service.

Houri Tapiki, who was promoted from her initial position as Head of Customer Experience to General Manager as the Theatre Royal Sydney reopened explained “to curate a customer experience which will attract new audiences, Trafalgar Entertainment made the decision to implement an end-to-end ticketing solution to sell tickets directly via theatreroyalsydney. com and through our on-site dedicated box office.

“In addition to providing a user friendly and modern primary ticketing solution for our customers, NLiven allows integration via API to legacy systems, ensuring we are maximising the distribution and reach for all Producers bringing shows to Theatre Royal Sydney.

“This is not only about the ease of purchasing tickets online.

It is about communicating to our customers content they are interested in. It is about being available and responsive when a customer prefers to talk on the phone or in person rather than digitally. It is about knowing the value of our customers and making them advocates for our Venue by offering them the best experience possible. Partnering with both TixTrack and HubSpot are allowing us to achieve these ambitions.”

As a result, Tapiki sees the venue delivering an “all encompassing customer experience from digital marketing to ticket sales and the front of house team while also linking with some of our F&B offering.

“We can also then follow with guiding them in getting home safely, finding out if they enjoyed the experience and, if they enjoyed the interaction, seeing them become advocates.”

The pace of change in ticketing technology has also seen the Adelaide Festival Centre transition from its longstanding

Houri Tapiki, General Manager Theatre Royal Sydney. Credit: Pierre Toussaint

ticketing service BASS to Ticketek - prompted by a realisation that technological advancements in ticketing and the impact of COVID. The announcement signalled the end of BASS in South Australia after over 40 years of processing ticket sales for the state’s major arts institutions, including the Festival Theatre, Dunstan Playhouse, Space Theatre and Her Majesty’s Theatre.

The Adelaide Festival Centre has advised that its new collaboration with Ticketek would provide the “most streamlined, up-to-date way to purchase tickets for shows and events at Adelaide Festival Centre venues. Patrons will also get greater access to blockbuster events touring nationally and internationally through TEG-owned Ticketek’s vast Australasian networks.”

Adelaide Festival Centre Chief Executive and Artistic Director Douglas Gautier said the new partnership would lead to a better service for patrons and opportunities to present even more large-scale shows in South Australia, noting “we are excited about what this partnership means for the future of live entertainment in South Australia, particularly the opportunity to attract even more great shows for our valued patrons at Adelaide Festival Centre.

BASS was established in 1977 and was owned and operated by the Adelaide Festival Centre Trust.

Ticketek bought out what was once Queensland’s BASS agency, while in the 1990s Ticketmaster bought out BASS Victoria, which was previously owned by the Victorian Government under the auspices of the Victorian Arts Centre Trust.

Looking forward, Taylor concludes “being optimistic about the future, we know fans want the live experience and we’ve been able to deliver that through our ticketing platform and by continuing to meet the needs and the expectations of the different governments across different states.

“We’re continuing to enhance our technology capabilities, but importantly, we’re really working closely now with our venues, to reach new audiences, drive conversion while providing a world class digital ticketing experience so they can reactivate their fans and reengage that marketplace.”

Nigel Benton is Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management.

Adelaide Festival Centre.

Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147 49

At Singapore’s S.E.A. Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa, Pico was engaged as the design and build contractor for all marine environments.

Encouraging Natural Behaviours Consultancy Pico Play has a winning formula for designing and operating wildlife parks and attractions

L

eading attractions industry consultancy, Pico Play has developed what it considers to be the closest thing to a formula for success in developing and operating a popular and profitable wildlife attraction.

The consultancy, a global leader in zoos, nature parks, aquariums and marine parks advise that while “there’s no exact science to developing and operating wildlife attractions, as what draws avid interest and bumper attendance in one market, may struggle to gain a foothold in another” they feel they have many answers: -Develop an exhibit or attraction concept that’s never been done before.

-Balance animal welfare and behaviour management with cutting-edge design sustainability.

-Work with myriad experts to create the most authentic experience for animals, visitors and the environment.

-Create a guest experience that is safe and exhilarating; that educates and entertains.

-Bring it all in under budget.

While that may seem simple, practice may be more fraught than feeding time in a ravenous reptile sanctuary, Pico Play’s

methodical and tailored approach to each wildlife attraction delivers results.

While the formula doesn’t change, the key to its success is applying it anew to each individual project.

Joining Forces The strongest foundations are formed when design and wildlife teams work in collaboration from the start.

Pico Play’s Wildlife Sciences Expert and former Queensland Zoo and Aquarium Association President, Al Mucci said animal selection and collection planning was as instrumental in shaping an attraction as budget and design.

Mucci advises “you don’t just come in and design a monkey exhibit if you’re never going to get monkeys. You need to be able to navigate strict government guidelines and processes relating to animal acquisition.”

Pico Play’s Senior Designer Christian Thurtell said drawing on the knowledge of animal experts and local specialists was vital to developing a functional attraction, noting “animal handlers, trainers and curatorial staff are very in tune with the animals in their care and they know what is best for them from an environmental and enrichment point of

50 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

view, but they don’t know how to take the next steps.

“They are an incredible source of knowledge about what materials you can and can’t use in exhibits, what and how animals eat, the stimulation they need and even how to clean out their enclosures. We take that information and translate it into the built form.”

Behaviour Influences Design Thurtell sees that breeding cycles, swim patterns and feeding needs were some of the behavioural considerations dictating design, adding “sharks and penguins, for example, have very specific swim patterns so you need to design their pools accordingly.

“Shark pools should allow the creatures to swim in a figure-eight pattern, if they swim in circles, they can get disorientated. Penguins, meanwhile, need a current they can swim against to exhibit natural ‘porpoise’ swim patterns, underwater caves to explore, quiet areas and access to natural materials to build their nests.

“Likewise, substrates should replicate an animal’s natural environment and adapt to their natural behaviour: from sandy pools for dolphins to muddy grounds for a hippopotamus; strong

inert plastic structures for seals to slipresistant surfaces for penguin pool edges.”

Creative Presentations Thinking ‘outside the box’ and presenting animals in new and innovative ways is a sure-fire way to attract visitors.

Mucci explains that the best creative ideas are often sparked by observing animals in their natural habitat, going on to say “koalas live in trees so why not design aerial exhibits that place you up in the trees with them? Conversely, wombats live underground so build an exhibit that takes you underground too.

“This sort of imaginative thinking gives visitors a fresh perspective and a unique animal experience.”

Integrating Culture and Conservation Consideration should also be given to presenting animals in a culturally appropriate manner.

Measures such as Reconciliation Action Plans and First Nations engagement were vital, especially when presenting native Australian wildlife, with Mucci adding “it is so important to engage with local First Nations people and involve them in the decision-making process.

“Not only does this provide them with employment and opportunities, but it also provides organisations with valuable cultural knowledge they can then integrate into design concepts.”

Pico Play’s Creative Director, Mark Eady, said animal presentations and exhibits had a duty to spotlight animal conservation.

Eady stated “there’s a clear distinction between presentations that are servicing the needs of animals and those that lack integrity in a modern socially conscious

Pico was appointed as the design and build contractor for all themed environments at River Wonders (formerly River Safari) including animal exhibits, guess accessible areas, restaurants and shops.

society. We have a responsibility to educate and inform people on threats to the sustainability of our wildlife.”

Make It Entertaining Pico Play draws on its expertise and experience balancing animal, design, commercial and guest needs to create fun, enjoyable and meaningful experiences.

As Thurtell concludes “at the end of the day, we need to deliver a premium experience where guests are not passive spectators and where animals are not just on display. We need to design and

present an environment where animals fully embrace their natural behaviours.

“We want guests to see happy and healthy animals and come away thinking ‘If I was a dolphin, I’d want to live there; if I was a polar bear, that’d be the place to be’.”

Pico Play is a global leader in leisure and entertainment solutions delivering outstanding guest experiences across theme parks, water parks, surf parks, family entertainment centres, zoos and nature parks, aquariums and marine parks and public brand activations.

Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147 51

Gold Coast theme park Dreamworld’s new Steel Taipan rollercoaster.

Theme Parks ready to Entertain The latest edition of TEA and AECOM’s global attraction attendance report shows industry resilience through 2020 and the beginnings of recovery 2020 was a difficult year for theme parks, water parks and museums, but the newly released edition of the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and AECOM’s definitive global attraction attendance report shows that operators and markets have shown remarkable resiliency and are already on the path to recovery in 2021.

The 2020 TEA/AECOM Theme Index and Museum Index charts how 2020 was a difficult year for theme parks, waterparks and museums, which are by their nature dedicated to bringing people together for shared experiences.

Around the world, the pandemic saw most theme parks, waterparks and museums were closed for significant periods in 2020, with a resultant steep attendance decline.

At the same time, operators and markets have shown remarkable resiliency and are already on the path to recovery in 2021, considered a ‘bounce-back year’ in what is forecast to be a three-year recovery cycle.

WaterWorld stunt show at Universal Studios Beijing.

52 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

Commenting on the findings of the annual, calendar-year study, produced by collaboration of the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and the Economics practice at AECOM, TEA International Board President Chuck Fawcett of Animax Designs, explained “the TEA/AECOM Theme Index and Museum Index truly sets the bar for how our global association serves the global leisure industry.

“Theme parks, waterparks and museums are landmarks of cultural tourism and engines of economic development, and the TEA/AECOM Theme Index provides critical benchmarking and context for key decision makers. TEA values its continuing partnership with AECOM and the ability to provide this valuable resource to our business community.”

The 2020 TEA/AECOM Theme Index and Museum Index studies the sector by region (The Americas, Asia-Pacific; Europe, The Middle East & Africa [EMEA]), the global market as a whole and the top operators. The report charts and discusses the effects of the pandemic on the industry in 2020 and the subsequent signs of recovery and heightened innovation already begun.

John Robinett, Senior Vice President - Economics, AECOM advises “the 2020 attendance numbers are largely due to regulatory restrictions limiting parks’ operating days and capacities and not park popularity and management.

“We are already seeing a surge of pent-up demand. The speed with which guests returned to parks and museums once they reopened attests to the vital role these leisure outlets play in people’s lives.

“We can’t expect recovery to equal an instant return to 2019 numbers: those represented an economic peak, the best in five decades. A more realistic expectation would be to achieve a level comparable to an average of several years pre-COVID. Following the steep drop of 2020, we can expect that 2021 will manifest as a bounce-back year and that 2022 will usher in real

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Tokyo DisneySea marks its 20th anniversary.

Transformers attraction at Universal Studios Beijing.

recovery. In 2023, guest expectations will rise, and operators should plan and budget for reinvestment accordingly.”

The Americas - Theme Parks and Waterparks In the USA, most theme parks and waterparks were open on 1st January 2020, but shut down mid-March. As a result, the top 20 North American theme parks saw a total drop in attendance of -72%.

Marina Hoffman, Senior Analyst/Hospitality Consultant, Economics, AECOM, noted “the pain rippled through the industry as well as the fan base. But as soon as parks could reopen, guests returned in large numbers, and operators adapted.

“Though economically disrupted by the pandemic and now facing staffing and operations challenges, the industry looks ahead. Major theme park operators and big chains - including Disney, Universal, Six Flags, Cedar Fair and Herschend - have continued with construction projects, new attraction openings and plans for the future. Even in the hard-hit water parks sector there is encouraging new development.”

Asia-Pacific - Theme Parks and Waterparks In the Asia-Pacific region, the top 20 theme parks saw attendance numbers drop a total of -58% in 2020. Looking only at China, the numbers tended to be more favourable.

Being hit very early in the pandemic, China was the first to implement restrictions and closures in 2020.

Nonetheless, China added some 20 parks during the pandemic with recent openings including Universal Beijing Resort, Ocean Park Hong Kong’s new Water World, new parks in the OCT and Fantawild chains and an expansion of Chimelong Paradise.

Chris Yoshii, Vice President - Economics, Asia-Pacific, AECOM commented “China continues to move toward a leading global position in the theme parks and attractions industry.

“The establishment of Universal Beijing Resort and continuing success of Shanghai Disney Resort represent an upward trajectory and reinforces the notion of quality for parks in China and Asia - raising the bar in the use of technology and media and spurring others to follow suit.”

Beth Chang, Executive Director - Economics, Asia-Pacific, AECOM added “China’s theme parks and water parks have had access to a much smaller pool of tourists than previously, but have the country’s sizeable, local population to draw upon.

Those parks already oriented to local markets were able to sustain higher attendance numbers.”

EMEA - Theme Parks and Waterparks In the EMEA region total attendance decline in 2020 was 66% for the top 20 theme parks and -61% for the top 10 water parks. Parks catering mostly to regional markets saw lesser attendance drops than those relying more on tourism. Overall, the sector did relatively well in pandemic-hit 2020 and is poised to recover more quickly than some other markets, simply because European parks skew regional.

Museums Attendance at the world’s top 20 museums in 2020 showed a total decrease of -78%, across all regions from the prior year. Museums were one of the visitor attraction categories most negatively affected by COVID-19. They were liable to be closed for long periods, subject to rigorous capacity limits and control measures due to being primarily indoor facilities. Those with attendance models heavily reliant on international tourism suffered most.

Blockbuster touring exhibits, new museums, expansions and exhibitions were delayed, but began to resurge in 2021. The pandemic prompted museums to regroup and deliver content online, to enthusiastic reception by communities and educators.

Linda Cheu, Vice President - Economics, Americas, AECOM concluded “our museum community deserves a commendation for its resilience and dedication during the pandemic. Facing considerable challenges, museums everywhere showed themselves to be innovative in pivoting to online content and virtual experiences to continue serving their missions - and stay connected to the communities that needed them more than ever. While full recovery is some ways off, post reopening numbers have been encouraging, reflecting substantial, pent-up demand for museum experiences.”

Since 2006, TEA and AECOM have collaborated to produce and publish the annual TEA/AECOM Theme Index and make the report available free as a resource and reference for business and education. It was expanded to include the Museum Index in 2012. The TEA/AECOM Theme Index and Museum Index is a definitive and widely cited global resource benefiting the international attractions industry and many other sectors including financial, real estate, education, hospitality, retail, travel and tourism. It is a vital reference for the media.

Harry Potter’s Wizarding World at Universal Studios Beijing.

54 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

Dreamworld - Whitewater World, Gold Coast, QLD

North Star Holiday Resort, Hastings Point, NSW

Cockburn Aquatic & Recreation Centre, Cockburn Central, WA

The Big Banana Fun Park, Coffs Harbour, NSW

Aquatopia Waterpark, Prairiewood, NSW

BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park, Gold Coast, QLD

Oak Park Sports And Aquatic Precinct, Pascoe Vale, VIC

Dubbo Aquatic Centre, Dubbo, NSW

Raging Waters, Sydney, NSW

42nd Battalion Memorial Pool, Rockhampton, QLD

Tattersalls Hobart Aquatic Centre, TAS

Splash Aqua Park and Leisure Centre, Craigieburn, VIC

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Media slams Perth’s Adventure World over ride weight restrictions Perth amusement park Adventure World has recently been slammed by major media outlets in sensationalist coverage over its managing of guest weight safety requirements when accessing rides.

Media outlets including WAtoday, 7 NEWS, The West Australian and News Ltd titles such as Sydney’s The Daily Telegraph, fuelled supposed outrage over weight restrictions for the park’s rides - enforced to meet manufacturer safety requirements.

Social media users have been upset that weight stations featuring a flashing light apparently “fat-shames” users with respondents labelling the identification as “humiliating” and “degrading”.

The system requires guests to ‘self assess’ before joining ride queues, a process those quoted by mainstream media describe as consisting of “humiliating flashing red and green signs”.

As a result, Adventure World, which in 2019 was in the news for asking guests using its waterpark to “choose appropriate swimwear when visiting”, has seen Facebook users call for a boycott of the park over so-called “disgusting ride policies”.

Media, who would be quick to slam the park if there was a safety incident, found outraged people to quote.

Adventure World operates weight stations featuring a flashing light on certain rides in order to meet manufacturer safety requirements.

If the light flashes red, guests are barred from the ride.

Explaining this, the park advised “as long as a rider’s safety restraint harness achieves the fully closed position and they meet the other safety requirements, then riders above 75kg can ride.”

In a statement to The West Australian, Adventure World Chief Executive, Andrew Sharry advised “we take our direction from our various ride manufacturer’s safety specifications.

“There have been no changes to, nor introduction this season 56 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

The Abyss at Perth’s Adventure World (top) and signage explaining the park’s guest weight safety requirements when accessing rides.

of a new rider weight safety requirements for any of our rides, slides or attractions.”

Sharry said the weight scales were for the comfort of patrons, as well as a “rider weight safety assessment scale for the operator”, adding “(this) brings us in line with almost all other waterparks in the country. We are not alone in implementing such a system.”

AALARA President defends Adventure World in enforcing ride weight restrictions Shane McGrath, President of the Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association (AALARA), went on to defend Adventure World’s ride weight restrictions.

McGrath told Perth radio station 6PR that while the reporting was “unfortunate”, theme park operators have no choice but to abide by manufacturer restrictions.

McGrath advised “they are required to do what they’ve done, they can’t compromise on safety, and they need to ensure that (patrons have) a safe experience at the theme park.”

However, McGrath added that Adventure World could find a way in which guests that are too heavy are spared embarrassment, adding “I think the expectation needs to be managed in advanced, and maybe that is through some communication, via a website, or private entry.

“I don’t know the specifics of that ride, but I’m sure the theme park will be reviewing all that, they’re constantly striving to ensure that everyone has a positive experience.

“And in this instance, I guess that hasn’t been the case.”

Can the Show Go On?

The Barra Fun Park in Townsville (pictured below) was reportedly unable to secure insurance earlier this year.

The Small Business Ombudsman’s final report calls for a Discretionary Mutual Fund as a solution for amusement and attractions insurance challenges.

Nigel Benton discusses

T

he Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has released the final report into the insurance crisis facing Australia’s amusement, attractions and entertainment industry, declaring a Discretionary Mutual Fund (DMF) to be the most practical and durable solution to enable the industry to remain operational in a hardened global insurance market.

Introducing the report, The Show Must Go On, Billson advised “right now, there is a very real possibility the show cannot go on if small businesses in the amusement and recreation sector cannot get the protection they need to operate. essential risk protec “This inability to secure insurance coverage puts thousands of jobs at risk and means many of the attractions people know and love are on the brink of being a thing of the past.

“The clear and present danger is real. To put it into perspective, the sector employs over 7,000 people and contributes $1.84 billion to the economy in total.

“If these businesses cannot secure risk protection, they face imminent closure and that will lead to significant job losses 58 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

particularly in regional areas - and a loss of economic activity generated by metro and regional shows and amusement parks.

“In this light, our final report endorses the Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association’s (AALARA) proposal to establish a DMF as the only current workable solution to the immediate need for coverage in the sector.”

The Show Must Go On final report, reiterates the interim report’s finding that the lack of affordable insurance arises from a range of factors amplified by the hardening global insurance market which means very few insurers are willing to cover the industry and premiums - when available - have skyrocketed.

Billson, who has been particularly critical of the Coversure product available to the industry, noted “with only one insurer willing to provide coverage to these businesses, insurance premiums have risen - often by more than 200% - and many businesses have been refused coverage outright.

“Others have stranded assets, with just some of their equipment securing insurance coverage.”

Public liability insurance coverage is legally required across a range of businesses including rides at showgrounds, kids play centres, laser tag and even walking tours in national parks. This can be through contractual obligations as well as requirements imposed by state and territory governments on councils and other landowners.

DMFs operate to provide cover on a discretionary basis to a group of individuals or organisations that have a similar risk profile. Under a DMF, members who meet requirements would have access to a certificate of protection, enabling them to operate these amusement rides.

While the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) recommends the establishment of a DMF as a workable and durable solution for the industry, it notes that the final report also finds this is reliant on foundational support by all levels of government.

Significantly, it does not indicate the likelihood of such funding being forthcoming or whether the industry itself might fund the startup of the DMF if governmental backing is not forthcoming.

Billson commented “a DMF requires legislative reform by all states and territories to ensure it is accepted in lieu of insurance for licensing requirements.

“Additionally, the DMF needs to be recognised as a suitable solution at a local level and supported by councils and showground managers.”

While the Ombudsman’s final report confirms a DMF as the most suitable solution to the insurance crisis faced by the sector, it also acknowledges there are challenges to the model, with Billson adding “a DMF is not a magic fix.

“It requires an ongoing sector-wide commitment to best practice risk mitigation measures, the need to ensure membership remains cohesive and acts in the best interests of other members and broad understanding the sector is unlikely to see coverage costs reduce in the short term.

“On balance, as the insurance crisis threatens the livelihoods of thousands of hard-working Australian small business owners along with many of the family entertainment activities that we hold dear, a DMF is the only suitable pathway forward.”

Risk management is the key to solving the attractions industry’s insurance crisis The reported insurance crisis in Australia’s attractions industry and related sectors could be reduced if operators adopted higher standards of risk management according to Adrian Gamble, General Manager at specialist Australian underwriting agency Coversure Pty Ltd. Explaining that the reason insurers have pulled out of the market “is that they are not making money”, Gamble advises “over recent years there have just been too many payouts resulting from claims in the industry.”

Citing insurers having to pay out multiple claims in the “tens of thousands of dollars” resulting from incidents over recent years, Gamble explains “many operators rely on outdated risk management procedures and, with the world having moved on, they need to adopt an active approach to risk management.

“While over the last year it has frequently been said that it is impossible to insure class 4 and 5 rides, that is not true, class 4 and 5 rides are something we underwrite every day … but we insist on operators undertaking thorough and ongoing risk assessments.”

Gamble’s comments followed a recent report by A Current Affair, ‘Amusement park operators priced out by insurance hikes’, which suggested that “Luna Park (Sydney) could close, the (Sydney) Royal Easter Show is in doubt, and it could be the end of the jumping castle”.

Highlighting the rising cost of insurance in the attractions industry, A Current Affair reported that “insurance hikes are pricing amusement rides and their operators out of the market.”

Other reports have recently referred to one attraction that apparently had to close because of the high cost of insurance.

However, Australasian Leisure Management understands that the operator was offered insurance subject to the adoption of improved risk management practices. This included, as an example, having a lifeguard at the top of a waterslide to supervise guests - a change the operator declined to adopt, as a result of which his insurance was declined.

In this type of situation, Gamble explains “if an operator chooses not to follow risk management and wants to carry on activities that are not consistent with what we set out to offer, we cannot insure them. Operators have to want to reach the highest standards of risk management.

“Recent years have seen too many incidents where avoidable risks have led to incidents and the industry needs to reach ever higher standards (so) operators must constantly assess risk, commit to safety processes and procedures, educate and train their staff and underpin this with technology.”

Gamble, like the ASBFEO points out that a DMF would have limitations, explaining “a DMF is not insurance, but offers ‘discretionary cover’ in the form of an insurance-like product owned by a legally owned company and run by industry members (through a Board of Directors).”

“Even if a DMF does attract the funds to get off the ground it will still be critical for risk management practices to improve as, the Fund will need to minimise claims and payouts.

“And if the DMF doesn’t have enough funds it will have to secure them through reinsurance.”

Gamble is also critical of site owners, venues and showgrounds demanding operators have $20 million in public liability.

He goes on to say “so that insurance remains available and for the industry to deliver the highest standards of public safety and inspire guest confidence the industry must look to constantly improve its standards and should look to national risk management training that goes beyond statutory requirements and focusses on hazard identification and risk reduction.”

Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147 59

Making Waves on Sydney’s Northern Beaches Warren and Mahoney Principal Architect, Daryl Maguire, shares how the Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club is set to offer community and life saving facilities ith construction now underway, the new Mona Value Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) on Sydney’s Northern Beaches W expects to be operational and ready by late summer.

Architects Warren and Mahoney say the redevelopment of the existing club presented a unique opportunity to provide both a world-class building to meet the needs of its existing occupants, while also offering up some dynamic new social spaces to the broader community.

Warren and Mahoney Principal, Sven Ollmann explains “Sydney’s Northern Beaches is an area with a distinct local identity, deeply tied to its physical surroundings. Surf Life Saving Clubs play a central role in community life, providing social gathering places as well as Surf Life Saving operations.

“In designing a new facility for the Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club, we knew that community buy-in and ownership of the project would be vital. The new building needed to meet all the practical requirements, be flexible for a wide range of uses and be a focus for community pride.

60 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

“By drawing the community, the park and the beach together, the new facility will continue to support an important safety and community service whilst also being more inclusive and offering new function areas to enhance leisure activities and generate revenue for the Club.”

Working group engagement with members of both the community and club enabled Warren and Mahoney to analyse and understand the inner workings of the organisation alongside the myriad needs of locals.

The new development has been funded by the Northern Beaches Council, the NSW Government - Stronger Communities Fund and the Mona Vale SLSC, with construction led by the Council’s Capital Projects department.

It includes surf life saving facilities, a large storage area, a gym and change facilities for members, a family change room, an accessibility toilet, disabled adult change room, a café, restaurant, function room and a members’ bar and lounge.

Facilities are family-friendly, with spaces and amenities to cater to all generations of lifesavers, from nippers in training to retirees. Particular consideration was given to welcoming migrant communities, who are a principal target for water safety campaigns.

The building is open and active on all sides, with a cafe at ground level and sightlines through to the water, linking park and beach. Materials including timber and textured raw concrete were chosen to reflect the natural environment and withstand exposure to the elements.

Elevated glass pavilions house a restaurant, lounge bar and function room, angled to capture the spectacular views and outstanding natural beauty of beach, headlands and park.

A separate amenities and public change facility situated alongside the Club has also been built for use for the significant number of public bathers using the pool or sea.

Ollman advises “our design narrative was built around several key pillars of inspiration.

“First and foremost, the facility needed to be positioned to maximise the functionality for its primary purpose: surf life saving. It needed to meet the needs of the many facets of the SLSC as well as having the ambition of being a wider purpose community facility now and into the future.

“Secondly, the project needs the utmost durability in terms of materials and design aesthetic. It should be designed to work with, as well as resist where necessary, the harsh coastal environment.

“The ultimate building durability comes from working with the site elements - not against them. And taking existing elements like the sand dunes, sun and wind into consideration for an improved user experience via the re-design.

“Locality was also an important consideration, with the building aiming to build on the identity of Mona Vale as a place, acknowledging its people and celebrating the local history and culture.

“As such, the Club will be well placed to play the role of social connector, acting as the gateway and welcome to Mona Vale Beach.”

More than just an upgrade to the existing building, the new facility will also endeavour to make the grounds a safer environment through the use of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies.

Noting that sustainability was also a key focus, Ollmann went on to say “we’ve taken into account the existing passive day lighting and shading to define efficient temperature-control and ventilation strategies. This has strongly influenced construction and material selections.

“Wherever possible, we have selected to use material with low embodied CO2, materials that are renewable rather than finite, have the highest environmental accreditation and materials that have a positive effect on occupant and user health.

“The building design also supports and preserves the immediate local ecology. We’ve been focused on controlling water usage and run-off, we’ve installed a 70,000 litre rainwater tank to be used in the daily cleaning of the club’s gear and employed the use of healthy and non-toxic building materials also using local materials where possible.”

The design also found many ways to increase the value of the building and maximise revenue opportunities.

Ollmann added “the functional space was doubled almost within the footprint of the previous structure and we established an ROI value case for new revenue streams, including cafe and restaurant tenancies and flexible function spaces for private hire.”

President of the Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club, Paula Tocquer, says the old building, although housing many fond memories over the past 40 years, was no longer functional for the growing membership, community activities and beach goers.

Tocquer states “for our core function of life saving the old building did not have the space to store and manage key

equipment such as patrol gear, life saving craft such as boards, inflatable rescue boats as well as our ATV (all-terrain vehicle).

“The new building will not only have the additional space but is designed in such a way that operations will be more functional, safer and enjoyable for the patrol members. We do foresee that having a clubhouse that is purpose built will help attract more community involvement with the Club.

“As SLSC’s are not-for-profit volunteer organisations, we rely on the membership fees, grants and sponsors to run operations and pay the bills. The new building will allow us to attract new members and extend the use of the function space.

“We have previously hired the space to yoga, dance, and other community groups and now have the potential to use both the refreshed, new function space and F&B facilities as a primary way to generate income. We do hope that one day we will not have to make our active patrol members pay a membership fee at all to be a volunteer.

“The much-needed upgrade of the amenities block at the northern end of the beach will now also house the weekly lifeguards and additional access to emergency life saving equipment. This has not only freed up more space in the SLSC main building but increases our life saving capability to respond to emergencies at the more popular northern end of the beach.

More than 70% of incidents occur at the basin and pool areas of Mona Vale beach.

“We look forward to opening the doors to the community in the coming months and hope that beach goers can come upstairs to enjoy a drink or a meal after a safe enjoyable day at the beach.”

Proud that the design of the building has exceeded all stakeholder expectations in its scope to boost membership revenue, secure the club’s future and create an enduring legacy for the community, Ollmann concludes “ultimately the design aims to celebrate the integral role the Club has in creating and enriching a safe and enjoyable social hub for the community.”

Daryl Maguire is Studio Principal at Warren and Mahoney Architects.

Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147 61

Highlights from the Pilbara Spirit Swimming and Lifesaving Carnival at the South Hedland Aquatic Centre. Credit: Royal Life Saving WA.

Children showcase aquatic skills in the Pilbara oyal Life Saving WA hosted its seventh Annual Pilbara Spirit Swimming and Lifesaving Carnival at the South Hedland R Aquatic Centre at beginning of November 2021.

Part of the two-day Pilbara Aquatic Festival, supported by funding from Principal Community Partner BHP, the Carnival saw children and adults take part in a variety of activities including pool lifesaving development sessions for children and swim instructors.

Beyond the fun side of the event, Royal Life Saving WA uses the Carnival to make advance drowning prevention initiatives among Aboriginal children in regional Western Australia - with the Carnival giving children an opportunity to get together and showcase the swimming and lifesaving skills they have learnt throughout the year via the Swim and Survive and Swim for Fruit programs, which are supported by BHP, Healthway, and the Western Australian Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

Advising that the event is more than just your average school swimming carnival, Royal Life Saving WA Pilbara Development Officer, Lauren Thompson comments “the children will take part in the usual swimming races, but also traditional boat races and lifesaving activities, along with having an opportunity to try water polo and artistic swimming. Importantly they will also be able to meet and interact with children from other communities in the Pilbara, it’s a real coming together to have fun experience. To round out the carnival the participants will be treated to a special lunch.

“The wide range of activities involved has made the Spirit Carnival extremely popular with schools across the region.”

62 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

Live Championships drive digital engagement Rohan O’Neill explains how the Australian National Championships in Hobart has driven unprecedented growth across the digital assets of Tenpin Bowling Australia

T

he staging of Tenpin Bowling Australia’s (TBA) Australian National Championships in Hobart in July and August this year was a wonderful success both on and off the lanes.

The partnership with Strike 3 Bowling, who successfully delivered the newly created event, despite the enormous challenges due to COVID-19, has demonstrated its value both on and off the lanes.

Off the lanes, the digital impact of hosting an event in Australia was a huge result at a time when the Olympics were front of mind for most sport fans.

The statistical evidence showed the sport increasing its reach over the 28-day period of the Championships by 91%, with engagement growing at over 340% during that same period building momentum despite the obvious challenges that we face as an industry.

Building our presence across our digital platforms is critical, both to the existing participants and fans as well as to new audiences, and we also saw an increase in social media following from new audiences over the event timeframe. Increasing our following by 94% over the 28-day period when compared with the previous 28 days during the event has reaffirmed the importance of national events.

The struggles of the last year and the thought process leading into 2021, drove TBA’s desire to push through and deliver events for the bowling community. In 2020, there were limited tenpin bowling events and for 2021, we decided where possible that we would follow a principle of ‘enabling bowlers to bowl’; hence we did whatever we could to ensure the bowlers who could attend were provided with an exceptional experience.

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Of course, it was not ideal that many bowlers were unable to attend due to COVID-19 restrictions but we were rapt that we could safely deliver a firstclass event for the hundreds of bowlers who could make it, who were certainly pleased that an event was held.

On the lanes, the event was an outstanding success. The schedule was tested numerous times throughout, with flexibility the key. Strike 3 did an extraordinary job in delivering a remarkable event.

As for sporting feats during the Championships, we had seven perfect 300 games bowled at the event, with two female athletes (Kaitlyn Commane and April Sims) becoming only the second and third female bowlers at this centre to deliver perfection. For April, it was her first perfect game (achieved by striking in every frame), and for Kaitlyn,

Successful participants at Tenpin Bowling Australia’s (TBA) 2021 Australian National Championships in Hobart. Credit: TBA.

it capped off a wonderful return to the sport celebrating her recent return to the National Training Squad.

The success of the schedule’s adaptability resulted in, for the first time in the history of the Walter Rachuig Trophy Tournament, the schedule being changed to create a mixed teams event, with males and females competing together.

This catered perfectly for the three women’s teams and six men’s teams in attendance with the five-person team format competing in a head-to-head environment is unique to Rachuig (a key figure in tenpin bowling’s history), and seeing the men and women fight it out together on the lanes.

The event maintained separate ladders for the men’s and women’s divisions although all nine teams played off against each other to determine the eventual winners.

Queensland took the title in the men’s division, and Victoria won the women’s division.

With the impact of the lockdown on South East Queensland at the time of the Championships, only four of the

Queensland men’s team were in Hobart, requiring one female team member to complete the team.

Again, with the flexible approach to the event, tournament organisers decided to include North Queenslander Chloe Jones as the fifth member of the Queensland men’s team to ensure the bowlers in Hobart could compete. The Queenslanders took out the title having tied with the Victorian men on points leading to a count back on pinfall.

The performance of the Victorian women’s team was elite. All members of the Victorian women’s team are part of the National Training Squad and if the event was combined, the Victorian women would have finished equal third out of nine teams. Led by World Cup winner Rebecca Whiting, the team showcased their elite skill on the lanes, performing at a level that experienced Rachuig observers have not seen before. It was an outstanding achievement and capped off an event where equity was a feature. Strike 3 included equal prize money for men and women across the competitions that offered prize money.

Previously, the prize pool was reliant on the entries, with often a slightly higher number of men entering than women.

Another exciting feature of this event was that graduates from our internationally acclaimed Bowl Patrol ‘learn to bowl’ program for six to 12-yearolds featured in the junior events. The progression of bowlers from this entry level program to representation at State or Territory level further enhances the program’s reputation with the investment in young bowlers building beyond the participation outcomes to now include performance outcomes.

As a result, a partnership with the International Bowling Federation (IBF) will see TBA introduce Bowl Patrol globally.

In a great sign for the future, some talented young bowlers were able to beat their more experienced competitors in the 58th running of the Australian Masters. Cameron Stein (19 years old from Queensland) and Rebekah Commane (22 years old from Victoria) took out the biggest national event on the calendar. Both have bright futures in the sport and performed under pressure in the Stepladder finals in performances that will go down in folklore for years to come.

Overall and when considering the enormous challenges associated with running the event, we couldn’t be happier. It was a credit to all involved in the Championships that we managed to deliver it.

We are very grateful of the support from Events Tasmania and having the event in Hobart was outstanding. We hope to welcome more bowlers next year while acknowledging that innovation and flexibility is still at the forefront of our thinking for 2022.

Tenpin bowling is a unique sport; it is a sport of longevity and as inclusive a sport as you’ll ever come across and TBA is the National Sporting Organisation leading its management and development.

Rohan O’Neill is Chief Executive of Tenpin Bowling Australia.

Young bowlers Rebekah Commane and Cameron Stein. Credit: TBA.

Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147 65

People In Brief Moving On Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive, Rod Hillman, is leaving the organisation after almost nine years as its Chief Executive.

The Venue Management Association has named Dean Hassall CVE as Chair of its prestigious educational program, the Venue Management School.

Puffing Billy Railway has appointed Angela Jamieson and Thomas Sargant to the Emerald Tourist Railway Board, while also appointing Dianne Smith as Deputy Chair.

The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia has advised that their Chief Executive Claudia Sagripanti has resigned from her role.

Rosie Keogh has taken on the role of Contract Manager at the City of Sydney Council.

Brad French, Managing Director at industry insurer SLE Holdings Pty Ltd, has advised that he will be leaving SLE Worldwide at the end of the year.

He advises “having been with the company for 25 and half years and four years after selling it, the time is right to depart and have it continue to grow under fresh leadership.”

Electronic muscle stimulation franchise company SpeedFit has appointed former F45 Chief Athletic Officer, Nathan Mageropoulos, to the newly created role of Head of Training.

Brisbane-based bouldering and climbing wall specialist ClimbICP has appointed Karen Allen as its new Marketing Manager.

Anthony Alsop has recently taken on the role of General Manager - Marketing and Communications at the Melbourne Rebels.

Exercise Association of New Zealand Chief Executive Richard Beddie and Les Mills International’s Anna Henwood have been appointed to the first major global council on health and fitness, the Global Health and Fitness Alliance (GHFA), set up by the International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association.

Auckland-based Grossart Water Solutions have announced the appointment of David Bennison as Commercial General Manager.

Mark Berriman has recently taken on the role of Team Leader Sports Services at Sutherland Shire Council.

Bendigo Stadium Limited has appointed Dennis Bice as its new Chief Executive.

Viva Leisure has appointed its non-executive Director Louise Bolger as Chair of its People and Culture Committee.

Swimming Australia has appointed Eugenie Buckley as its permanent Chief Executive.

TEG has appointed experienced sport and entertainment executive Rachael Carroll to the newly created role of Managing Director, TEG Sport & Experiences.

Tracey Cooper has been appointed Chair of Victoria’s State Sport Centres Trust - which oversees the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Melbourne Sport Centres Parkville (State Netball Hockey Centre) and Lakeside Stadium.

Waikato Museum has welcomed Elizabeth Cotton as its new Director of Museum and Arts.

Following a highly successful Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, Paddle Australia has strengthened its leadership team with the appointments of Kim Crane as the National Performance Director and David Foureur as the new General Manager Performance - Canoe Sprint & Paracanoe.

Leading fitness club and studio equipment supplier Leisure Concepts has strengthened its leadership team with the appointments of industry veteran Brendan Davis to the role of National Operations Manager (Australia and New Zealand) and Glen Taylor as National Sales Manager.

ASM Global’s Group Director of Convention Centres for the Asia Pacific region and ICC Sydney Chief Executive, Geoff Donaghy has been selected for induction into the United States-based Event Industry Council’s (EIC) prestigious Hall of Leaders.

66 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

Donna Lee, owner of Fernwood Fitness Tuggeranong, has been named the brand’s 2021 Franchisee of the Year.

The VenuesWest board has welcomed two new members Chris Massey and Guy Houston.

FIFA has announced the appointments of John Nicholl as the new Head of Commercial Revenues and Kim Anderson as Head of Marketing Services of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ in Australia and New Zealand.

Owen McLeod has been appointed as Business Analyst at YMCA Victoria.

Gymnastics Australia has appointed Chris O’Brien as its new National High Performance Director.

Kelly Perry has taken on the role of Industry Development Manager - Sport, Fitness and Recreation for the FutureNow Creative, Technology and Leisure Industries Training Council in Perth.

Hockey Australia has announced the appointment of David Pryles as its new Chief Executive.

Destination Gold Coast (DGC) has announced the appointment of Adrienne Readings as Chair of the Board, succeeding Paul Donovan, who served a 17-year tenure in this role.

ASM Global has announced Eray Saban as their new Project Manager, Pre-Operations - Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong.

Shane Simmons has been promoted to the role of YMCA NSW’s Head of Growth and Business Development.

Karen Slabbert has been appointed Head of Product at ActiveXchange.

Creative Victoria has welcomed Sam Strong who commenced in the role of Executive Director.

Belgravia Health and Fitness has welcomed Priyanka Sapra to its network as the new owner of Genesis Health + Fitness Byford.

Chris Tague has taken on the role of Eurobodalla Arts and Leisure Manager - a newly created position that will oversee Aligned Leisure’s operations in Eurobodalla, including the new Bay Pavilions facility, the Moruya War Memorial Pool and the Narooma Swimming Centre.

Trafalgar Entertainment Group has promoted Houri Tapiki to the role of General Manager of the reopened Theatre Royal Sydney.

Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific have announced the appointment of Emma Todd as its first Chief Activities Officer for the Asia Pacific region.

Tourism Western Australia has appointed Carolyn Turnbull as its new Managing Director.

Simon Weatherill has been appointed interim Chief Executive at AUSTSWIM, Australia’s national organisation for the teaching of swimming and water safety.

Fitness Australia has awarded Michelle (Mish) Wright, Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Team Leader Online Education, as National Fitness Educator of the Year.

YMCA Australia announces appointment of new National Chief Executive

People

Paralympics Australia names Netball Queensland’s Catherine Clark as new Chief Executive

The YMCA Australia (The Y) has announced the appointment of Tal Karp - lawyer, board director, management consultant, sports administrator, advocate, organisational strategist and former Matilda - as its new National Chief Executive.

Karp’s appointment comes after an international recruitment process following the resignation of Melinda Crole, after 17 years of service to the Y, including five as National Chief Executive.

Karp’s previous experience includes being an advocate for the rights of young people, especially in the criminal justice system, and building coalitions of support across organisations, sectors and disciplines for strategic solutions to complex legal and policy problems.

Catherine Clark, the current Chief Executive of Netball Queensland, has been announced as the new Chief Executive of Paralympics Australia - joining the body at what is described as a “critical juncture” in its history as it moves to convert the success of its Tokyo 2020 campaign into stronger commercial opportunities and record levels of parasport participation.

With an extensive background in sports leadership as both a senior executive and board director, Clark currently serves on the Board of Shooting Australia and previously held a Directorship with Australian University Sport in addition to Chief Executive positions with Gymnastics Australia and Gym Sports New Zealand.

Live Nation announces Asia Pacific appointments

Jim Kotsonis named Regional Vice President at Ticketmaster Asia Pacific

Global live entertainment leader Live Nation has made two key appointments to drive its expansion in Australasia and the Asia-Pacific, with Guy Ngata (pictured left) named Senior Vice President - Venue Development Australia and New Zealand and Richard Tsuchida as Venue Director Japan.

Each will lead the company’s venue development efforts in key markets, continuing to grow Live Nation’s worldwide portfolio of 200 venues.

Looking to develop what it calls “immense growth opportunities”, global ticketing business Ticketmaster has appointed Jim Kotsonis to the newly created role of Regional Vice President, Ticketmaster Asia Pacific (APAC).

In this role, Kotsonis will have direct oversight of operations across the region including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan.

As part of the new APAC leadership structure, Anjelica Devoe will assume the role of General Manager - New Zealand and report to Kotsonis.

Vale

Vale: Bob Romanes OAM Australasian Leisure Management is saddened to learn of the death of Bob Romanes OAM, who died on 18th November at the age of 86.

Best known for his work with YMCA Australia, for whom he was National Executive Director from 1985 until his retirement at the end of 2000 - having previously been Assistant National Executive Director from 1976 to 1985 - Bob was a tireless

advocate for the aquatic, recreation and sport industry.

Trained as a teacher at Ballarat teachers college in the early 1950s, Bob’s first assignment was at the A1 Mine Settlement School, near Woods Point, 180 kilometres east of Melbourne.

Single-handed, he taught 22 students from grades one to seven in a weatherboard hut.

Later, he worked in public schools and lectured police trainees for a number of years, then left the public system and taught at Carey Grammar before moving to the YMCA, where he started as a training officer, working his way up to the National Executive Director role over his 23-year career with the organisation.

His wider work on behalf of industry unity and improving professionalism saw him become the founding Chair of the Recreation Industry Training Advisory Board (RITAB), the Recreation Industry Council of Australia (founded in April 1996) and the Recreation Industry Training Company, for which he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 1999 Australia Day Honours.

Following his retirement he remained engaged with the industry he called ‘recreation’ as a consultant and lecturer.

In 2015, Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) presented Bob with its Award for Most Outstanding Contribution to Aquatic and Recreation Industry, recognising his lifetime contribution to the industry.

He remained a Life Member of the YMCA. He is survived by his wife Pam and daughter Jenny, plus four grandchildren and three stepchildren.

Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147 67

Vale

Brendan Edwards on the Gold Coast in 2017 (above left), playing for Hawthorn FC in the VFL (above right, credit: Hawthorn FC) and promoting fitness in the 1970s (below).

Vale: Hawthorn legend and fitness pioneer Brendan Edwards As briefly reported in the last issue of this magazine, we are saddened to have belatedly learned of the death of former Hawthorn Football Club premiership player and fitness industry pioneer Brendan Edwards.

Edwards, who played for Hawthorn in the Victorian Football League from 1956 to 1963, passed away peacefully in May this year at the age of 85.

For Hawthorn, he was a talented midfielder known for his high level of fitness, chalking up 109 games in the brown and gold guernsey between 1956 and 1963.

He was recognised as the club’s best and fairest player in 1960 - a dominant year that also saw him represent Victoria in interstate football.

Subsequently, he was named as wingman for Hawthorn’s Team of the Century, an inductee in Hawthorn’s Hall of Fame, and a life member of the club.

Known throughout his VFL career for his fitness, after being

Vale: Neil Cox Experienced venue management professional and long-time music promoter Neil Cox has died in Auckland.

Reputed for leading the rebuilding and restoration of Christchurch’s Isaac Theatre Royal after the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, Neil had also been a concert promoter and Marketing Director for EMI Music in New Zealand.

More recently he had managed the Palais Theatre in the Melbourne suburb of St Kilda from September 2018 to April 2019, before returning to Auckland as Managing Director of Big Deal Limited, an event procurement, development and venue management business.

Cox’s time at the Isaac Theatre Royal from 2008 to 2018 was a turbulent one, with the venue severely damaged as a result of the Canterbury earthquakes of 2011.

68 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

forced to retire from the game he went on to found the Brendan Edwards Sports Centres group of clubs in metropolitan Melbourne becoming an influential fitness pioneer through the 1970s - with many of the messages he was conveying then, about weight and inactivity, being as relevant now as they were then.

The late 1970s saw Edwards relocate to the Gold Coast, developing the Club Pacific health resort, getting involved in commercial and residential property development and Promotion for Brendan Edwards Sports helping condition the Brisbane Centres from the late 1960s.

Bears (now Lions) in the early years of their AFL history.

Increasing involvement in property development took Edwards away from fitness and recreation but he always maintained an active interest in the industry while also developing a career as a motivational speaker and business mentor.

An acknowledgement from Hawthorn FC noted “Brendan’s career culminated in the inaugural 1961 premiership, where he put together an impressive best on ground performance, amassing over 33 disposals.

“A passionate advocate for all things health and fitness, Brendan pioneered the Hawks’ circuit training model that helped drive the club towards its 1961 premiership - a framework that continued to be utilised throughout the John Kennedy Snr coaching era.”

Edwards viewed his post-sporting career in fitness as being more significant than his VFL career and, to the end, his Facebook page read “my life has primarily been involved in health and fitness centres”.

Lianne Hawthorne, who worked with him for 10 years at the Isaac Theatre Royal, said Neil was a vital part of the theatre rebuild after the earthquakes, commenting “it is all down to him that we still have this wonderful place.

“He was one of a kind. He was fantastic within the arts industry.”

Noting that he was also friends with actor Sir Ian McKellen, who supported the Theatre’s post earthquake rebuild, Isaac Theatre Royal board member Anna Crighton stated “he was always a smiley guy ... and he certainly put the theatre on the map with his contacts.”

The Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand (EVANZ) also paid tribute to Neil, with General Manager, Sally-Anne Coates writing “Neil … was a much loved friend, colleague and a man who gave so much of his time to growing the arts and events sectors in New Zealand.

“Neil was instrumental behind the Isaac Theatre Royal’s rebuild after the 2011 earthquakes, and received numerous accolades for his work to re-open the building.

Neil was a driving force within the events, arts and entertainment community across New Zealand. He was awarded the EVANZ Industry Contribution to Industry Award in 2016, recognising his significant work for the Theatre and the industry at large.”

Send your people news to leisure@ausleisure.com.au

Products

Quayclean takes guard for busy summer of cricket

PerfectGym aids digital transformation at Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre

Quayclean is marshalling its cleaning teams across Australia to keep over one million spectators, players, and officials COVIDSafe for the men’s and women’s Ashes Test series and the Big Bash League (BBL) competition over the summer.

In a massive nationwide operation, Quayclean will manage cleaning, hygiene, waste, and sustainability management services for three men’s Ashes Test matches at the Gabba, Adelaide Oval and SCG, 33 of the 56 preliminary BBL games across eight different venues, plus the women’s Ashes series fixtures over an intensive eight-week period.

In addition to the Gabba, Adelaide Oval and SCG men’s Test match venues, BBL matches will also be played at Marvel Stadium, Sydney Showground, Manuka Oval, Metricon Stadium and GMHBA Stadium while women’s Ashes series fixtures will be played at Manuka Oval and Adelaide Oval.

Contact 1300 897 117, E: sash@quayclean.com.au, www.quayclean.com.au

Perfect Gym Solutions has recently helped its client Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre upgrade its access control with the installation of six new turnstile lanes, capable of validating casual entry, mobile QR codes from online purchases, while still handling member, family and child entry via branded RFID wristbands.

The City of Maribyrnong took the opportunity during the recent lockdown to renovate, innovate and further their digital transformation with PerfectGym. The assimilation of PerfectGym’s technology with Metra Australia’s seamless integration processes for Metra’s RFID lockers allows for automated locker control at the member/ contract/upsell level, and prohibits unauthorised use.

Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre has been using the final months of the year to roll out their branded Mobile App from PerfectGym and implement a new Self-Service Payment Kiosk; empowering members, guests and casuals with the ability to administer their account, make bookings, payments, enrolments and purchases.

Contact 1300 088 922, E: info@perfectgym.com.au, www.perfectgym.com.au

Embed provides Integrated Cashless Solutions to Planet Royale in Perth

First Axiom seats installed at new Sydney Football Stadium The new Sydney Football Stadium (SFS) has passed a major milestone, with the installation of the first of its 42,500 seats.

Supplied by Victorian-based Camatic Seating, the majority of the new venue’s seats will be its popular Axiom seat. Camatic will also be supplying premium seating for executive areas.

Part of Camatic’s line of beam-mounted stadium seats, providing for faster and more flexible installation compared to traditional fixed seats, the Axiom is designed to be the ultimate general admission and club patrons’ seat, maximising venue capacity and combining the durability of a sturdy chair and comfortable design with an aesthetically pleasing product.

Contact 03 9837 7777, E: sales@camatic.com.au, www.camatic.com.

Embed, a supplier of point-of-sale and revenue management systems for the amusement industry, has provided integrated cashless solutions to new multi-venue entertainment hub Planet Royale located in Perth.

Planet Royale was kickstarted amid the pandemic by hospitality entrepreneurs Ray Strauss and Sasha Fagan, offering an old-school arcade bar Barcadia, which boasts an extraordinary collection of pinballs and arcades dating back to the 1970s up to the latest releases.

To bring the vintage to this era and the ‘new normal,’ Planet Royale engaged Embed to provide cashless solutions, enabling the business owners to achieve greater operational efficiency while reducing costs and increasing profitability. The integrated solutions include a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine, a self-service Kiosk, and 70 of Embed’s award-winning smartTOUCH arcade debit game card readers.

Contact 02 8798 9199, E: salesAP@embedcard.com, www.embedcard.com

Send your product news to leisure@ausleisure.com.au Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147 69

Products

Anti Wave International advises of innovation and export success

BH Fitness adds two new products to their MOVEMIA range

Australian aquatic sport equipment supplier, Anti Wave International, has advised of the ongoing success of its products over the last year, led by its Global Anti Goal for water polo.

The result of over 50 Years of global experience in water polo goal innovation, design and production, the release of the Global Anti Goal earlier this year saw the blending of cuttingedge materials and production with innovative design, resulting in a light-weight, heavy-duty, full-sized polo goal that meets the needs of all clubs and facilities around the world.

Designed and produced in Australia, the Global Anti Goal features an innovative lightweight, high strength foldable design with small footprint when folded for economic poolside storage options.

With Anti Wave the preferred supplier of water polo goals to clubs and pools around the world, the Global Anti Goal has been shipped to top water polo clubs in more than 15 countries since its mid-year release.

Other Anti Wave innovations for water polo have seen the release of new Goal Targets for water polo target practices.

Anti Wave International products are distributed in Australia

by S.R.Smith Australia.

Contact S.R.Smith on 07 3812 2283, E: info-au@srsmith.com, www.srsmith.com/au Contact Anti Wave International on +61 412 172 636, E: anton@anti.to, www.anti.to

Leading international fitness equipment manufacturer BH Fitness - represented in Australia by Southern Fitness Wholesale - has launched two brand new products, adding to their premium MOVEMIA range.

The M370 Dual Adjustable Pulley will complete the strength series, while to reinforce their cardio line, BH Fitness has introduced a second treadmill - the TR800 - which will be an alternative to their top sales TR1000.

BH Fitness Sales Manager APAC, Gorka Lopez notes “from the moment we launched MOVEMIA, and especially after the success it had, we felt it was timely to reinforce both cardio and strength lines, responding to a clear demand from the market and to make the range even more powerful and competitive.”

The MOVEMIA range has been entirely designed and conceived by the company, with the advice of elite sports clubs and experts in biomechanics. The range incorporates the latest trends in design and technology to offer the best fitness equipment for high performance training.

Contact 08 8387 3985, E: sales@fitnesswholesale.com.au, www.bh.fitness/en/

KOMPAN secures two design awards for their outdoor fitness equipment Playground and outdoor fitness equipment manufacturer KOMPAN, has secured two Australian Good Design Awards in the 2021 Product Design Sport and Lifestyle category for their outdoor Cross Trainer and Arm Bike.

KOMPAN’s Cross Trainer empowers people of all ages and fitness levels to participate in cardiovascular training in outdoor public spaces freely. The trainer offers three user positions, including a sprint mode, and users can also train against ten adjustable resistance levels.

KOMPAN’s Arm Bike delivers an intense upper body workout.

Designed to be inclusive, the Arm Bike was developed to offer a highly versatile, fully functional and wheelchair accessible solution that can be used in a standing or seated position.

Users also have the ability to adapt their workouts across 10 resistance levels, making every workout effective.

Contact 07 3865 2800, E: sales@KOMPAN.com.au, www.kompan.com.au Send your product news to leisure@ausleisure.com.au 70 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

Australian technology helps reduce indoor airborne transmission of COVID-19 Australian company - Aeris Environmental - has developed patented air filter treatment technology which is now being used around the world to curb the spread of COVID-19 in indoor venues, including public transport.

Offering an added layer of protection against COVID-19 spreading through the air, Steven Kritzler, Technical Director at Aeris Environmental advises “Aeris’ air filter treatment is sprayed onto deep bed HVAC filters. This helps prevent microbial pathogens from passing through the system, and spreading to other areas of the building or indoor space.

“The best solution of all is to install HEPA filters with treated deep bed filters being used as a prefilter. The Aeris filter treatment can be applied now to most existing deep bed Steven Kritzler, Technical Director at HVAC filters in commercial Aeris Environmental. buildings, schools, retail centres and various indoor venues. Particularly with the more virulent Delta variant still circulating in the community, treating air filters is a readily actionable mitigation strategy that can be done now in preparation for the reopening of indoor spaces, to provide an extra form of protection for workers and the community.”

The filter treatment coats deep bed HVAC filters with an antimicrobial coating. The treatment contains a safe, readily biodegradable active biocide that kills 99.99% of bacteria and enveloped viruses including SARS-CoV-2.

Contact 02 8344 1315, E: info@aeris.com.au, www.aeris.com.au

New entrance control solution saves labour while generating revenue A new entrance solution from security experts Centaman Entrance Control is promising to make premises more secure and profitable.

The ‘Pay2Go’ solution will manage access to and take payments for attractions and facilities, negating the need for a ticketing system or for staff members to always be on the gate.

Pay2Go works by offering automatic entrance fee collection, which reduces waiting times and allows facilities to generate regular, stable revenue. It provides attraction and facility managers with the flexibility to incorporate payment functionality into entrance control gates, tripod turnstiles, or wall mounted boxes that can enable controlled access to a door when a payment is made.

Advising that the new system is perfect for places with a medium to high frequency of visitors, such as public toilets, transport, museums, sport centres and supermarkets, Centaman Entrance Control General Manager, Michael Bystram stated “our Pay2Go products are designed to make the purchase process self-explanatory for customers and give a high return on investment by reducing staff workload.”

The Pay2Go solution also comes with its own app, which comes with entrance fee settings, gives an accurate recording of customer flow, and provides comprehensive reporting of things such as alarm conditions and cash balances, all of which are exportable to Microsoft Excel and similar software.

The full suite of solutions - comprised of speedgates, tripods and wall boxes - is now available in both Australia and New Zealand.

Contact Michael Bystram, Centaman Entrance Control General Manager on 02 9906 7522, E: michael@entrancecontrol.com.au, www.entrancecontrol.com.au

Products

Myrtha Pools contribute to successful Arab Swimming Championships Having built the adjustable 50 metre competition indoor pool at the Abu Dhabi Club for Special Needs, Myrtha Pools was pleased to be part of the Arab Swimming Championships 2021 held in Abu Dhabi from 24th to 27th October during which 18 Arabic countries participated.

The aquatic centre, sponsored by Zayed Higher Organization and the Abu Dhabi Sport Council, includes a Myrtha Pools’ built 50 metre competition indoor pool equipped with bulkhead that allows conversion to two 25 metre pools for short course competition - as in the case of Arab Swimming Championships - and an outdoor pool, both certified by FINA. The indoor area of the facility is equipped with two full sets of stands for viewing, two change rooms, and a media centre.

And outside, a 25 metre Myrtha pool has been installed as part of the aquatics facility. The Myrtha Track Start blocks and FINA certification on both pools reveal the centre’s competitive character.

The new pools will be used as training facilities for the next Short Course FINA World Swimming Championships to be held in Abu Dhabi 16th to 21st December 2021.

Myrtha Pools are poised to announce their new Australian and New Zealand representative.

Contact E: Alessandro.fochi@myrthapools.com, www.myrthapools.com

Ticketek integrates mobile tickets with COVID check-in and vaccination status apps In a global world-first for the live entertainment and sport industry, Ticketek’s dynamic digital ticket technology will allow fans to verify their vaccination status in just a few taps on their mobile, streamlining the fan experience as Australia returns to live events.

Throughout the COVID pandemic, Ticketek has Kennedy Oaks Day at Flemington Racecourse increased COVID-safety, - the first event to use the new technology. reduced congestion, and improved convenience for fans at venue entry points by allowing fans to check in to venues directly from their mobile ticket.

Cameron Hoy, Managing Director of Ticketek added “innovation is at the heart of everything we do, and our team has consistently led the world in digital ticketing technology.

We have transformed the ticket from just a means to gain access to venues into a rich communication platform to promote COVIDSafe measures and enable other engagement opportunities for our partners.”

Contact 132 849, www.ticketek.com.au.

Mindbody to acquire ClassPass and announces $500 million Strategic Investment Leading Wellness Experience Platform, Mindbody has agreed to acquire ClassPass - a monthly subscription service bringing two of the wellness industry’s most prominent leaders together, creating a one-stop shop for both business owners and consumers.

Mindbody’s intent to acquire ClassPass follows recent research and data from both companies that proves consumers are getting back to in-person wellness experiences as studios reopen. Nearly 80% of consumers feel wellness is more important than ever. Additionally, several markets that have fully reopened are seeing bookings on the Mindbody platform rebounding to pre-COVID levels and ClassPass consumer usage is at 100% of pre-COVID usage for subscribers who have gone back to class.

Contact 1800 082 989, www.au.mindbodyonline.com/ Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147 71

Products

Oztix marks 18th birthday with rebrand and website relaunch Australia’s largest independent ticketing company, Oztix, has marked its 18th birthday by launching new branding and website - including the smartest personalised event recommendation service in the market.

Pre COVID, Oztix sold over 2.5 million tickets per year and when the pandemic hit, it created a significant period of stress, uncertainty, and loss of revenue for the company and team.

Oztix took the time to implement some of the most significant work and improvements in the company’s history - emerging stable, streamlined and ready to serve.

The new Oztix smart homepage is driven by a cutting-edge proprietary recommendation engine and fuelled by Oztix customer profile data, with AI technology creating an entirely unique browsing experience for each user. With 18 years of enriched consumer information, algorithmic learning and purchase and browser interaction data, the new homepage serves up a highly personalised browsing experience, while doubling as a market leading promotional channel. Similar to accessing a well-used Spotify or Netflix account, the Oztix smart homepage will provide its customers with a reliable, personalised gig guide.

Contact: 1300 762 545, E: info@oztix.com.au, www.oztix.com.au

Fluidra expands capabilities at Melbourne manufacturing facility Fluidra Australia has unveiled the latest additions to its modern manufacturing and warehouse facility in the Melbourne suburb of Keysborough.

The expansion of the facility has been undertaken over the past 12 months during the COVID-19 Victorian lockdowns and includes a new 250m2 Fluidra Pro Centre, which was relocated from the Dandenong premises in August, a Training Academy and a new Development Centre for the APAC region. This includes a new laboratory and test facilities, state-of-the-art test equipment, design and simulation tools and office space to accommodate the growing design team.

As part of the integration of Fabtronics which was acquired by Fluidra in February 2020, a purpose built and environmentally controlled electronics assembly area is being constructed and will be opened in early 2022.

The developments meant that Fluidra trade customers will be welcomed to the new Training Academy on site for ‘in person’ product training sessions in 2022 with access to industry experts and hands-on instruction.

The Innovation Showroom adjoining the Training Academy also showcases the latest AstralPool and Zodiac residential and commercial products.

The Keysborough facility has also been rated six stars for energy efficiency by Green Star when it opened in July 2016 and Fluidra continues to invest in making the facility even more environmentally-friendly by expanding its rooftop solar and water recycling capabilities.

Contact 1300 693 584, E: au.commercial@fluidra.com

GameDay partners with Sisense to build data visualisation tool to scale sports club management and engagement

$14.3 million wave pool opens at Fairfield City Council’s Aquatopia waterpark Fairfield City’s much anticipated $14.3 million wave pool at the Aquatopia water park at Prairiewood Leisure Centre has opened.

The wave pool is an exciting addition to the Aquatopia water park and part of a wider investment in the area, through the Western Parkland City Liveability Program.

The 55 metre wave pool (which makes use of Ultrafine pool salt) from Swimplex is designed to emulate the enjoyment of a visit to the beach, from the textured saltwater, to the crashing waves and can be used by all ages who can learn to ride the waves on surf or boogie boards.

Contact 1300 796 759, E: sales@swimplex.com.au, www.swimplex.com.au 72 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147

Sports technology innovator GameDay has linked with Sisense, the leading AI-driven platform for infusing analytics everywhere, to revolutionise its data visualisation capability in its new ‘GameDay View’ solution.

GameDay - which obtains its data through its users, whether that be a player, coach, or sporting organisation logging in and completing a registration form - offers GameDay View to the majority of its customers, who are then able to track in real-time the retention of their participants, year on year.

The link with Sisense will see it infuse visualisation data and reduce time and cost for customers.

Chris Guest, Commercial Director at GameDay, said they chose Sisense because it gave them the ability to build within their own technology stack, so Sisense could become ‘infused’ as a standard part of their offering for all their customers.

Contact info@stacksports.com, www.stacksports.com

Products

Technogym moves forward with design innovations Ongoing innovations by global fitness and wellness leader Technogym have seen the Italian company secure a major design award for its Technogym Bench while also announcing a partnership with French fashion house Dior.

The Technogym Bench, an all-inclusive functional training kit that combines elastic bands, hexagon dumbbells, weighted knuckles and a training mat in a compact footprint has been awarded with the ADI Design Index 2021 award, the prestigious internationally recognised prize assigned by ADI Associazione per il Disegno Industriale (Italy’s Association for Industrial Design).

This year, ADI’s international committee has chosen Technogym Bench for its innovative design, attention to ergonomics and ease of use.

Technogym’s partnership with luxury brand Dior has seen the creation of an exclusive limited-edition series of fitness products, with the shared objective of inspiring a lifestyle guided by the values of health and excellence.

Contact: 1800 615 440, E: info.au@technogym.com, www.technogym.com

Viva Leisure launches Transactional Payment Gateway division ASX-listed Viva Leisure Limited is set to launch its Viva Pay service to provide an alternative option to businesses which operate credit card and direct debit processing services on behalf of third parties.

In an announcement to the Australian Stock Exchange, the Canberra-based company explained that Viva Pay Pty Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Viva Leisure, will operate not only for fitness clubs but also in other industries.

Viva Pay has achieved Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) Level 1 Service Provider certification under PCI DSS v3.2.1, which is the highest, and most stringent, of the PCI DSS levels. Level 1 Service Provider certification will enable Viva Pay to process significant volumes of transactions on behalf of Viva Leisure corporate owned locations and third parties who wish to use the Viva Pay system.

Viva Leisure believes that its Viva Pay service can benefit other health club owners achieve a high level of collections through automation and Artificial Intelligence collection methods all based on the experience that Viva Leisure has amassed over the years as a merchant itself.

As a first, it is expected the Viva Pay service will develop to integrate with the Plus Fitness franchise network which currently processes approximately $100 million in sales a year.

Contact information for Viva Pay will be available shortly.

ProSlide secures its 16th first-place ‘Best New Water Park Ride’ award at 2021 IAAPA Expo ProSlide Technology Inc., one of the world’s leading water ride design, technology, and manufacturing businesses, has secured the first-place Brass Ring Award for ‘Best New Water Park Ride’ at the 2021 IAAPA Expo.

ProSlide continues to transform water parks with industryleading innovations and 2021 marks its most significant year to date. The company was awarded its latest first-place Brass Ring Award in ‘Best New Water Park Ride’ for its innovative Launched Dueling RocketBLAST®/FlyingSAUCER® Water Coaster at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Indiana, United States.

With this year’s win, ProSlide continues to have won more first place Best New Water Ride awards than any other water ride supplier in the world.

ProSlide’s Launched Dueling RocketBLAST®/FlyingSAUCER® is the first of its kind and has been purposefully designed to deliver maximum thrill from start to finish. Unlike others, this water coaster has been engineered with ProSlide’s nextgeneration LAUNCH technology. Specifically designed to start the ride at grade, riders begin on a flat surface and are accelerated forward with thrill and anticipation towards the first uphill section. With the world’s first face-to-face duelling zone, competition is elevated to the highest of levels as riders get closer to each other than ever before.

Contact +1 613 526 5522, E: info@proslide.com, www.ProSlide.com

Walltopia’s new Adventure Hub attraction opens on China’s Ocean Flower Island Leading climbing wall and active entertainment manufacturer Walltopia has revealed that its recently opened attraction in Ocean Flower Island, China represents an Adventure Hub with a footprint of 2200 metre² and a height of 16 metres featuring ocean-themed Ropes courses, Fun Walls, Artificial Cave, the Rollglider, Adventure Trail, Elevated Kids Playgrounds, and more.

Ocean Flower Island is an artificial archipelago located off the north coast of Danzhou, Hainan, China, west of the Yangpu Peninsula. The project, built by the Evergrande Group, consists of three independent islets with a total area of 381 hectares with an investment of US$24 billion.

Contact +359 2 448 57 44, E: adventure@walltopia.com, www.adventure.walltopia.com Australasian Leisure Management Issue 147 73

Advertisers Index

Polytan all-weather multi-sport turf now open at Queenstown Events Centre

Advertiser

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AALARA

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A new multi-sport all-weather turf is now open at Queenstown Events Centre, providing a much-needed facility for the local sporting community.

The full-size turf facility built by Polytan - who have delivered Olympic-quality artificial sports turfs across the world - is funded as part of the 2020-2021 Annual Plan, and will be used for football, futsal, hockey, bootcamps and other fitness activities.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) General Manager Community Services Thunes Cloete said the turf could be used in wet or dry conditions and would provide a welcome addition for athletes and sports enthusiasts across the district.

Cloete notes “the new facility will serve the booming local demand for sports, such as hockey and football, and will continue to serve the sporting community for years to come. It’s an important milestone in our vision to get more people, more active, more often. I’m looking forward to watching the sporting community grow.”

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has also announced the extension of its long-running partnership with sport surfaces company Polytan until 2024.

The extended partnership, which highlights the development of sustainable sports facilities, will see the Sports Group subsidiary provide surfaces for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Hockey World Cups in 2022 and 2023 and the Hockey 5s World Cup in 2024.

Polytan, which is committed to ensuring its Poligras hockey turfs are leaders in green technology, first became involved in hockey in 1976, when it provided the turf for the Olympics in Montreal.

The existing partnership between the FIH and Polytan saw climate positive turfs for Tokyo 2020 made from 60% sugar cane.

Contact 1800 663 812, E: enquiry@polytan.com.au, www.polytan.com.au.

AlphaFit releases new line of Australian-made plate loaded strength equipment Commercial gym equipment manufacturer AlphaFit has released its new Core Smith Machines, an innovative and multi-functional range of plate loaded strength equipment.

Featuring a modern and sleek aesthetic with outstanding design and safety features, the Australian-made Core Smith Machines offer users an enhanced strength training experience.

Providing, as with traditional smith machines, a safe and effective way to conduct a variety of movements including overhead presses, squats, bench presses, bent-over rows, deadlifts, floor presses, hip thrusts and lunges, AlphaFit has incorporated a myriad of functional extras ensuring interaction with these machines is new, exciting and extremely beneficial.

The range offers two different steel frames: a 00 vertical frame suited for gathering anthropometric data and force pad testing, and a 70 tilted frame, ergonomically designed to follow the body’s natural movements for pressing or squatting.

These reimagined smith machines welcome users with an open walk-through design. With a total machine height of 2.6 metres, each has been engineered specifically for a 95th percentile male to conduct overhead presses with full extension.

This capability was requested by industry experts and ensures AlphaFit’s range of Core Smith Machines are the first to market catering to the requirements of tall athletes.

Contact 07 5574 4975, E: admin@alphafit.com.au, www.alphafit.com.au

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