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The Pavilion - Technical Tour and Presentation

Date: Friday 20th February
Time: 1pm to 3pm
Members: Free    Non members: $30 (+ GST)  Please note there is no catering at this event

Members must state your individual or corporate membership number.  

Event Overview

Join Brad Paatsch (Managing Director, Paatsch Group) and Brett McEwin (Deputy CEO, BlueFit) for a unique industry presentation and technical tour of The Pavilion, WA’s most iconic Aquatic & Recreation facility.

Constructed as part of the WACA Ground Improvement Project—a joint initiative between the WA Government, Federal Government and City of Perth, in partnership with WA Cricket and Cricket Australia—the world-class community hub is known as ‘The Pavilion’.  Operated by leading national provider BlueFit, the facility will deliver exceptional fitness, aquatic and wellness experiences overlooking the iconic WACA Ground.

The Pavilion offers patrons the rare opportunity to watch live sport from a 50-metre outdoor pool, complemented by a fully equipped gymnasium, group fitness studios and wellness spaces designed for beginners, families, elite athletes and seniors. Additional features include an indoor learn-to-swim pool, water slides, an aquatic play area, an all-abilities playground, and a public café called Wirin—meaning “spirit” in Noongar—serving a menu inspired by the six Noongar seasons.

The redevelopment is supported by a $99.7 million investment from the WA Government and $5.2 million from Lotterywest, helping to create a more accessible, vibrant and inclusive community precinct in East Perth. It also aligns with the WA Government’s PlayOn WA: 2030 initiative to deliver 2030 community sport and recreation infrastructure items across the State by 2030, backed by $332 million in the 2025–26 State Budget.

From concept to opening, you are invited to hear all about Western Australia’s newest aquatic and recreation facility. The session will focus on the planning and design, key attributes, partnerships, and management approach—from programs, services, and staffing structures to asset management (including the unique slides) and promotional strategy.

This technical tour is aimed at facility managers, planners, and recreation and aquatic professionals and thanks to the Platinum Professional Development Sponsor Pool Robotics Perth is free for members.  Places are strictly limited.

Brad Paatsch – Managing Director, Paatsch Group

Brad Paatsch is an MBA-qualified executive with more than 25 years’ experience in leadership, strategy, governance, negotiation and major project delivery. He has overseen more than $150 million in commercial procurement and $190 million in government funding, and brings extensive expertise in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

Before establishing Paatsch Group, Brad held senior roles including CEO of Global Rapid Rugby, COO of Optus Stadium, and executive positions at the Fremantle Football Club, Melbourne Football Club, Collingwood Football Club, and the Victorian Government.

Brad has led numerous high-profile sport and recreation infrastructure projects, including the WACA Ground Improvement Project, East Fremantle Oval Redevelopment, South Perth Recreation and Aquatic Precinct, Fremantle Oval Redevelopment, and strategic facility and feasibility studies across metropolitan and regional Western Australia.

He is widely regarded for his ability to bring organisations, partners and communities together around a clear purpose and to successfully guide projects from concept through to delivery.

Brett McEwin – Deputy CEO, BlueFit

Brett McEwin is an experienced leader with over 20 years in the government sport and recreation sector. He is currently Deputy CEO of BlueFit, a private leisure and recreation management company established in Sydney in 2007, known for providing local government authorities with transparent partnerships in leisure service delivery, asset management, and community sport and recreation programming.

Brett has a strong history in Western Australia, including roles as General Manager of Cockburn ARC, Coordinator of Leisure Centres for the City of Joondalup, and Operations Coordinator for the City of Melville. He is passionate about delivering outstanding services and encouraging community participation in physical activity. BlueFit were appointed in August as the management group for The Pavilion. Brett and the BlueFit team have been actively involved in the commissioning and establishment of the facility, preparing it for its opening in 2026.

PD Points = Nil