The inaugural Aquatic & Recreation Facility Managers Course has successfully brought together emerging leaders from across Western Australia for a week of learning, collaboration and professional development.

Proudly sponsored by Jonas Leisure, supported by the State Government and delivered in partnership with Royal Life Saving WA (RLSWA), the course was designed to strengthen leadership capability and equip the next generation of aquatic and recreation facility managers with the operational, strategic and leadership skills required to manage modern facilities.

Participants travelled from across the state — from Wyndham in the Kimberley to Narrogin in the Wheatbelt — to take the next step in their professional journey, joining a diverse cohort of professionals committed to shaping the future of Western Australia’s aquatic and recreation industry.

Leadership and Operations at Scarborough

The course commenced at the Scarborough Beach Surf Club, set against the stunning backdrop of Scarborough Beach.

Adrian Fisher from the City of Busselton opened the program with the Leadership Module, encouraging delegates to reflect on their leadership approach and the role facility managers play in building strong teams and positive workplace cultures within aquatic and recreation environments.

Delegates were then treated to a technical tour of the Scarborough Beach Pool, led by the City of Stirling team including Fleur Kuljis and Rozlyn Reynolds. The behind-the-scenes tour provided valuable insights into the operation of one of Western Australia’s most iconic coastal aquatic facilities, highlighting both operational considerations and lessons learned from managing a high-profile venue.

The afternoon session saw Duncan Hutton from the City of Stirling, and board member of LIWA, lead an engaging discussion on Human Resources, recruitment and training, focusing on the workforce challenges and opportunities facing the aquatic and recreation sector.

Day one concluded with a networking dinner at Sandbar, where Simon Obery from Jonas Leisure, Peter Leaversuch, CEO of Royal Life Saving WA, and Ken Griffin, CEO of AUSactive, addressed delegates and reinforced the importance of leadership, collaboration and industry partnerships.

Customer Experience and Programming at AFAC

Day two was hosted at the award-winning Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre (AFAC), where Manager Mick Harkin led an engaging customer service session highlighting the importance of the first point of contact with the community.

The session explored how going beyond expectations can shape positive experiences for visitors and strengthen the relationship between aquatic and recreation facilities and the communities they serve.

Delegates also undertook a technical tour of AFAC, gaining insights into the operations of one of Western Australia’s premier aquatic and recreation centres.

In the afternoon, Adrian Timms from the City of Mandurah delivered a session on program planning and delivery, exploring how effective programming ensures facilities are meeting community needs and responding to future demand.

To bring these concepts to life, delegates pitched their program ideas in a lively “Shark Tank” style session, with innovative concepts including Walking Netball and Pickleball proving particularly popular.

Marketing, Membership and Participation

Day three moved to Cannington Leisureplex where experienced leaders in health, fitness and leadership Andrew Ng and Matt Lewis delivered the Membership Sales Module. The session explored strategies to increase participation, deliver consistent customer experiences and improve member retention across aquatic and recreation facilities.

Delegates were also given a technical tour of the facility before Matt Hayes delivered a dynamic marketing session covering the core principles of marketing and branding. The presentation included examples from some of Western Australia’s most successful aquatic and recreation facilities, providing practical insights into how strong branding and marketing can drive engagement and participation.

Finance and Funding

On day four, delegates travelled to Swan Active Midland where Manager of Leisure Services at City of Swan, Jarrad Mohr led a session on financial management.

The presentation explored budgeting, cost centres and the social value delivered through aquatic and recreation programs, highlighting the importance of balancing financial sustainability with community outcomes.

Corey Bessant, who’s passionate about inclusive recreation, then conducted a technical tour of the recently refurbished facility and presented on funding models, outlining both internal and external funding opportunities available to support facility improvements and community programming.

Industry Leadership and Future Planning

The final day of the course began with Jonas Leisure’s Simon Obery welcoming delegates and reinforcing the importance of supporting the emerging leaders of the aquatic and recreation industry.

Adrian Fisher then facilitated a panel breakfast featuring Fleur Kuljis, Chris Andrich and Coby Halpin, who shared their professional journeys, challenges and advice for delegates as they continue to develop their careers.

Delegates later visited the Perth High Performance Centre, where Taryn deLastang provided a technical tour of the facility.

The afternoon focused on two critical areas of facility management. Nick Wilkinson, LIWA board member, delivered a session on asset management, exploring the lifecycle of facility assets — from planning and acquisition through to operation, maintenance, renewal and disposal — and highlighting the importance of a Strategic Asset Management Plan.

Dave Goodwin then presented on risk management, examining risk identification, control measures and mitigation strategies within aquatic and recreation facilities.

The course concluded with a business planning module that brought together the week’s learning, helping delegates develop clear goals, objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) for their facilities.

Building the Future of the Industry

The inaugural Aquatic & Recreation Facility Managers Course represents a significant investment in the future of Western Australia’s aquatic and recreation industry, providing emerging leaders with practical knowledge, industry connections and leadership insights.

LIWA extends sincere thanks to course facilitator Adrian Fisher, all presenters, and the local governments who hosted participants throughout the week.

The program would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsor Jonas Leisure, the WA State Government and Royal Life Saving WA (RLSWA), whose commitment continues to strengthen the capability and leadership of Western Australia’s aquatic and recreation sector.