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Aquatic & Recreation Workforce Guide: 2026 Australian Census

For the aquatic and recreation industry, the Census presents an important opportunity for Government to better understand the size, diversity and composition of our national workforce. The quality of this information, however, depends on people completing the occupation section of the Census consistently. This guide has been developed to enable that consistency across our Industry and ensure our workforce is represented as accurately as possible.
Fri 24 Jul 2026

Meet Our Members: Simon Peppler

Simon Peppler's career in aquatics began at the age of 15 in England and has taken him from pool and beach lifeguarding to leading community recreation services in Western Australia. Along the way, he has built extensive experience across aquatic operations, Surf Life Saving WA and leisure facility management. Today, as Manager Community Services for the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup, Simon remains passionate about creating thriving communities through quality recreation and aquatic services.
Sun 19 Jul 2026

Chlorine Exposure Limits Delayed

Safe Work Australia has delayed proposed changes to workplace exposure limits for chlorine, with current standards remaining in place from 1 December 2026 while further work is undertaken. LIWA welcomed the decision after advocating on behalf of Western Australia's aquatic industry, highlighting concerns around consultation, evidence, implementation costs and operational impacts.
Wed 08 Jul 2026

Meet Our Members: Sallie Watson

For more than three decades, Sallie Watson has quietly helped shape Western Australia's aquatic industry—training thousands of lifeguards, first aiders and aquatic professionals while inspiring countless others to pursue careers dedicated to keeping our communities safe.
Wed 08 Jul 2026

Meet Our Members: Sandy Rodgers

For nearly 40 years, Sandy has been dedicated to aquatic education, water safety and community wellbeing across regional Western Australia. From establishing the Town of Port Hedland's swim school program to teaching thousands of children and adults, Sandy has helped generations develop confidence and skills in the water.
Tue 23 Jun 2026

Meet Our Members: Alex Costa

Originally from Florianópolis, Brazil, Alex Costa moved to Australia in 2006 in pursuit of world-class surf and a new lifestyle. After settling in Margaret River, he began his recreation industry career as a Pool Lifeguard in 2021 and quickly progressed through operational and leadership roles. In 2025, Alex was appointed Recreation Operations Coordinator at the Augusta Margaret River Recreation Centre, where he now oversees aquatics, recreation and customer service operations.
Wed 03 Jun 2026

Meet our Members: Mark Gillbard

Meet our member Mark Gillbard, who has spent more than 25 years managing aquatic facilities across regional Western Australia and supporting Wheatbelt communities. From Narembeen to Lake Grace, Mark has built a reputation for his practical approach, strong community connections and commitment to improving regional aquatic centres.
Mon 18 May 2026

2026 Waterwise Awards: Cockburn, Karratha & Steve Reeves

Cockburn ARC was named Platinum Waterwise Aquatic Centre of the Year at the 2026 Waterwise Awards, with Karratha’s three centres earning Gold recognition. The program has now supported 62 WA centres since 2012. Steve Reeves (City of Belmont) was also recognised as Individual Champion for his contribution to water sustainability.
Wed 06 May 2026

De-escalation of antisocial behaviour: Industry Reference Group

Aquatic facilities across WA are increasingly facing challenges with anti-social behaviour, and we know the best solutions start with the people on the frontline. LIWA is bringing together both regional and metro staff for a series of focus groups to better understand the issues, share experiences, and shape practical, industry-led strategies. This is your opportunity to have a direct say in how we evolve the current “Keep Your Cool at the Pool” approach into something more impactful.
Mon 04 May 2026

2026 WA Aquatic & Recreation Conference: Call for Abstracts

Have an idea, case study or innovation worth sharing? The 2026 Aquatic & Recreation Conference is now calling for abstracts, inviting industry professionals to help shape WA’s premier event at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre on 26–27 August. Under the theme Places to Play: From Planning to Participation, we’re seeking practical insights that span the full lifecycle of aquatic and recreation spaces—from planning and design through to activation and community impact.
Mon 04 May 2026

Jonas Leisure Announced as Platinum Sponsor for 2026 LIWA Conference

The Leisure Institute of Western Australia (LIWA) is proud to announce Jonas Leisure as the Platinum Sponsor of the 2026 WA Aquatic & Recreation Conference, further strengthening a valued and ongoing partnership that continues to support the growth of the aquatic and recreation industry across Western Australia.
Fri 17 Apr 2026

New Course Strengthens Community Infrastructure Planning Across WA

The Leisure Institute of Western Australia (LIWA), in partnership with Royal Life Saving WA and proudly supported by the WA Government, has successfully delivered its inaugural Community Infrastructure Planning Course (CIPC), marking a significant milestone for the state’s sport and recreation industry.
Tue 31 Mar 2026

The Pavilion puts Perth’s newest community hub on show

More than 100 aquatic and recreation professionals gathered on Friday 20 February for LIWA’s Technical Tour and Presentation of The Pavilion and the WACA Ground Improvement Project—an exclusive look inside one of WA’s most anticipated aquatic and recreation facilities ahead of the WACA Ground Community Open Day on 28 February.
Mon 23 Feb 2026

Jonas Leisure Sponsor Inaugural Facility Managers Course

Jonas Leisure is proud to come on board as a sponsor of the Aquatic & Recreation Facility Managers Course because strong facilities need strong leaders. This program gives emerging managers real-world, hands-on learning across WA facilities — and by supporting regional travel subsidies and course costs, we’re helping remove barriers so more people can step up into leadership roles.
Mon 23 Feb 2026

Partners

Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport
Royal Life Saving Society WA
Water Corporation
Pool Robotics Perth