0 Log in

News

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

Pool Lifeguards Shine at Annual Challenge

The 2026 Pool Lifeguard Challenge brought together 14 teams from aquatic centres across Western Australia for a big day of friendly competition, sharp skills, and even sharper scanning. As a proud long-standing sponsor of this event, LIWA Aquatics is thrilled to support an initiative that strengthens the capability and confidence of pool lifeguards—one of the most critical workforces keeping our industry safe, trusted, and thriving.
Thu 12 Feb 2026

Hall of Fame Honour for Simone Fountain

LIWA extends our warmest congratulations to member Simone Fountain (née Hankin), who will be inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) on Saturday 16 May 2026 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (USA).
Wed 11 Feb 2026

Help Shape LIWA’s Future – Have Your Say

LIWA is developing a new Strategic Plan to guide our direction over the next 3–5 years, and we want you to be part of shaping what comes next. This is your opportunity to help shape LIWA’s future priorities—ensuring we continue to support our members, respond to industry challenges, and lead positive change across the aquatic, recreation, and leisure sector.
Tue 16 Dec 2025

Community Infrastructure Planning Course: EOI

Proudly supported by the WA Government, LIWA, in partnership with Royal Life Saving WA, is launching the Community Infrastructure Planning Course (CIPC) in 2026. This five-day, industry-led program builds practical planning skills within the WA context and is designed for current and aspiring Community Infrastructure Planners across the state. Limited to 25 participants, EOIs are now open, with course delivery scheduled for late March 2026.
Wed 10 Dec 2025

Partners

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