Answers on Facility Management in Tough Times

The Victorian State Sport Centres Trust in conjunction with its training arm, the MSAC Institute of Training and major sponsor Quay Clean, have developed a one day industry specific program intended to assist facility managers to make informed decisions for the future management of their facilities.

To be held at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) on Friday 26th June, Sports Facility Management in Tough Times is the event for sports and fitness facility managers to gain insight from the best in the industry.

The event will see Australia's leading sports facility professionals gather to share latest trends and information. In this current period of negative growth, uncertain environment and economic downturn the event recognises the importance of looking to the future and consolidating the long term sustainability of sporting and leisure facilities and the leisure industry as a whole.

Sports Facility Management in Tough Times will be officially opened by the Hon James Merlino MP, Victorian Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs. The program will feature a tradeshow of industry contractors and suppliers and boasts an impressive line-up of presenters, including Australia's leading social forecaster Phil Ruthven and 'super coach' Brian Goorjian.

Ruthven is the founder and Executive Chairman of the IBIS Group, Australia's best known business information, forecasting and strategic services corporation. He is also a director of other companies, advisory boards and charitable organisations. IBIS' main business is the provision of information and forecasting, covering industries, enterprises and the business environment. It also provides Strategic Planning, Top Level Management Consulting and advice on takeover and merger projects.

Brian Goorjian will talk of his success on and off the basketball court as he applies sporting principles to the business world. Goorjian is the most successful coach in Australian basketball, commencing his NBL coaching career in 1988 and going on to coach nearly 700 games with a remarkable 70% winning percentage. Brian has won five NBL championships and five 'Coach of the Year' awards, something no other coach has accomplished. He was voted by his peers the greatest coach in the NBL's first 25 seasons.

Also presenting and sharing ideas will be Ross Coggan from Sydney Olympic Park and Aquatic Centre, Robert Verboon from Challenge Stadium in Perth, Bryan Pryde from the Sleeman Centre in Brisbane and Simon Weatherill, Chief Executive of the Victorian State Sport Centres Trust.

As Simon Weatherill explains, "this collaborative event will gather industry leaders from all over Australia to network, share ideas and interact with industry colleagues. It should be seen as a one day investment for professionals to make informed decisions for the future management of their facility.

"The event presents a unique opportunity to gain a wealth of powerful and comprehensive industry information for your business."

The SSCT's training business, MSAC Institute of Training has been heavily involved in the development and implementation of the Sports Facility Management in Tough Times program. Formally the Melbourne School of Sport & Recreation Management, the MSAC Institute of Training specialises in the provision of aquatic, sport and recreation training courses, drawing on the expertise of two of Victoriaâs premier facilities, MSAC and the State Netball & Hockey Centre.

Within the current climate, MSAC Institute of Training is perfectly poised to provide the necessary training for those looking to further develop their professional skills or to make a break into the leisure industry. MSAC Institute of Training will become an industry leader for sports and recreation training and will continue to develop facility asset management and industry specific programs.

For more information email: mattheww@ssct.com.au

Image shows the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre 

24th April 2008 - CHANGES AT MSFA