Aquatic & Recreation Institute celebrates its 50th Conference and Trade Show

Over 20 trade exhibitors and 80 delegates converged on the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (SOPAC) for the recent Aquatic & Recreation Institute (ARI) NSW 50th Annual Conference and Trade Show.

Held on 28th and 29th May, the Conference presented opportunities for both operation and management streams for participants. Presentation highlights included the keynote speaker, Catherin De Vrye; updates on child protection, various topics on planning and development and the challenges that aquatic facilities face on a daily basis.

The second day saw some new and relevant topics such as bullying in the work place, social media, community participation in facilities and an update on the ARI’s Active Ageing Funding opportunities. Delegates were also treated to a private tour of Sydney’s newest and most exciting attraction Wet’n’Wild Sydney.

ARI Executive Officer Louise Magee explained “it was fitting venue that the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre played host to the ... Conference and Trade Show (and) as always, a highlight was the Annual Presentation Dinner of awards of excellence.

“The Dinner was again this year generously sponsored by AUSTSWIM, and set by the waters’ edge at SOPAC, dinner guest were entertained by a diving display with fireworks, a spot of State of Origin ... and ... the tremendous Jelly Bean Jam band.”

The ARI were proud to present the awards of excellence to some very worthy recipients. The Orimatech Award of Excellence was this year presented to Roz Neville for her outstanding and ongoing contribution to the industry.

This year the ARI President's Award was presented to Stephen Leahy, Chief Executive of the Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service.

Commenting on Leahy's long term support, Magee added “for the past 12 years Stephen has taken time out of his busy work schedule to MC our conferences and has done a tremendous job – he sadly will no longer be able to continue this as his workload continues to increase and his humor and wit will be greatly missed.

”The ARI also dedicated a Special Service Recognition Award to Ted Lind of Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. Ted has been a legend in the industry for decades and his ongoing work and passion (will be recorded) on our website in the coming weeks.

”This year was a momentous year for the Royal Life Saving Life Guard of the Year as it was awarded to the first ever female recipient, Alarna Dulgaro of the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. Alarna has demonstrated an outstanding work ethic in her duties a as lifeguard and was involved in the successful rescue and resuscitation of a three year old submerged victim who, thanks to her quick thinking has survived and made a full recovery.

"The AH Pierce Memorial Facility of the Year was awarded to Barraba Memorial Pool from Tamworth Regional Council. It was terrific to see a regional pool receive this prestigious award and representatives from the ARI will be making the trip to Tamworth in the near future to make an official presentation to the staff of this winning facility.

"A special thanks to all involved for making the conference a great success, particularly to Colin Kane and his team at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, and Roz Neville for all her time and enthusiasm assisting me through planning and running the event.

”A big thanks also to Links Modular Solutions for providing the 50th anniversary Conference T Shirts that all our delegates received.

“The ARI will now look into planning the next series of seminars and will keep information on upcoming events on our website so stay tuned and we hope to see you soon.”

Click here to visit the ARI website.

22nd April 2014 - REGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR 50TH AQUATIC AND RECREATION INSTITUTE CONFERENCE