New National Body for Aquatics and Recreation

Plans for a new national association to represent professionals in the aquatic and recreation industry have been released.

A proposal for a new national aquatic and recreation industry peak body were recently unveiled at the NSW Country Pool Managers Conference and at the recent Aquatic and Recreation Institute (ARI) conference on the NSW Central Coast.

Met with enthusiasm by the delegates, the long-awaited plan propose a merger of the NSW-based ARI, Aquatic and Recreation Victoria, ARI SA, ARI Tasmania and the Leisure Institute of Western Australia (LIWA Aquatics) to form Aquatic and Recreation Australia. The plans also anticipate membership among industry professionals in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Set to also be presented at the upcoming Leisure Institute of Western Australia (Aquatics) conference, representatives of each of the current associations are to meet next month to further develop a constitution, structure and business strategy for the new body. Within the business strategy, the new body is expected to address a range of industry and social issues along with communications, conferences and events for its members.

The development of these activities has been supported by a membership levy through the state associatrions and sponsorship from industry suppliers, including BOC Gases, Orimatech, Suters and Cheney Architects, Swimplex and Trisleys Hydraulic Services.

Part of the group that has developed the Aquatic and Recreation Australia concept, ARI Past President Gary Penfold (pictured), explains, "we see this new national association representing key areas of the leisure industry, attracting industry professionals at all levels, and delivering essential services and representation to the industry."

For details contact Gary Penfold on 02 9975 2976.