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Join us in Bendigo for the 2024 Regional Conference

The Victorian Aquatics and Recreation industry has collectively survived some of its most trying times over the last 4 years. The acute impact on Regional Victoria has been exceptionally challenging - fires, floods, pandemic and extraordinary economic circumstances.

This year’s theme is looking towards the future, and how we, as an industry, can collaboratively work for the best outcomes for aquatics, recreation and leisure in Regional Victoria.

The two-day conference will cover topics and issues impacting the Victorian Aquatic and Recreation Industry and will also include a trade exhibitor space, networking dinner and site tours.

The aim of the conference is to bring our Industry together to discuss issues, contribute to solutions, cheer for the wins and network with peers from across the State.

Download the Conference Brochure

Purchase Tickets here

Event Sponsors

Perfect Gym logo

ARV Platinum Sponsor

Maytronics Commercial logo

Regional Conference Event Sponsor

Keynote Speakers

Rana Hussain

Day 1 Tuesday 28th May, 9:30 AM

Rana Hussain, the founder of her organisation, Good. Human is a pioneering force in sports administration, media and beyond. A fervent advocate for social inclusion, she stands as a distinguished Inclusion and Belonging leader, driving change with passion and purpose. Rana leverages her expertise to advise on leadership, culture, inclusion and belonging. Her impactful contributions extend beyond organisational realms, encompassing Board roles with the Victorian Women’s Trust and Reconciliation Australia. As a consultant and administrator, Rana has worked with major brands the likes of Coles, the Prince’s Trust, Cricket Australia, the Australian Sports Commission and the AFL to name a few. A regular presenter on the ABC, Rana's multifaceted talents in writing, presenting, and broadcasting make her a dynamic and influential figure, bringing humour, kindness, and thoughtfulness to every endeavour.

Tom Boyd

Day 2 Wednesday 29th May, 9:30 AM

Tom Boyd, drafted first in the AFL National Draft, initially fulfilled a childhood dream with the GWS Giants in 2013. Yet, Sydney's competitive environment challenged him, leading to homesickness and a move to the Western Bulldogs, where he won the 2016 AFL Premiership. Despite success, he grappled with inner turmoil, taking a leave of absence in 2017 and ultimately retiring in 2019.

Boyd's decision, though courageous, stemmed from a desire to define himself beyond AFL. His journey reflects the complexity of athletic success and personal fulfillment.

Conference Program

Site Tours - Monday 27th May, 2024

12:00 PM Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre

9 Browning Street, Kangaroo Flat

Gurri Wanyarra's website

1:00 PM Faith Leech Aquatic Centre

161-167 Barnard Street, Bendigo

Please note: Faith Leech are welcoming us during their off-season - Search engines may say "temporarily closed".

Faith Leech's website

2:00 PM Golden Square Pool

14A Maple Street, Golden Square

Please note: Golden Square Pool are welcoming us during their off-season - Search engines may say "temporarily closed".

Learn more about Golden Square Pool here

3:00 PM Long Gully Splash Park

14-38 Creeth St, Long Gully

Long Gully Splash Park's Website

Site tour transport: Individual transport is required.

Day 1 - Tuesday 28 May, 2024

Time	Presentation	Presenter
8:00 am	Registrations Open
9:00 am	Opening Address	Kathy Parton, CEO, Aquatics and Recreation Victoria
9:30 am	Enhancing Diversity Equity and Inclusion Outcomes in Regional Victoria	Rana Hussain, Good Human Org
10:30 am	MORNING TEA
11:00 am	Panel: Local Government CEOs	Rachael Frampton, Director Community & Planning, Strathbogie Shire Council Stacy Williams, Director Healthy Communities and Environments, City of Greater Bendigo Lucy Roffey, CEO, Central Goldfields Shire Council
12:30 pm	Trade Speed Dating	ARV Partners
1:00 pm	LUNCH
2:00 pm	Local Community Partnerships (Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Project)	Sandee Facy, Hidden Disabilities
2:30 pm	Artificial Intelligence Anti Drowning Technology	Steve Bricknell, Maytronic Commercial
3:00 pm	Attracting and Managing Splash Parks in Regional Victoria	Phil Murton, Yarra Ranges City Council Brett Diprose, Warren and Mahoney Steve Meikle, Commercial Aquatics
3:30 pm	AFTERNOON TEA
4:00 pm	Panel: Case Studies: Processes to Defuse Occupational Violence	Luke De Vincentis - Darebin City Council James Weston, Hume City Council Jake Goddard, Belgravia Leisure
5:00 pm	Close

7:00 pm	Networking Drinks and Dinner

Day 2 - Wednesday 29th May, 2024

Time	Presentation	Presenter
9:00 am	Opening Address	Kathy Parton, CEO, Aquatics and Recreation Victoria
9:30 am	Kicking Goals for Positive Mental Wellbeing	Tom Boyd, Mental Health Advocate
10:30 am	MORNING TEA
11:00 am	Leading, Growing and Sustaining Talent, Meaningful Ways of Support	Omar de Silva, ForthRev
12:00pm	Career Progression and Training in Regional Victoria	John Clark, CEO South East Leisure
12:30 pm	LUNCH
1:30 pm	Dynamic Ways to Utalise Hyrdo Pools with Impact
2:00 pm	Panel: Industry Problem Solving and Sharing Success	Ray Smith, City of Greater Bendigo Marcus Maher, Shire of Campaspe Sam Winter, Northern Grampians Shire
2:30 pm	Panel: Driving Sustainability in our Facilities	Annabel Sides, Green Sports Adam Luscombe, The Y
3:00 pm	Panel: Outdoor Swimming Pools: Seasonal Industry Changes	Sam Kane, Golden Square Pool Allan Glenwright, City of Ballarat Amy Campbell, Murrindindi Shire Council
3:30 pm	AFTERNOON TEA & CLOSE