ARV Industry Committees

ARV has 'Standing Committees', which provide opportunities for you to meet other people with a common interest and be involved in discussions on current issues affecting or that have the potential to affect facilities and the wider aquatic and recreation industry. Standing Committees also allow you to be involved in the development of recommendations to improve industry standards and the management of the industry as a whole.

Below is a brief summary of the 'Standing Committees' which all ARV Members are able to attend.

ARV Facility Management Standing Committee

Committee Chair: Janelle Falkingham

Meeting Frequency: Quarterly

A dedicated network for aquatics, recreation, health club, and swim school managers, coordinators, and team leaders to collaborate, share best practices, and enhance industry standards.

The committee focuses on facility operations, swim schools, programming, staff development, qualifications, risk management, sustainability, and future trends. It also examines facility planning, funding, and government policy impacts, ensuring members stay informed and competitive.

Through professional development, benchmarking, and collaboration, the committee supports the continuous improvement of facility management, operations, and service delivery in a rapidly evolving industry.

ARV Learning & Development Standing Committee

Committee Chair: Ben Walker

Meeting Frequency: Quarterly

Focuses on industry training, education, and professional development needs. Advises on skills gaps, training requirements, and industry standards while providing guidance to the ARV Board. Key for trainers, facility managers, local government, and industry leaders looking to enhance workforce capabilities.

ARV LOCAL GOVERNMENT NETWORK COMMITTEE

Committee Chair(s): Barry Harrison & John Clark

Meeting Frequency: Quarterly

A collaborative support network for local government contract managers and operators in aquatics and leisure, providing a platform to share insights, tackle industry challenges, and drive innovation. With a focus on advocacy, strategic growth, resilience, and mental health support, the network helps members stay competitive in a changing landscape.

Regular meetings foster connection, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing, ensuring managers are equipped to navigate the complexities of local government-operated facilities while strengthening industry resilience.

ARV STADIUM NETWORKING COMMITTEE

Committee Chair: Jessie Pigot

Meeting Frequency: Quarterly

A network for those managing or supporting stadium facilities, including multi-purpose spaces used for health and fitness. Provides a platform for sharing best practices, operational insights, and industry support.

Ideal for stadium managers, operators, and fitness professionals looking to enhance facility management and programming.

ARV VICTORIAN AQUATIC & RECREATION INDUSTRY LEADERS GROUP

Committee Chair: Kathy Parton

Meeting Frequency: Bi-Monthly

Formed in response to COVID-19, this alliance of industry leaders focuses on advocacy, government collaboration, and strategic industry development. It drives coordination between Federal, State, and Local Governments, supports evidence-based decision-making, and strengthens the future of Victoria’s aquatics and recreation sector.

Ideal for executives and policymakers shaping industry direction.

Aquatic Recreation Network Australia

Committee Chair: Kathy Parton

Meeting Frequency: Bi-Monthly

A collaborative network of management companies and industry consultants focused on national engagement, advocacy, and information sharing. Strengthens alignment between Federal, State, and Local Governments while enhancing industry coordination and integration. Ideal for leaders shaping the future of aquatics and recreation.

Visit the ARNA website

ARV COMMUNITY-RUN FACILITIES NETWORKING GROUP

Committee Chair: Kathy Parton

Meeting Frequency: Quarterly

A network for volunteer-led aquatic and recreation facilities to connect, share challenges and successes, and streamline operations. Established in 2024, this group strengthens advocacy and collaboration across Victoria’s community-run facilities. Ideal for volunteer committees managing local venues.

DIVERSITY, INCLUSION IN LEISURE FORUM PLANNING COMMITTEE

Committee Chair: Kathy Parton

Meeting Frequency: Bi-Monthly (increases leading into forum)

The Victorian Diversity & Inclusion in Leisure Forum is planned by a committee of industry leaders, government representatives, and inclusion advocates, ensuring a strong focus on best practices and accessibility in the aquatic and recreation sector.

Committee Representation

The organising committee includes representatives from:

• Aligned Leisure
• AusActive
• Aquatics & Recreation Victoria
• Belgravia Leisure & Belgravia Foundation 
• BlueFit 
• Disability Sport & Recreation (DSR)
• The Y 

Through collaboration, research, and advocacy, the committee drives greater inclusion and participation for underrepresented communities across the sector.

For more information or to register your interest in joining one of the above committees, contact Sam Bell at sbell@aquaticsandrecreation.org.au