Recap: 2024 ARV Regional Conference, Bendigo

Thank you for attending the 2024 Regional Conference at Bendigo, supported by Perfect Gym and Maytronics Commercial Australia.

Over 150 individuals from across the Victorian Aquatics and Recreation Industry joined us for three days of networking, learning and collaboration at All Seasons Bendigo. The 2024 instalment of the ARV Regional Conference was centred around the theme "Unlocking our Potential". ARV set out to open conversation and encourage development of new ideas and innovations to unlock the Aquatics and Recreation industry's potential to be sustainable, positively impact communities and be a thriving and welcoming environment for all.

The conference’s first day commenced with four site tours to some of Bendigo’s valued aquatics and recreation facilities. Thank you to City of Greater Bendigo and the operating organisations of these facilities for the warm welcome and insightful experience.

• Gurri Wanyarra Aquatics Centre
• Faith Leech Aquatic Centre
• Golden Square Outdoor Pool
• Long Gully Splash Park

Day 1 of presentations opened with a Keynote presentation from Rana Hussain, diversity and inclusion expert consultant. Rana provided insightful knowledge, tips and opportunities to collaborate with all members of the community, ensuring welcoming environments to all patrons. The remainder of the day delegates discussed several topics, including:

• Local Government CEO & Senior management panel with Rachael Frampton, Strathbogie Shire Council, Stacy Williams, City of Greater Bendigo and Lucy Roffey, Central Goldfields Shire Council
• Trade Speed Dating with ARV Partners and trade exhibitors
• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Project with Justin Bruce, Hidden Disabilities
• Artificial Intelligence Anti Drowning Technology with Steve Bricknell, Maytronics Commercial
• Attracting and Managing Splash Parks in Regional Victoria discussed by Phil Murton, Yarra Ranges City Council, Brett Diprose, Warren and Mahoney and Steve Meikle, Commercial Aquatics
• Panel discussion regarding Processes to Defuse Occupational Violence with Luke De Vincentis - Darebin City Council, James Weston, Hume City Council and Jake Goddard, Belgravia Leisure.

Day 2 on Wednesday kicked off with two presenters with Tom Boyd, Mental Health Advocate discussing Mental Wellbeing and Omar De Silva from FouthRev, discussing Leading, Growing and Sustaining Talent. Further presentations included:

• Career Progression and Training in Regional Victoria - John Clark, CEO South East Leisure
• Industry Problem Solving and Sharing Success with Ray Smith, City of Greater Bendigo, Marcus Maher, Shire of Campaspe and Sam Winter, Northern Grampians Shire
• Driving Sustainability in our Facilities with Annabel Sides, Green Sports and Adam Luscombe, The Y
• Outdoor Swimming Pools: Seasonal Industry Changes with Sam Kane, Golden Square Pool, Allan Glenwright, City of Ballarat and Amy Campbell, Murrindindi Shire Council

We extend our thanks to all event sponsors, ARV sponsors, trade exhibitors, presenters and panellists for their strong contribution to another successful event.

Most of all, we thank all the delegates who travelled from near & far to attend in person. Each year, we are warmed by the presence of so many passionate individuals, striving for the best for their facility, workplace and community.

ARV's next conference is the 2024 Industry Conference, 18 - 20 September at Hyatt Place, Essendon.

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