Audet is an accomplished leader in the field of aquatic products and infrastructure, serving as Vice President of the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) and Chair of IAKS ANZ. With a mixed background in operations, planning and business development around key facility design elements, planning, and community engagement, Yvette brings over two decades of expertise to her role, advocating for the development of inclusive, energy-efficient, and future-ready recreational spaces. Her work spans strategic planning, stakeholder consultation, and the integration of ESG principles into public infrastructure. Yvette is a respected voice in the aquatic and leisure facility sector, regularly contributing to international working groups, including the IAKS Expert Circle on Pools. She also plays a leading role in shaping global conversations around energy and water efficiencies in community hubs and aquatic centres.

James Sheridan is the Chief Executive Officer of LGIS, bringing over 17 years of experience in public sector risk management, mutual insurance, and member-focused service delivery. Having previously worked with LGIS in its risk services team, James returned to Western Australia in 2023 following six years in the Northern Territory, where he led the creation and management of a mutual risk scheme for local councils. As CEO, James has prioritised reconnecting with members across the state and strengthening LGIS's role in supporting the evolving needs of the local government sector. His current focus areas include cyber risk resilience, mental and physical wellbeing initiatives, and improved outcomes in workers' compensation. James is committed to proactive prevention, member engagement, and ensuring LGIS remains a trusted partner to local government across WA.

With a vision to make wellness, recovery, and longevity more accessible and effective, Anna Davies the Founder and Director of Refined Wellness, sought out the world’s most advanced, evidence-backed technologies, solutions trusted by experts and proven to deliver real results. What started as a single product soon became a carefully curated offering, designed to help businesses create spaces where prevention and recovery intersect. Today, Refined Wellness stands as Australia's and New Zealand's source for world-leading wellness and recovery technologies. Guided by purpose, every decision we make reflects Anna’s commitment to empowering businesses, transforming communities, and redefining what’s possible for health and longevity.

Dave is a qualified urban and regional planner with previous experience in statutory planning, strategic planning and retail management. He has since 1997 focused on a variety of sport, recreation, leisure and social infrastructure development. This has been undertaken within a government setting (from 1997 to 2007) and then as a consultant in WA where he operated his own business until joining Otium in 2021. He has led and delivered over 200 projects, including a range of business cases, needs and feasibility studies and has an excellent track record in supporting clients to secure external funding. In his volunteer capacity he has over a decade of executive administration service at his local Surf Life Saving Club, having also previously been president of Fremantle Port Swimming Club.

As Whitney Consulting's CEO and Founder, Tara is a distinguished authority in grant funding, celebrated for her outstanding expertise, work ethic and accomplishments. She has built WA's largest and most successful specialist grant writing company, securing over $290 million in funding for diverse projects and initiatives in just 8 years. Tara's background assessing and developing due diligence processes for WA's largest grant program, Royalties for Regions, during her time at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, provides her with invaluable inside knowledge of grant assessment, business cases and government funding programs. Under her direction, Whitney Consulting has grown to a thriving firm of ten, receiving accolades such as 2024 Business Person of the Year WA Small Business Awards, 2024 Telstra Best of Business Awards WA Finalist and 2020 Wheatbelt Business Excellence Awards Business of the Year.

Dan is a seasoned aquatic and recreation leader with an inherent commitment to safety, innovation and effective management. Since establishing his first leisure management company at the age of 19, Dan has worked with over 30 council partners managing more than 70 aquatic and recreation facilities. With over 2 decades of operational and facility management experience, as General Manager, Australia and New Zealand for Lynxight, Dan is bringing technology to the forefront of operations to redefine aquatic safety by integrating AI and Machine Learning. Lynxight is an advanced Drowning Prevention and Analytics company founded in 2017, using cutting edge technology to enhance pool safety across the globe.

Autism Swim, an award winning Australian-based charity, internationally leading the way for neurodiversity and aquatics. With children on the autism spectrum 160 times more likely to drown compared to their neurotypical peers, Autism Swim's mission is dedicated to making aquatics inclusive for those who are neurodivergent and importantly, addressing the disproportionate drowning statistics so that everyone has the opportunity to learn vital water skills.

John is a Fellow of Engineers Australia, the immediate Past President of the Australian Green Development Forum (AGDF), and is the Executive Director of Built Environment Collective (BEC) - an Australian-based multi-national engineering and project management consultancy. John’s first exposure to Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) was whilst working on the Greenwich Millennium Village development in London in 1998, with renowned European architect, Ralph Erskine. John has championed sustainability in the construction industry since that time, including in his previous role as Construction Solutions Engineer with Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia (CCAA). Since establishing BEC John has provided sustainability consultancy support for projects including the proposed Tropical North Global Tourism Hub (GTH) for the Queensland Government, The 170ha Bangkok One development, and for the United Nations campus in Ethiopia

Tanya Jones is a Director at Gresley Abas and a national leader in the planning and delivery of community-focused facilities across Western Australia. With more than 25 years’ experience, she brings sharp technical knowledge and a grounded, collaborative approach to public projects — from aquatic and recreation centres to health, education, and social housing. Tanya’s portfolio includes the Broome and Margaret River Aquatic Centres, Swan Active Ballajura, and Donnybrook Recreation Centre, among others. She is widely respected for her clarity in managing project stages, contracts, and stakeholder expectations — especially when community benefit and cost control are both non-negotiable. A Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, Tanya serves on the AIA’s National Contracts Committee and is a regular contributor to industry training and mentoring. At the 2025 LIWA Aquatics & Recreation Conference, she’ll walk participants through the key stages and terminology of facility design and construction — helping demystify the process and set realistic expectations for successful project outcomes.

Julia started her aquatic career in the UK when aqua exercise classes were a relatively new invention, and classes were held in shallow teaching pools.  As AUSTSWIM’s Training and Development Manager, she has been instrumental in the review, design and deliver process of the newly launched Aqua Exercise Instructor course.  In this session, Julia will talk about the development of aquatic exercise as well as the numerous benefits that participation in aqua classes can bring to the entire aquatic community.

Ian Crawford began his career as a pool lifeguard and working in the aquatic industry, which led to a diverse career spanning over 25 years in the sport and recreation sector. This work saw him travelling to the United Kingdom, France, India, Botswana, Spain and South Africa, working with international sporting teams and federal governments He is now a highly sought-after facilitator, speaker and coach, helping leaders and teams across Australia and internationally strengthen their communication, influence and impact. Ian continues to work within the sport and recreation industry and also continues his work with organisations including Rio Tinto, Hewlett-Packard, Unilever and the United Nations. He is known for delivering practical, engaging sessions that create real and lasting change. This is Ian’s sixth appearance at a LIWA conference.

With over a decade of experience in the sport, recreation, and leisure sector, Sam brings a deep understanding of how to turn community needs into impactful infrastructure. Since 2012, she has delivered projects across regional and metropolitan Western Australia — from skate parks and lookouts to major state-level facilities such as the Perth Cultural Centre. Her career spans local government, state government, and the private sector, including roles as Principal Project Manager at the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) and is currently an Associate Director at Urbis. Sam specialises in facility strategies, economic analyses, infrastructure needs assessments, and business case development. She helps organisations understand what infrastructure they need to achieve their outcomes — and how to plan, fund, and deliver it. Whether writing a funding application, managing a project, or mapping a long-term strategy, she is passionate about making projects both visionary and doable.

Disability Access Consultant Silvia Rossi is registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia, is an experienced Occupational Therapist and member of Occupational Therapy Australia Limited (WA). Silvia, together with Ann O’Brien (retired), developed and delivered the Independent Living Centre of WA’s Access Consultancy Service at its inception in 1994. In 2012 Silvia re-joined Ann and Anita at O’Brien Harrop Access to continue her work in the field of access consulting. Silvia has completed a Graduate Diploma of Business and for several years worked in the corporate health sector implementing her knowledge of health and corporate business to deliver in house Injury Management and Occupational Safety and Health services. Professional Experience Access Consultant Silvia Rossi is registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia, is an experienced Occupational Therapist and member of Occupational Therapy Australia Limited (WA). Silvia is an Associate Member of the ACAA. Silvia provides key leadership and mentoring to our team of access consultants, providing a depth of knowledge and experience regarding the function and access requirements of people with disability. Silvia attends to plan onsite disability access audits, leads project work and large landscaping and infrastructure projects. Silvia is well-versed in relevant legislative requirements related to the built environment and how they affect people with disabilities in various settings, including buildings, the landscapes and pedestrian environment, public transport, and associated amenities. Delivery of notable projects • Scarborough Foreshore (UDLA) • Perth Cultural Centre (Cox Architecture) • Cable Beach Redevelopment (Josh Byrne and Associates) • Mandurah Eastern Foreshore Project (Josh Byrne and Associates) • Cockburn Arc (City of Cockburn) • Midland station (Cale St) (Midland Junction Alliance) • Morley Ellenbrook Line (MELconnx / Milestone Certifiers) • Thornlie-Cockburn Link and Yanchep Rail Extension (NEWest Alliance

With over 25 years of experience in local government, Paul Miller has built a distinguished career in community services and recreation, working across both metropolitan and regional settings, including the Pilbara. Since beginning in the sector in 1998, Paul has held various leadership roles that have shaped and delivered impactful community infrastructure and programs. Currently serving as the Senior Manager Recreation and Community Projects at the Shire of East Pilbara, Paul oversees recreation services and community infrastructure planning across the towns of Newman, Nullagine, and Marble Bar. A key achievement in this role was the successful delivery of the Shire of East Pilbara’s Strategic Recreation Master Plan, endorsed by Council in November 2021. This plan has guided the development of major community assets, including the Yirrunkadji Sports Courts and the revitalised Nullagine Pool. Paul is presently leading the development of the Shire’s Strategic Community Facilities Plan, a long-term framework for infrastructure investment, due for Council endorsement in August 2025. Passionate about building vibrant and connected communities through inclusive recreation and strategic planning, Paul brings deep insight and practical experience to the challenges and opportunities of delivering services in remote and diverse regions.

Peter de Lang is an experienced leisure and community facilities professional with over 20 years in the local government sector. Currently the Manager Community Facilities at the City of Kwinana, Peter plays a key role in the planning, delivery, and management of community infrastructure, facilities and services. His previous roles include Healthy Melville Coordinator – Leisure Planning at the City of Melville, where he led major facility planning projects and developed strategic business cases for community health and recreation initiatives also managed the LeisureFit Centres prior to this. Peter holds a Bachelor of Science (Sports Science) from Edith Cowan University and a Diploma in Project Management. His leadership has been recognised through multiple awards, including Fitness Australia’s WA Fitness Business of the Year and a Royal Life Saving Bravery Award.

With 19 years of experience in the Learn to Swim industry across both council and private swim schools, Nikki is passionate about water safety and leadership development. Nikki oversees training and development at Kirby Swim, and is also learning coordinator for the Kirby Swim, Carlile, and Aquatic Achievers group. Nikki is also the co-founder of the Australian Water Safety on the Mekong (AWSOM) project, an initiative aimed at reducing drowning rates in Vietnam.

Wayne has been a part of the recreation industry for nearly 25 years and has a strong background in strategic and asset planning principles. After completing his Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, Wayne obtained a MBA specialising in Project Management, and a Graduate Certificate in Asset and Maintenance Management. Wayne authored PLAWA’s Recreation Strategy: A Development Checklist and the Leisure and Recreation Planners Definition Guide, and developed the WA Leisure And Recreation Planners Course – which he also facilitated and presented at.

Carina McMillen is a recognised leader in sport, recreation, and inclusion, with over 25 years’ experience across government, community, and commercial sectors. As the WA State Manager of Sport4All—a national disability inclusion initiative created by Dylan Alcott’s consultancy Get Skilled Access—Carina leads the expansion of the program across Western Australia, supporting a team of Inclusion Coaches working in local communities. Her dedication to creating more inclusive and equitable communities is grounded in a lifelong commitment to sport and recreation. From founding a netball club in her late teens, to devoting hundreds of hours volunteering for local clubs, community events and major sporting events like Ironman to participating in cause-based sports events like the Ride to Conquer Cancer, Carina has lived and breathed the community sport experience. Professionally, she has held leadership roles across sport administration, events, marketing, and economic development, consistently driving participation and systemic change. She currently serves on the board of the South West Academy of Sport and is a former Vice Chair of The Creative Corner, a not-for-profit championing the creative industries in WA’s South West. Carina’s values-led approach centres on building capability, shifting perceptions, creating meaningful partnerships and championing inclusive, community driven change. Her efforts have earned her awards and peer recognition, including a national ‘Serving Your Success’ award for demonstrating the values of excellence and humility in enhancing sporting participation across WA. Carina’s passion is deeply personal—fuelled by lived experience with mental health and disability—and her mission is simple: to catalyse positive change, impact, and a sense of belonging in communities across Australia.

Andrew is a health and fitness leader with over 30 years of experience across Australia & Asia. From managing high-end gyms and spa clubs in Hong Kong’s luxury hotels to driving growth and retention across commercial and community health clubs in Australia, Andrew has led at every level of the industry, with his passion in health club operations, guest experience and holistic wellness. Andrew is known for blending real-world leadership with practical wellbeing, helping people build strength, clarity and resilience that lasts. As the WA & QLD Health & Wellbeing Manager at Belgravia Leisure, he mentors venue teams, optimises member experiences and leads strategic turnarounds in underperforming gyms. What sets Andrew apart is his grounded approach. He lives what he teaches, balancing a demanding leadership role with a personal wellness routine that includes resistance training, beach walks with his husky Nanook, over 300 sauna and ice sessions and a lifelong commitment to consistency over quick fixes.

From nurturing infants as young as six weeks to coaching elite triathletes, Rhiannon’s impact on the Canberra swimming community is profound and enduring. Holding a Degree in Sports Coaching and an Advanced Diploma in Sports Coaching, she is also a certified SWIM Australia Teacher, Babies & Toddlers Teacher, Foundation Coach, and a Teacher of Learners with Disability. Her dedication and professionalism have earned her the rare distinction of SWIM Australia Diamond and Platinum Teacher status, as well as the 2023 SWIM Australia Teacher of the Year Award.

With over 20 years of experience in the aquatic industry, Bernard Schenk is a respected authority on practical, results-driven solutions for commercial aquatic facilities. Known for his deep technical knowledge and hands-on approach, Bernard specialises in pool plant equipment and energy-saving technologies, particularly thermal pool covers. Throughout his career, Bernard has worked closely with facility operators, engineers, and designers to improve the performance, efficiency, and sustainability of aquatic centres across Australia. His focus on practical, cost-effective solutions makes him a valuable resource for organisations looking to reduce operational costs while enhancing user comfort and environmental outcomes. Bernard is passionate about sharing insights that bridge the gap between technical systems and day-to- day facility management. Whether it's optimising pool filtration performance or implementing energy-saving strategies with pool blankets, Bernard delivers actionable knowledge that helps aquatic facilities thrive in an increasingly sustainability-focused environment.

With over 18 years of dedicated experience across the Aquatic and Recreation Industry, Sian is a passionate advocate for community engagement, partnerships, and capacity building. As a proud Aboriginal woman from the Kimberley, she brings a unique and invaluable perspective to her work, deeply understanding the importance of inclusive and culturally sensitive approaches to community development. Drawing experience from her diverse roles as a Swim Teacher, Club Development Officer, Aquatic and Recreation Programs Coordinator/Facilitator, and Regional Facility Centre Manager, she has consistently been part of community-driven initiatives that connect people and create lasting benefits. Sian’s expertise lies not just in running programs, but in strategically fostering collaborations that empower organisations, schools, and community groups to thrive and achieve collective goals. She strongly believes that collaborative efforts are the cornerstone to building sustainable, vibrant, and accessible recreational opportunities for all.

Ian Ireland is a Senior Project Manager at the City of Wanneroo with over 40 years of experience in the aquatic and leisure industry across Scotland and in Perth Australia. Ian has held various strategic and operational roles, demonstrating expertise in leisure planning, facility management, and project execution. Before moving to Perth in 2004, Ian was the facilities manager at Perth Leisure Pool, Strathearn Recreation Centre and Loch Leven Leisure Centre and responsible for the delivery, commissioning and management of the Mactaggart Leisure Centre…. the only public swimming facility in the world heated by whisky. As well as Alkimos Aquatic & Recreation Centre, Ian’s experience also includes the redevelopment of Kingsway Regional Sporting Complex, design and delivery of numerous community and sporting facilities at the City of Wanneroo and is currently project managing the Neerabup Resource Recovery Precinct and the Yanchep Lagoon Foreshore Management Plan as part of the Strategic Projects Team.

Adrian Timms has over 30 years of experience in the aquatic recreation industry in Western Australia. Before emigrating to Western Australia, Adrian had a successful career in the aquatic industry in the UK. His extensive career has seen him involved in various aspects of the industry, contributing to the development, management, and enhancement of aquatic facilities and programs. Adrian's deep knowledge and expertise have made him a respected figure in the field, known for his commitment to promoting safe and enjoyable aquatic experiences for the community.

Studying a Degree in Criminology and Psychology as well as completing a Cert IV in Training and Assessing, Mckenzies presentation will explore the purpose and process of post-incident debriefs in aquatic environments, focusing on promoting psychological well-being, learning from incidents, and improving future emergency responses. We will examine different debriefing models, including informal peer discussions and more structured approaches, such as Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD), which can help mitigate emotional stress and reduce the long-term impact of trauma. Attendees will gain insight into how timely debriefs can aid in emotional recovery, identify opportunities for training and procedural improvements, and reinforce effective responses. We will also discuss the importance of creating a supportive culture where lifeguards feel safe to express their experiences and emotions without judgment. Through practical steps, case examples, and evidence-based strategies, this session aims to equip supervisors, trainers, and aquatic professionals with the knowledge to facilitate meaningful post-incident debriefs. By recognising the emotional toll of first aid and critical incidents, we can better support our lifeguards, not only as responders but as people, and ensure they are mentally prepared and resilient for the challenges of their role.

With over 20 years of experience in local government recreation facilities including 13 years in senior management, Adam has built deep expertise across both regional and metropolitan settings, working with everything from ageing infrastructure to some of Perth’s most modern and innovative centres. He played a key role in the opening of Cockburn ARC and the Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre, two of Perth's flagship recreation facilities. Adam is currently Centre Manager at Fremantle Leisure Centre and by the time the conference is around, will be the Centre Manager of Kwinana Recquatic. He brings a strong focus on community engagement, operational efficiency and sustainable service delivery to every facility he leads.

Sarah has been a swim teacher for over 13 years, and for the past 3 years, she's had the privilege of stepping into a leadership role where she supports the amazing team and help shape the learning journey of our swimmers. Sarah's presentation focusses on healthy culture which is the heartbeat of a successful aquatic facility. It influences how staff interact, how members of the community feel, and how effectively safety and service are delivered. When we cultivate a culture rooted in positivity, professionalism, and passion, we create an environment where everyone—staff and patrons alike—can flourish.

With a strong track record of leading high-performing teams in the aquatic and recreation sector. As the former Manager of Kwinana Recquatic,Michael led the centre through a period of major growth, cultural transformation, and national recognition—earning the 2023 Employer of Choice Award and standout recognition in the 2024 AUSactive Mentally Healthy Workplaces Program. He also acted as Manager of Community Resources, overseeing the Kwinana Library and Facility Bookings team through a successful restructure. Known for his practical leadership style and people-first approach, Michael is passionate about creating workplaces where staff are proud to show up and perform at their best.

Adrian Fisher is a nationally recognised leader in sport and recreation with over 25 years’ experience across local government, university, community sport, and facility management. Adrian leads strategic projects, community partnerships, and workforce development initiatives that enhance participation, inclusion, and sector capability. He is a board director for Parks and Recreation WA and a national director with ACHPER Australia, and has previously been a national director for Australian University Sports. Adrian has delivered leadership training to emerging and established leisure professionals across Western Australia and is a passionate advocate for building people focused leadership cultures. His work bridges operational excellence with community impact and he believes storytelling is one of the most underutilised tools for shaping purpose driven teams.

RJ Houston is a recognised advocate and established executive whose background spans government, industry and association sectors. As a General Manager at Royal Life Saving Australia, RJ oversees and delivers national work across training and workforce development, industry and waterway safety, lifesaving sport, water safety education, and IT portfolios. With a focus on collaboration and industry development, RJ chairs the National Aquatic Industry Committee, is a member of the AUSactive Health and Fitness Industry Standards Council, and sits on the IAKS Global Pool Experts Circle. He holds an MBA in Social Impact from AGSM at UNSW and has authored numerous nationally significant reports on aquatics spanning safety, infrastructure, workforce, and social impact. RJ is a regular speaker at national and international forums on aquatic safety, sector development and social value.

Mel Warren is the Vice President of LIWA Aquatics and has recently returned to her role as Coordinator Aquatic Services at the Shire of East Pilbara. Mel is a highly experienced local government leader with a strong background in recreation, aquatics, and community development. With a career spanning both metropolitan, regional and remote regions of WA and the NT, Mel brings a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of regional service delivery. In her previous role as Recreation and Aquatics Manager, Mel has led the transition of a major recreation precinct back to local management, established new teams, and overseen key strategic projects—including recreation master planning and infrastructure renewal. Her previous work with the Shire of East Pilbara saw her secure major grant funding and deliver inclusive, community-led recreation programs that reflect genuine engagement and cultural awareness. Mel’s leadership is shaped by hands-on experience in remote communities, where she developed youth programs, coordinated cultural events, and managed multimillion-dollar aquatic upgrades. Passionate about regional capacity-building and industry collaboration, Mel continues to advocate for sustainable, community-focused infrastructure across WA through her role with LIWA.

Nathan Scott has been part of the team at Claremont Aquatic Centre since 2016, bringing nearly a decade of hands-on experience in aquatic facility operations. He began his career at the centre as a lifeguard, later stepping into the role of duty manager, where he gained valuable experience in frontline leadership and daily operational management. In early 2024, Nathan was appointed Assistant Centre Manager, a role in which he supports the strategic and operational functions of the facility. Nathan plays a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the centre.

Cérge is helping aquatic centres and other facilities become more inclusive by equipping people with disability with the information they need before they arrive. Using a suite of innovative tools, including: a 360° Virtual Tour, Accessibility Guide, Visual Story, Sensory Guide, Communication Board, AI Wayfinding, Keyword Sign Board, and Audio Guide; Cérge enables venues to better connect with and support people with disability. To further enhance the visitor experience. Cérge is also co-designing improvements to its companion app in partnership with community members with disability. This upgraded app will offer in-pocket support, empowering users with confidence and independence when visiting a venue.

Matt Browne has worked in the aquatic industry for over 18 years, building extensive experience across a wide range of roles including swim instructor, aqua aerobics instructor, lifeguard, duty manager, and various management positions. His practical knowledge and strong leadership skills have been shaped by years of hands-on involvement at every level of facility operation. Since January 2009, Matt has been a key part of the team at Claremont Aquatic Centre, where he has played an integral role in service delivery, community engagement, and operational excellence. In November 2023, he was appointed Manager of Claremont Aquatic Centre, a role in which he now leads the centre’s strategic direction and day-to-day management.

Originally from North America’s only triple-landlocked state, Becca Osborn is a living testament that you don’t need to grow up near the coast to make waves in aquatics. Now based in Perth, Becca brings over 20 years of marketing expertise—including senior roles across consumer electronics, telecom, engineering, and not-for-profit sectors—with a special focus on strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and campaign execution. As Marketing and Communications Manager at Royal Life Saving WA, she leads initiatives to enhance brand visibility, social media impact, and digital engagement—driving real-world outcomes like water safety awareness and swim program participation. Becca has spearheaded major digital transformations, including the rollout of Salesforce and a website build and migration. With a journalism degree and a master’s in social sciences, Becca combines data-driven strategy with storytelling to cut through the noise. Her session will empower swim school professionals—both independent and local government—to leverage organic social media as a business driver, without the need for a hefty ad budget.

Damien Postma is the Manager - Demand Delivery at Water Corporation, leading a dedicated team of water efficiency specialists in delivering Waterwise customer demand management and behaviour change initiatives. His team works across residential, non-residential, urban, and regional contexts, covering most of Western Australia. Having grown up in the South West, Damien is deeply committed to achieving meaningful outcomes for regional WA communities. With tertiary qualifications in Environmental Science and Law from Murdoch University and The University of Western Australia, he brings a broad experience base to his leadership at Water Corporation. Beyond his current role, Damien has held leadership roles across the commercial, government, and community sectors, primarily focusing on community behaviour change, water management, river and estuarine conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable agriculture. His career reflects a passion for driving sustainable water solutions and fostering lasting environmental stewardship.

Georgi Powers is the Senior Manager, Participation at UWA Sport, where she leads the community and student engagement strategies for sport at UWA, including management of the UWA Aquatic Centre.

Christopher has been involved in the Aquatic and Recreation Industry near 2 decades. He has worked with, trained and led numerous teams within Australia and Internationally. Christopher has been trained in a number of international systems and has trained a number of teams in the best aspects of those systems to enhance lifeguards confidence and ability to respond to a variety of emergencies. With lived experience in some intense emergency scenarios and the need to provide the unfortunate news to families, he endeavours to prepare others to not have to experience such situations, but also prepare them for the worst case scenario and provide optimum care throughout.

Daniel Webb is a seasoned aquatic and recreation facility professional with extensive experience in safety, financial management, operations, and community engagement. Over the course of his career, Daniel has held key roles including Facilities Specialist at the City of Wanneroo, Centre Manager at Loftus Recreation Centre, and Coordinator of Programming at the City of Joondalup and recently Chief Operating Officer of one of Austalia’s fastest growing health and wellness chains. Currently, Daniel is leading the planning for operational design of the Alkimos Aquatic and Recreation Centre—a major new facility for the City of Wanneroo whilst overseeing the management of Wanneroo Aquamotion and Kingsway Indoor Stadium. His innovative leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to safe, inclusive environments are widely recognised across the sector. Daniel’s career spans frontline service delivery, strategic facility management, and community-based programming, making him a valuable contributor to the ongoing evolution of Western Australia’s aquatic and recreation industry.

Best known for his extensive public work bringing together stakeholders, professionals and community leaders, Christian is an engagement expert. From workers clubs and pubs to town halls and corporate offices, his events foster well-connected and highly proactive communities. These efforts saw him awarded as 2023 Fremantle Citizen of the Year. Christian holds a PhD in Sociology and a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours in Disability Studies. As an Evolve Trainer, Christian draws on expert knowledge and real-world stories to deliver engaging courses that have a clear use-value for clients.

An influential figure in the realm of customer success and the advancement of member experiences through cutting-edge digital software solutions. As a strategic digital consultant for enterprise-level applications, Matt leads the charge in supporting the seamless implementation of digital products across multi-site applications. His role as an integration partner specialist ensures the seamless integration of Technogym's innovative solutions into a diverse range of sectors, including health, performance, local government, clubs, universities, hospitality, and residential facilities.

Shane studied at Edith Cowan University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts – Recreation and a Master of Business Administration, with additional qualifications in Project Management and the Australian Business Excellence Framework. Shane is a previous Director of Parks and Leisure Aust. (PLA) and a previous PLA Regional Councillor (WA). Shane’s current professional memberships include Sports West, LIWA Aquatics, Social Impact Measurement Network Australia (SIMNA) and IAKS (ANZ). With 30 years’ experience within Local Government in WA, the last 15 years of which in senior management positions, Shane brings a wealth of knowledge and depth of understanding of Local Government community-based service and infrastructure development, facility operations and stakeholder management. Shane is passionate about evidence based strategic planning and decision making for community infrastructure and services, to ensure community needs are met. Over his Local Government career, he has worked closely with many Local Governments, State and Federal Government agencies, Executive and Council Members, and community organisations to deliver meaningful infrastructure and service outcomes.