Industry tributes for Simon Weatherill

January 23, 2024

Australasian Leisure Management has received a number of tributes for respected aquatic, recreation, sport and venue manager and industry leader Simon Weatherill who died while competing in the annual Portsea Swim Classic on Saturday.

In addition to Australasian Leisure Management reporting his death on Sunday, and giving a brief account of his career highlights, the following comments have been made about Simon from former colleagues and those who he impacted, aided and influenced:

AUSTSWIM
"A saddened AUSTSWIM family acknowledges the shock passing of our former CEO, dear friend and mentor, Simon Weatherill.

"Simon's impact on our organisation and the broader aquatic community is a testament to his dedication and passion for the industry. As we reflect on his legacy, we are grateful for the positive influence he had on AUSTSWIM and the countless lives he touched through his leadership and mentorship. Simon's contributions will continue to inspire future generations in the field of aquatics, leaving an enduring mark on so many.

"We extend our deepest condolences to Simon's wife, Jacqui, his family, and friends.

"In the words of the best-selling author on leadership, Bill George and a quote you so often used 'we will all continue to follow our true North'.”

"Vale Simon."

Michelle Maver
"My deepest condolences and prayers are extended to Simon Weatherill's family. I had the privilege of knowing Simon during our time at AUSTSWIM and Leadership Training. He was not only an inspiration to me but also to many others. Simon was an incredibly brilliant individual who always wore his heart on his sleeve. His teachings on leadership and management were invaluable, and his daily dose of jokes and warm hugs made each morning brighter.

"Simon played a significant role in mentoring me, imparting wisdom that has left a lasting impact. Over the years, he achieved remarkable success in his life journey. In the subsequent 18 years, he was instrumental in developing MSAC into one of the largest and most successful aquatic, recreation, and sport venues globally. His efforts expanded the operation from a single facility to a world-class multipurpose sporting hub, including four venues: Lakeside Stadium, the State Netball & Hockey Stadium, Sports House, and MSAC itself.

"My thoughts and condolences are with Simon's family during this challenging time. He will always be remembered and cherished for his incredible spirit.

"Rest in peace, Simon."

Mark Piwkowski and all the Quayclean family
“Quayclean Australia is deeply saddened by the sudden loss and passing of our good friend and associate Simon Weatherill. Our hearts and condolences reach out to his family, friends, and all associates at this terrible time.

"Simon was a key figure within Quayclean and was well known to our developing leaders and staff as he led the Quay Academy, the company’s platform for leadership development. Simon was a friend, a coach, a mentor, and trainer of our young developing leaders.

"Simon was also a strategist and excellent tactician supporting Quayclean in its early years to develop its purpose and direction. The company’s purpose of ‘making our customers look great’ was largely developed with Simon and our leadership group.

"He was widely connected with many sporting organizations, communities, and swimming associations. His regrettable passing whilst competing at sea was testimony to his passion.

"He was a larger-than-life character, sharing life stories, jokes and always a song. His presence, skill and humour will be deeply missed by all of us.

"We reach out to his family during this difficult time and give praise for his work.

"Our deepest condolences.

"RIP Simon, till we meet again.”

Warren Green, Director, Warren Green Consulting
“Simon was an exceptional and cherished visionary in the true sense.

"While he had an extraordinary influence on sport in Melbourne and Australia, it was Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) that most defined him as he was CEO for about 18 years and involved from ground up.

"A phenomenal achievement in itself.

"Under Simon's leadership, MSAC reflected his DNA - world class, cutting edge, bold and dynamic sprinkled with laughter and fun.

"The achievements were unparalleled globally with major events such as World Championships blended with extensive community use in a recipe never seen before.

"Simon was bigger than life and through his wisdom, energy, dedication, passion and charisma, has left a legacy too big to mention.

"I was blessed to be by Simon’s side for many years, to have the best mentor in the world and front row tickets to the biggest show on earth.

"Very sadly missed, Vale Simon.

“Deepest condolences to Jacqui and Simon’s family”.

Brooke Hanson, AUSTSWIM ambassador and Olympic gold and silver medalist
“The entire sports industry is saddened to hear the passing of a one-of-a-kind leader, a man who led teams with so much passion, purpose and positivity.

“Simon led and mentored the AUSTSWIM team by always putting inclusiveness and team culture first. We are all better people to have known, worked alongside, been mentored by and called him a friend.”

Ron Bongetti, sport administrator
"It was with great sadness that I learnt about the passing of Simon Weatherill.

"Simon was a great colleague and a tremendous friend. Working with him during our time based at MSAC was a highlight of my career. He was wise, challenging and generous with his knowledge and contacts. But probably his most memorable trait was that he always made it enjoyable.

"He was a tremendous mentor to a number of people. Life was always interesting when Simon was around as he hated being still.

"I will remember our time with great fondness. My heartfelt condolences go out to Jacqui and family.

"Rest in peace Jon Jon x."

Otium Planning Group
"The Directors and staff of Otium Planning Group express our sadness over the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Simon Weatherill.

"Simon has left an indelible mark on each of us, and we will forever cherish his invaluable knowledge, wise leadership, forward-thinking energy, passionate commitment, unwavering loyalty, and fabulous sense of humour.

"Our collaborative journey with Simon spans over 30 years, commencing when he served as the manager at the Ashburton Aquatic Centre, and he was invited to join the expert managers group to provide feedback on the design of MSAC. His active input and challenging feedback helped shape the final design and ultimate success of this high-use state facility. We are sure his enthusiasm and input were also noticed and helped with his appointment as the inaugural CEO of MSAC.

"Our history together includes more than 20 years of planning and business review projects, including the State Netball and Hockey Centre, upgrading MSAC for the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the development of the State Athletics Centre. Throughout these projects, Simon generously shared his expertise and passion for the industry and was not afraid to challenge the status quo.

"While many have rightfully acknowledged his professional accomplishments, Simon's personal touch and profound influence on our lives resonate even more profoundly.

"Our deepest love and support go out to Jacqui and Simon's family during this difficult time."
Mike King (Kingy) and Kate Maddock (Maddsey), as he referred to us, and all the Otium Planning Group Team.

Melinda Crole, AUSTSWIM Chairperson
“Simon was an intelligent, skilled and passionate leader committed to AUSTSWIM vision, mission and people. He worked tirelessly during his time as CEO to build and strengthen relationships, always smiling and laughing along the way.

“I truly cherished our coffee chats and catch ups. I offer my sincere sympathy to Jacqui and family. “May they find solace and peace in the wonderful memories of Simon during this very sad time.”

RJ Houston, General Manager - Capability and Industry, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia
“In recent years, Simon was the keynote speaker at one or two Victorian aquatic industry summits & a regular guest on webinars.

"As interim CEO at AUSTSWIM he had involvement in the National Aquatic Industry Committee.

"He would call frequently in the lead up to any appearance to make sure the content hit the mark.

"He valued strong, ethical leadership and thinking big and was great to work with.”

Martin Sheppard, Managing Director, Smart Connection Consultancy
“Like every legend of sport, films or business you always think they will be with us for ever. This was always the case with the aquatics, recreation and entertainment industry’s legend that was Simon Weatherill. Taken to early.

"He inspired me to come to Australia after meeting him in 1996, before MSAC opened, he guided the largest community leisure facility in ANZ to the peak of global success. It wasn’t just a business, it was a passion, and meant so much to him inside and outside of work.

"He took aquatics management out of the trenches and made it a business to be proud of. The leisure arm he turned into entertainment and that was reflected in the families that came week after week and management he showed true leadership and proudly watched his team grow, and move onto other opportunities and better themselves and the industry he loved. His passion was always the people around him, and how he could help them grow and therefore the grow the business of MSAC and the industry grows as well.

"I think that after he retired he really enjoyed the mentoring and giving back to the industry that had given him so much. I hope that his legacy is that we all smile when we hear his name, and try and leave the industry in a better place when we leave, as Simon certainly has for us and the next generation."

Aquatics and Recreation Victoria
"ARV was saddened to hear of the passing of Simon Weatherill over the weekend.

"Simon leaves a strong legacy within the Victorian Aquatics and Recreation Industry.

"He was a highly valued Industry advocate, mentor, coach and friend to many.

"Over many years he freely offered his knowledge, time and support to ARV staff.

"He was a regular presenter and attendee at ARV Industry events and activities.

"Simon's extensive Industry impact was recognised by ARV through his presentation of the Outstanding Contribution to the Industry award in 2010.

"ARV extends condolences to Simon's family, friends and colleagues."

Les Twentyman, founder of the Les Twentyman Foundation - for whom Simon was both a Board Member and acting Chief Executive

“A phone call ... informed (me) he had a cardiac arrest while swimming this morning in a swimming event and passed away.

“To the family and many friends, my thoughts are with you.”

Nigel Benton, Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
“Simon was a one-of-kind.

“With boundless enthusiasm, energy and positivity I saw him inspire, motivate, mentor, encourage and support all those he came in contact with.

"And from the first time I met in 1996, as he worked towards the opening of MSAC, he was a kindred spirit in recognising the potential of this industry we call leisure – appreciating the economic, social, employment and wellbeing benefits it delivers through its many interconnected sectors.

“This thinking was behind so much of what he successfully achieved at MSAC and the State Sport Centres Trust and in what he subsequently delivered in consultancy and with other organisations whom he served and worked for.

“Such a sad loss, he will be much missed.

“My sincere and unbound condolences to Jacqui and family.”

Comment from former Victorian Premier and Hawthorn President Jeff Kennett was included in the article Death of former Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre Chief Executive Simon Weatherill.

Funeral Notice
A Memorial Service for Simon will be held at Cumulus Room, Bunurong Memorial Park, 790 Frankston-Dandenong Road, Dandenong South VIC 3175 on Monday 29th January 2024 at 11:30am AEDT.

The Service will also be livestreamed by Bunurong Memorial Park.

Click here for details.

If you would like to add to this news item and/or pay tribute to Simon, please email leisure@ausleisure.com.au

Images: Simon Weatherill as he will remembered, including his time as an educator and presenter and competing in charity events.

21st January 2024 - Death of former Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre Chief Executive Simon Weatherill

18th February 2022 - AUSTSWIM announces Waterlink partnership

10th January 2022 - AUSTSWIM and Belgravia Leisure announce swim centre partnership

10th December 2021 - AUSTSWIM secures Federal Government funding for ‘Creating Jobs, Saving Lives’ project

5th October 2021 - Former MSAC head Simon Weatherill appointed interim AUSTSWIM Chief Executive

24th February 2021 - Quayclean Australia creates Quay Academy to focus on leadership and culture

8th September 2018 - Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre marks 21 years of operation

27th November 2015 - Simon Weatherill to leave Melbourne Sports Hub after 20 years

9th October 2014 - 2XU Performance Centre opens at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre

29th April 2013 - Final places available for MSAC Institute of Training Gold Coast workshop

25th March 2013 - MSAC Institute of Training to host sport facility management workshop on the Gold Coast

21st March 2013 - MSAC Institute of Training to host Leadership for Sports Management program

7th March 2012 - Simon Weatherill to address ALFA networking event at the Australian Fitness & Health Expo

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