AusLeisure

Royal Life Saving Australia will once again partner with the National Sports and Physical Activity Convention (NSC) in 2025, continuing a shared commitment to advancing leadership and collaboration across the aquatics, recreation and sport industry.

The renewed collaborative effort reflects both organisations’ dedication to shaping a more inclusive, sustainable and forward-thinking industry.

At the heart of Royal Life Saving’s involvement again this year’s convention is the curation of a specialised program stream, designed to address the future of aquatic and leisure facility management. The stream will explore critical topics such as social value reporting, sustainable investment in community infrastructure, and the development of strategies to support the workforce as it navigates increasingly complex community issues.

The program will also consider aquatic facilities can play a stronger role in enhancing community well-being and cohesion through inclusive evidence-based inclusive practices.

Welcoming the renewed partnership, NSC Chief Executive, Martin Sheppard noted the ongoing value that Royal Life Saving brings to the national conversation, saying “we are thrilled to again partner with Royal Life Saving Australia, whose ongoing thought leadership continues to elevate the value and impact of aquatic and leisure facilities in communities across the country.”

RJ Houston, General Manager - Capability & Industry at Royal Life Saving, reinforced collaborative solutions to address the sector's opportunities and challenges, noting “we are really pleased to partner formally for the second time into this fantastic event and hope to play our part in facilitating an entertaining and thought-provoking program that engages senior leaders in making aquatic facilities more accessible, viable, and sustainable.”

Scholarship Opportunity for Future Leaders in Lifesaving and Aquatics
Building on last years’ effort to nurture future industry leaders, Royal Life Saving and the NSC are again offering 10 scholarships to support emerging professionals in the aquatic and leisure sectors.

Valued at $1,610 each, the scholarships provide a unique opportunity for early-career individuals to attend NSC 2025, include full access to the convention’s extensive program, which features keynote presentations, thought leadership forums, workshops, and debates focused on innovation, sustainability and community outcomes.

While the scholarship covers the delegate pass, travel and accommodation are not included.

Recipients will also be invited to participate in two virtual leadership development sessions and attend an exclusive networking morning tea alongside senior figures from across the sport, aquatics, and community wellbeing sectors.

To be eligible, applicants must be under 35 years of age, with preference given to those under 30, and must adhere to Royal Life Saving’s Code of Ethics.

The application process requires the completion of this Expression of Interest Form by 11pm Sunday 11th May.

Royal Life Saving Chief Executive, Justin Scarr added “we are thrilled to support the development of leadership capabilities in young individuals engaged in swimming, lifesaving and the aquatic industry. Our commitment is to foster a new generation of drowning prevention leaders, and this scholarship contributes to that vision."

Aquatic and Recreation Management Stream Insights
The Royal Life Saving-led stream at NSC 2025 promises to be a highlight of the convention for aquatic industry leaders.

A major feature is the Impact Keynote, titled The Future of Community Sport and Leisure Facilities Management, which will explore how vibrant, active communities can be built through bold, future-focused thinking. This session will examine how local governments can break traditional models by bringing together developers, funders, and operators to create long-lasting community infrastructure.

Anthony Edgar, Chief Executive of Clublinks, and Todd McHardy, Chief Executive of BlueFit, will deliver keynote insights, followed by a panel discussion featuring government perspectives on community infrastructure.

Another standout session, The State of Inclusion - From Workforce to Customers, will include the latest national workforce data and current research on the state of inclusion within aquatic and leisure environments.

The stream will also include a powerful case study workshop on supporting the workforce when addressing complex community issues including frontline strategies for reducing psychosocial harm and fostering resilient teams.

The convention’s innovative PitchFEST workshop - Unlocking the Power of Aquatics & Leisure - Measuring Community Impact, will challenge participants to rethink how aquatic facilities demonstrate their true social value.

This fast-paced session will feature pitches from:

• Ian Boorman, Executive Manager of Impact & Strategic Partnerships at YMCA Victoria, who will discuss grassroots impact reporting
• Jeff Walkley, National Disability and Diversity Manager at Belgravia Leisure, who will focus on social equity reporting
• Dr Carleigh Yeomans, who will provide insights into inclusion metrics with academic rigour
• Alex Burrows, founder and Chief Executive of ActiveXchange, who will highlight the transformative power of data.

The NSC 2025 is being held on 25th and 26th June at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Click here for more information on NSC 2025 in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

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