Purpose
The National Aquatic Industry Committee (NAIC) has the goal of strengthening the health, safety and viability of aquatic facility ownership and operations across Australia.
Photo: NAIC Meeting November 2024, Adelaide
The role of the committee is to:
- Develop, review and authorise the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations
- Facilitate discussion and advocacy for the future direction and support to the aquatic industry across Australia
- Develop and maintain the National Aquatic Industry Development Strategy
- Review and make recommendations to Industry Skills bodies on behalf of the Aquatic Industry
- Communicate and advocate the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations as industry standards developed by industry for industry.
The NAIC achieves its objectives by:
- Enhancing the standing and reputation of the aquatic industry through the establishment and enforcement of universal and minimum standards for safe and sustainable aquatic facility operations
- Improving the understanding of the aquatic industry through coordination, communication and consultation between the aquatic industry and peak bodies
- Maintaining a robust evidence base for managing risk in aquatic facilities through research and evaluation
- Developing frameworks and resources that improve the capabilities of the aquatic industry
- Coordinating and regularly communicating to the aquatic industry
Communiques
Communiques cover the content of NAIC meetings and provide a record of what was discussed and resolved at key meetings. Official NAIC meeting communiques are available below.
Meeting Communiques
National Aquatic Industry Development Strategy 2030
Strengthening the safety, sustainability & accessibility of Australian aquatic facilities
Since 2016, Royal Life Saving Australia has convened the National Aquatic Industry Committee and facilitated the National Aquatic Industry Development Strategy in order to advance our commitment to the objectives of the Australian Water Safety Strategy (AWSS) and our longstanding commitment to strengthening the national aquatic industry.
The National Aquatic Industry Development Strategy 2030 is available below.
National Aquatic Industry Development Strategy
Membership
It is recognised that the aquatics ecosystem and aquatic facility management comprises a diverse web of stakeholders and organisations who span a number of important interest areas, ownership and management models. As such, the NAIC’s membership comprises a targeted slice of stakeholders who represent an interest area, ownership or management model, and/or have an influence over a large number of aquatic facilities or a particular aspect of their operations. The NAIC uses a multistakeholder model, not a representative model, with decision-making emphasis on consensus-building, which fosters an environment focused on collaboration and collective success.
The NAIC currently consists of representatives from organisations representing lifesaving organisations, swimming, aquatic facility management associations, aquatic facility management groups, large employers, swimming pool builders and construction groups and local governments.
| Name, Title, Organisation | Bio | Photo |
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RJ Houston, General Manager - Capability & Industry (Chair) Royal Life Saving Society - Australia | RJ has worked in aquatics for 20 years across local government, non-profits, aquatic facility management organisations and peak bodies. RJ’s role focusses on industry development and capability, bringing industry, community and government organisations together to develop joint strategies and guidance, as well as advocating the industry's impact and importance. RJ oversees a number of functional portfolios at RLSSA including: Industry Safety, Training & Workforce Development, Education, Lifesaving Development & IT. RJ holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Social Impact - from the Australian Graduate School of Management at the University of New South Wales. |
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Matthew Simpson, Project Manager – National Programs Swimming Australia | Matt is an experienced sports administrator with a demonstrated history of working across various layers of the sports industry. Matt's current role oversees the development, progression and innovation of swimming participation throughout Australia. This role includes high engagement with stakeholders including State & Territory Member Organizations, Program Partners and the Learn To Swim Industry. Sports Management Master of Business |
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| Georgie Nichol General Manager - AUSTSWIM Australian Council for Swimming and Water Safety Teachers (AUSTSWIM) | Recently appointed General Manager at AUSTSWIM, Georgie is a strong people leader with a background working in youth and community development. Her career thus far has been centred around delivering strategic projects with diverse stakeholders in local, national and global contexts. Georgie is passionate about forging collective leadership initiatives in order to drive and strengthen community impact. Georgie holds a Masters in Education and a Bachelor of Health and Exercise Science. |
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| Gary Toner, Executive Officer Australian Swim Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA) | Gary manages the Swim Australia Brand for ASCTA and the Swim Safer Campaign. Gary works with various aquatic organisations to cross-promote their water safety campaigns, liaise with swim schools and swim coaches as well as teachers of aquatic education and water safety. Gary presents and creates swimming and water safety resources and contributes to various committees / advisory groups in swimming and water safety in every state. Additionally, Gary oversees media and social media messaging and is a key organiser of ASCTA / Swim Australia events. Gary has been a member of the NAIC for the past 3 years. Gary’s current area of interest is focused on water safety, swim teacher qualifications and aquatic education / professional development and particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. |  |
Luke Daly, Chief Executive Officer Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) | With a strong background in process improvement and operational excellence, I am committed to driving growth and maintaining the highest standards of industry leadership. My role involves not only strategic oversight but also hands-on management, ensuring that our operations align with our overarching goals of advocacy, education, and community engagement. At the Australian Swim Schools Association, we strive to elevate the profile of our industry through innovative marketing campaigns, engaging content, and valuable educational programs. I am proud to lead a team that is as dedicated to innovation and quality as it is to serving the needs of every member. |
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Kathy Parton, Chief Executive Officer Aquatics and Recreation (ARV) | Kathy Parton is the Chief Executive Officer for Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV). ARV is the peak body for the Victorian Aquatic and Recreation Industry. ARV facilitates industry development and research opportunities, conducts special projects and studies to provide key information on behalf of the industry. ARV works to provide guidance, leadership and professional development in consultation with industry, the tertiary sector and government. Kathy is a Masters qualified government and community sector professional with over 25 years’ experience in senior organisational and community leadership, community services provision and operational management. Kathy has a strong interest in the strengthening of the National Aquatic industry including improved coordination, safety and development of aquatic facilities to meet community, industry and government needs into the future. |
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Stan Wall, Board Member Aquatic Recreation Institute (ARI) | Stan is the Chief Executive Officer of Lifeguarding Services Australia (LSA) and board member of both Human Ability and the Aquatic Recreation Institute (ARI) NSW. Stan has been a professional lifeguard for ovber 30 years and has worked throughout Australia, Pacific Islands, Middle East, Asia and Europe, with significant expertise in major aquatic events and operations. In addition to his aquatic risk background Stan had 18 years as a qualified emergency rescue paramedic officer with extensive water rescue, aviation and technical rescue experience. |
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Travis Doye, Acting Executive Officer Leisure Institute of Western Australia - Aquatics (LIWA) | Travis is an experienced senior manager with a demonstrated history of working across recreation, aquatic and community development sectors. Skilled in Facility Management, Event Management, Public Speaking, Leisure & Aquatic Industry, General Management, and Grant/Tender Writing. Strong community and social services professional with a Bachelor’s Degree focused in Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management from RMIT University. |
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Lindsay McGrath, Chief Exeuctive Officer Swimming Pool and Spa Association Australia (SPASA) | Lindsay is the CEO of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia and New Zealand (SPASA) and has worked in the industry for 15 years. SPASA is dedicated to delivering a happier and healthier community through the enjoyment of a quality pool or spa. SPASA's role is to educate, promote and advocate for the betterment of all members and the community. |
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Amanda Locke, Manager Leisure and Recreation Services City of Greater Geelong | Amanda has recently commenced a new role as the Manager for Leisure and Recreation Services with the City of Greater Geelong. Amanda is a strategic, results-driven executive with more than 20 years’ experience in the not-for-profit, local government and commercial sectors specialising in health and wellness, aquatics and children’s services. Amanda has substantial operational experience in managing complex environments and large teams with core capabilities in strategic development, commercial and community outcomes, senior leadership and stakeholder engagement; capabilities which she brings to the NAIC to influence the future direction of the aquatic industry in Australia. |
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Brad Page, Venues & Events Manager Logan City Council | Brad is currently responsible for the portfolio of public events and venues at Logan City Council. Brad is a broadly experienced leader of passionate teams delivering exceptional customer service within the major leisure, recreation and sporting venues sector. Specialising in leading teams through the process of reimagining modern commercially based public facing venues and services. Brad has high level governance and executive experience within Local government and commercial sectors. |
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Matt Howes, Team Leader - Aquatic & Lifeguard Contracts Sunshine Coast Council | Matt has been involved in the industry for 25 years, starting as a pool lifeguard, then undertaking roles across the sector, engaged as Learn to Swim Instructor, Swimming Coach and Centre Manager before taking up roles within Local Government Areas. Matt’s current role with Local Government manages the contracts of the public aquatic network on the Sunshine Coast. This role oversees the safe operation of the public aquatic facilities and manages several contracts with private sector organisations who engage with the aquatic facilities. Matt is particularly interested in the application of best operational practice whilst considering and understanding the administrative impacts these improvements can have on daily operations. |
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Liam O'Brien, Regional Operations Manager Aligned Leisure | Liam O’Brien has over 20 years industry experience in the commercial and not for profit fitness and leisure industries. Possessing strong leadership qualities and leading teams of over 300 Liam has forged a strong reputation in the greater leisure industry as a highly skilled and experienced operator. Having experience in all facets of facility management, executive leadership and project management demonstrates his commitment and broad knowledge. Liam’s specialty area is Sales, Marketing and Customer Experience and leads this strategic area for Aligned Leisure and sits on the Executive Management team for Aligned Leisure. |
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Joel Perricone, State Manager - South Australia BlueFit Group | Joel has been working in the aquatic, recreation and fitness industry for more than 20 years. Joel is currently the National Work Health and Safety Partner and State Manager of South Australia at the BlueFit Group. Joel is a member of the South Australia Aquatic Advisory Committee and board member at Surf Life Saving South Australia. Joel was previously a board member at Recreation South Australia and the National Manager - Partnerships and Advocacy at Fitness Australia (now AUSactive). Joel holds a Graduate Certificate in Business, Sport Management from Deakin University. |  |
Scott Vanderheyden, Group Health & Safety Manager Belgravia Group | As the Group Manager Health and Safety, Scott is responsible for the strategic leadership of Belgravia's safety management system. Recently Scott has lead major improvements to the aquatic safety standards at Belgravia Leisure's aquatic venues, developing and implementing the organisation's Aquatic Safety Strategy. Scott's strengths and background in aquatic operations, training, compliance, and risk management; and for more than 20 years, Scott has a wide range of expertise in strategic and operational roles in local government, training organisations, and the commercial and university sector. |
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Adam Luscombe, General Manager - South Australia Aquatic and Leisure Centre The Y | Adam Luscombe is the General Manager of South Australia Aquatic and Leisure Centre at the Y. Adam holds several board apppointments including The Swim Coaches and Teachers Association, Surf Life Saving South Australia and the Sports Environment Alliance. While Adam has been with the Y for more than 13 years, he was previously the General Manager for the State Sports Centre Trust (MSAC) from 2003-2011 and has lectured at the University of South Australia in the Sport and Recreation Facilities Management course. Adam Holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of New England and has completed an executive training program at Harvard University. |
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Alek Olszewski, Senior Manager - Aquatic Industry Services Life Saving Victoria | Alek is an aquatic industry operations and safety specialist with more than fifteen years of progressive experience in general management and leisure facility operations. Throughout his career Alek has been responsible for lifeguard and supervision plan development, asset, contract and financial management and has extensive experience in multisite leisure operations. Alek has an interest in corporate governance and has worked with start-ups, local government business enterprises, not-for-profits and directly for Councils in various roles throughout the Aquatic and leisure Industry. |
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Nicky Sloan, President Royal Life Saving Society - Queensland | Working in the aquatic industry for over 10 years, Nicky is a commercial and results driven leader who brings a wealth of experience in aligning people capabilities with business strategy and developing a high performance organisational culture. Nicky leads the people strategy across multiple brands and has a passion for creating career pathways and learning and development opportunities for people within the Aquatic and Leisure Industry at large. Nicky is Secretary at Australian Leisure Facilities Association QLD (AlfaQ), board member of Royal Life Saving Society - Queensland and Chief People Officer at City Venue Management, Silk Laundry, Rackley Swimming and Halogen Pools. |
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Craig Roberts, General Manager - Drowning Prevention & Education Royal Life Saving - New South Wales | Craig is the General Manager - Drowning Prevention & Education at Royal Life Saving NSW | ACT | TAS. Craig is an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of working in the public safety sector. Craig's background in Emergency Management, Behavioural Change/Leadership, Operations Management, Emergency Planning, and Capability Development provide valuable insights to the committee. |
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Bec Gawne, Training Manager Royal Life Saving & AUSTSWIM - Northern Territory | Bec Gawne is the Training Manager at Royal Life Saving Society – Northern Territory Branch. Promoting drowning prevention and loss of life and injury throughout NT waterways, Bec works with stakeholders across the territory to reduce drowning, increase lifesaving skills in the community and facilitate development pathways and programs for people looking to make an impact through aquatics and lifesaving. |  |
