The Power of Stakeholder Engagement: Lessons from the SALC
Join us as we take a deep dive technical tour of Mount Barker and Belgravia Leisure’s Summit Aquatics & Leisure Centre on Thursday 5 November 10 – 12.30pm.
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the development of the Summit Aquatic and Leisure Centre (SALC) and learn how collaboration, community engagement and informed decision-making shaped the project from concept through to operation.
Hear directly from Mount Barker District Council, DesignInc, and Belgravia Leisure about the decisions, challenges and lessons that influenced the project.
You will gain practical insights into:
- Identifying needs and project inception
- Understanding community needs and aspirations
- The role of stakeholder engagement in project success
- Turning consultation into effective design outcomes
- Lessons learned from planning, design and delivery
- Collaboration between Council, designers and operators
- Creating aquatic and recreation facilities that deliver lasting community value
The presentations will be followed by a guided tour of the Summit Aquatic and Leisure Centre, providing an opportunity to see how these principles have been applied in the completed facility. Hot drinks, light refreshments and the opportunity to network are all provided at the end of the tour.
A big THANK YOU to DesignInc Adelaide for sponsoring the event.
All photos courtesy of Jake Forrester Media.
Tour Agenda
10am - Welcome
Mount Barker District Council - Alison Hancock and Eloise Langford
Council will open the session by outlining initiation phases of the project, from needs analysis and business cases, to grant funding process, briefing and community engagement. including the identified community needs, stakeholder engagement undertaken during project planning, funding considerations, and the key drivers that informed development of the project.
DesignInc - Ben Luppino
DesignInc will share insights into the consultation and engagement process that helped shape the facility. Drawing on the SALC project and his experience delivering community and aquatic infrastructure, Ben will explore the value of engaging stakeholders early and often, balancing diverse user needs, and translating community feedback into practical design outcomes. He will also discuss lessons learned throughout the planning, design and delivery phases of the project.
Belgravia Leisure
Belgravia Leisure will conclude the session by sharing their perspective on the completed centre, including how the project vision has translated into day-to-day operations, community use and long-term success.
11 - 12pm Summit Aquatic & Leisure Centre Guided Tour
12pm - Networking and light refreshments
Enjoy some light refreshments and meet new professionals!
Tour Speakers
Ben Luppino - Director, DesignInc Adelaide
Ben is a Director at DesignInc Adelaide with 20 years of experience delivering community, sport, recreation and aquatic facilities across Australia. He has built extensive expertise in designing inclusive community infrastructure that promotes wellbeing, participation and connection, with a focus on stakeholder driven user-first design outcomes.
Throughout his career, Ben has successfully led the delivery of more than 20 pool projects and 30 indoor sports facilities from concept through to completion. His work focuses on creating safe, accessible and adaptable environments that respond to the needs of diverse communities, from young children and families through to seniors, athletes and people of all abilities.
Passionate about the role sport, recreation and aquatic facilities play as modern community hubs, Ben works closely with councils, stakeholders, user groups and operators to deliver outcomes that balance community aspirations, operational requirements and long-term value. His approach is grounded in meaningful engagement and collaboration, helping create facilities that strengthen community health, social connection and participation for generations to come.
Alison Hancock - General Manager Strategy, Mount Barker District Council
Alison has been in Local Government for over 20 years experiencing senior and executive roles in the state. She is currently General Manager Strategy at the Mount Barker District Council, with direct responsibility for strategic planning and open space, tourism and economic development and governance and has been recognised by the National Growth Areas Alliance for Growth Leadership.
Prior to coming to Mount Barker, Alison was the Interim Chief Executive Officer at the City of Prospect in 2021 and is currently the Deputy Chair of the Bendigo Community Bank Board for the Fleurieu region and Chair of the Bank’s Risk and Governance Committee.
Eloise Langford - Senior Project Manager, Mount Barker District Council
Eloise Langford is a Senior Project Manager with Mount Barker District Council, bringing over 30 years of experience delivering complex, multi-disciplinary projects in the UK and Australia. Her expertise spans roles as Project Manager, Superintendent, and Design Manager in both client and contractor capacities.
Eloise has successfully managed design and construction projects in sectors including commercial building, public transport, mining, and utilities. She was Council’s Project Manager for the delivery of the new Summit Aquatic & Leisure Centre, overseeing the development of the design; engagement of the community reference group; managing grant agreements, reporting and acquittals; and responsible for the procurement and principal representative for the construction contract for Council’s largest capital infrastructure project to date.
