Join us for the first of our new Members-Only Spotlight Sessions — a series created by members, for members, to spark open conversation, connection and collaboration.
In this session, Regional NSW Gets Swimming, we’re shining a light on the realities of managing regional and seasonal swimming pools. From attracting and retaining qualified staff, to implementing effective water safety programs and building the case for investment in new or upgraded aquatic facilities, this session is about sharing what’s working, what’s challenging, and what’s needed.
This is not a panel of outside experts; it’s about you and your peers. Members will have the opportunity to put their hand up and contribute a 5-minute presentation or informal talk on:
- Local challenges you’re facing with pool operations or upgrades
- Programs or partnerships making a difference in your community
- Innovative solutions to seasonal staffing and sustainability
- Anything else you think your peers can learn from or support you with
Come ready to share, listen and connect with others who truly get what it’s like in your part of the state.
Interested in presenting or sharing? Let us know when you register or raise your hand during the session.
Not a member yet? Join now to access this session and other exclusive member opportunities, or contact plansw@parksleisure.com.au for more information.
Featuring Tamworth Regional Council
We’re delighted to welcome Tamworth Regional Council to this month’s Spotlight Session, sharing insights from their journey delivering the Tamworth Regional Aquatic Centre Project.
In a short presentation followed by Q&A, the team will provide an overview of how the project came to life, highlight key innovations being incorporated into the facility, and discuss the opportunities and challenges of building a major regional aquatic centre within a $45 million budget.
Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from a regional council leading the way in aquatic and recreation infrastructure planning and delivery.
Recent Data & Context: Why This Matters
Recent national reports confirm the urgency of what we’ll be discussing in Regional NSW Gets Swimming:
The 2025 National Drowning Report from Surf Life Saving & Royal Life Saving Australia shows a 27% rise in drowning deaths over the past year, with regional and remote areas experiencing disproportionately higher rates compared to major cities.
According to the Royal Life Saving Aquatic Infrastructure Report (2022), many Australian communities lack adequate aquatic infrastructure or struggle to maintain safe, well-utilised facilities — especially in regional areas, where challenges like funding, staffing and seasonal demand are more acute.
These trends aren’t abstract — they’re playing out in communities across NSW. That’s why we want this webinar to be more than a presentation. We invite you to engage, share local experience, and help uncover strategies that make a real difference on the ground.
Do you have specific data, local insights or a project you’ve worked on that speaks to these challenges? We’d love to bring that into the discussion.