Join us as we celebrate Queensland’s recipients on 11 July 2025 @ The Precinct Innovation Hub, Fortitude Valley, Queensland.
The only sector conference brought to you by your recognised park and leisure industry peak body for local government and its supporters, the event brings together industry celebrating the PEOPLE behind the PLACES.
We will be bringing you two hours of content in the master class, including special guest speakers +Â social event of the year as we celebrate the best of QLD’s parks and leisure industry at our Awards of Excellence Event!
Member
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Master Class + Awards
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Guest Speakers
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2+ hrs content
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Catering + much more!
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Non-Member
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Master Class + Awards
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Guest Speakers
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2+ hrs content
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Catering + much more!
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TERMS + CONDITIONS
Please ensure you have read and understood the Terms and Conditions before registering.
Attending the 2025 QLD Region Conference will grant you a 3 point allocation toward your CPD (Continued Professional Development).
The Certified Parks and Leisure Professional (CPLP) certification is the Australian national benchmark for industry professionals. Click here to find out more and to apply for CPD.
MEET YOUR SPEAKER
Blake Cochrane
READ MORE ABOUT BLAKE
Blake is one of Australia’s most accomplished Para-swimmers, with a career spanning more than a decade. He has earned two gold and two silver medals across three Paralympic Games, along with two world titles, three minor World Championships medals, and four Commonwealth Games medals.
He made his international debut at the Paralympic Games, announcing himself with a silver in the men’s 100m breaststroke SB7. Four years later, he delivered one of his most dominant performances, winning gold in the same event by more than three seconds ahead of Japan’s Tomotaro Nakamura, with Australian teammate Matthew Levy taking bronze.
Blake continued his success at Tokyo 2020, adding bronze in the 100m breaststroke SB7 with a time of 1:16.97. Beyond competition, he was appointed to Paralympics Australia’s inaugural Athlete Commission in 2017 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology.
MEET YOUR SPEAKER
Kelli Lamperd
READ MORE ABOUT KELLI
Kelli has been working in the Queensland Government for over 35 years and currently holds the position of Acting Deputy Director-General, Sport and Recreation. She has experience in leading high performing teams who have been responsible for delivery of products and services under the Queensland Housing Strategy and more recently delivery under the Sport Strategy.Â
Kelli is an inspiring leader with over 15 years at a senior level, influencing others to achieve their best. She leads by example through trust, commitment and integrity.Â
Kelli has substantial experience in relationship management and clients, and significant external stakeholders. She has proven skills in organisational change in complex environments.
Prior to joining Sport and Recreation, Kelli worked in various roles within Housing and Homelessness Services where she successfully delivered a range of products to assist Queenslanders to access and sustain their tenancy in the private market.
MEET YOUR SPEAKER
Rebecca Arnaud
READ MORE ABOUT REBECCA
Rebecca is Brisbane City Council’s Manager, Legacy and Games Planning in the Brisbane 2032 Host City and Strategic Partnerships branch and is leading Council’s input into the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venue and sports precinct requirements. She is also leading the city’s development of a legacy strategy to best position Brisbane to maximise the transformational impact from the Games. Rebecca previously led Urban Renewal Brisbane and delivered Brisbane’s Inner-City Strategy and the Brisbane City Centre Master Plan. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Science and a Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning.
MEET YOUR SPEAKER
Anand Pillay
READ MORE ABOUT ANAND
Anand has worked in the sport and recreation industry for the past 24 years. Prior to taking on his current role as the CEO of Parks and Leisure Australia he enjoyed many opportunities in the public service including being the first Regional Director, Sport and Recreation for North Queensland, leading the development of community partnerships for the State and was part of the team that developed Queensland’s first whole of government sport and active recreation strategy. He has previously held sport and recreation planning roles for Brisbane and Townsville City Councils and a leadership position in the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Economic Policy team.
Anand is completing the final stages of a PhD at James Cook University investigating the benefits and quantifying the value of sport and recreation facilities. He was a member of the inaugural Discover Sport board at James Cook University, a former Australian representative on the Board of World Urban Parks and a Parks and Leisure Australia National Board member. Anand has a passion for understanding how physical activity can provide a platform for equity and social connection.
Thanks to our sponsors for their support
