Date: Wednesday 16 April 2025
Time: 12:00 AEST
Cost: Free for everyone
Online
Step into a world where imagination fuels innovation, and leisure becomes the catalyst for a better world!
On April 16, 2025, the World Leisure Organization with our kindred associations proudly celebrates the 5th annual WL Day, dedicated to the transformative theme of ‘Leisure for a Better Society.’ World Leisure Day 2025 is a global call to explore the transformative role of leisure in building a more inclusive, equitable, and harmonious society. WL Day will unite communities worldwide to examine how leisure can address critical societal challenges and inspire positive change.
Join the World Leisure Family in celebrating the vital role leisure plays in building a healthier, more sustainable and connected world. Together we’ll explore, learn, and embrace the transformative power of leisure to create a better society for everyone.
World Leisure (WL) Day has been celebrated on 16 April since 2021. PLA will host its first World Leisure Day event on Wednesday 16 April at 12noon AEST. WL Day is an event auspiced by World Leisure Organisation to provide a day to explore how leisure transforms lives and communities for the better! The webinar is a conversation among three guests, Dr Hazel Maxwell, Neal Ames and David Burns to explore:
- The principles that underpin the delivery of leisure experiences as an agent of social change;
- The roles of park and leisure organisations in the delivery of programs to address social issues; and
- Examples of successful and unsuccessful leisure programs to address social issues.
Presenters:
Dr. Hazel Maxwell – Associate Editor – Managing Sport and Leisure
Hazel is a seasoned leisure educator and management professional with over 30 years of experience across the UK, US, and Australia. An academic at Western Sydney University, her research focuses on leisure’s role in health equity. She has held leadership roles with ANZALS and collaborates with global leisure and sport organizations.
David Burns – Founder & CEO of Collective Leisure
David Burns has 24 years of experience in sport, leisure, and physical activity across England and Australia. He is the Founder & CEO of Collective Leisure, tackling health inequity, and WSYD Moving, promoting active communities in Western Sydney. He also leads DB Consulting, lectures on social entrepreneurship, and advises on obesity and social enterprise policy.
Neal Ames – Recreation and Open Space Planner
Neal has 25 years experience in the parks and recreation sector, working with all three levels of government, He is a strategic parks planner, whose specialities cover sport, recreation, sustainable environmental planning, play and urban planning. Neal has also been on PLA’s National Advisory for 13 years, where he has worked to advance the parks industry, and ensure environmental outcomes.
John Tower – Chair of Parks and Leisure Australia Advisory
Dr. John Tower, an Honorary Fellow at Victoria University, has over 40 years of experience in the leisure and recreation industry. His expertise includes community participation and research on managing the delivery of community leisure and recreation experiences to enhance engagement and accessibility.
This Event is Proudly brought to you by PLA
