News December 2007

28/12/2007

Seven trapped on Luna Park ride

Seven people were recently trapped 10 metres above the ground on the Metropolis ride at Melbourne's Luna Park.The incident occurred after an anti-reverse mechanism fell off one of the two cars mid-ride. This trapped riders for around 15 minutes before they were rescued by a cherry picker with fire crews in attendance.Mary Stuart, Chief Executive of the St Kilda-based amusement park later explained, "the operator on the ride heard a noise that was not a usual noise. Their training is that they are to stop the ride if they hear noises that aren't usual,'' adding, "nobody was in any danger. It's most unfortunate that it occurred obviously and we're very sorry that it's interrupted people's enjoyment of the park.''

Drownings Rise

Australia experienced an unprecedented number of drownings in early summer, with this season shaping up to be the worst on record. By Christmas there had been 14 deaths nationally since the end of an unseasonably warm November, including three young children, compared with five drownings over the same period last year. As well as drownings in dams, stormwater drains and backyard pools, Queensland Police are investigating the death of a young boy who drowned at the Bundamba Swim Centre, Ipswich at the end of December. The six-year-old was found submerged at the deep end of the 2 metre deep Olympic-sized pool and despite attempts by lifeguards to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead. Bundamba Swim Centre is an Ipswich City Council pool leased to proprietor David Urquhart. Water safety advocate Laurie Lawrence believes the recent spate of drowning deaths could make this year's water death toll the worst ever. Lawrence called on all Australians to take ownership of the Kids Alive campaign to prevent further drowning tragedies.

Hill Resigns from SPARC

SPARC (Sport & Recreation New Zealand) Chief Executive Nick Hill has announced that he is resigning from the position of Chief Executive of Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC), effective from 28th March 2008. Hill, SPARC's first and only Chief Executive since the organisation's formation in 2002, is planning to return to the private sector. In making the announcement, SPARC Board Chair John Wells praised Hill for the progress SPARC has made during Hill's tenure. "Nick has done a wonderful job at SPARC," said Wells. "He brought a unique combination of private sector skills and knowledge of government to the role that have been of enormous value to the organisation and to the sector. He has achieved many of the goals set forth in the Graham Report, so I can understand his desire to take on new challenges and further his career in another role."

Whale watching experience to launch on Gold Coast

Village Roadshow, owner of Sea World on Australia's Gold Coast, has announce that the park is to team up with New Zealand-based Whale Watch Kaikoura to bring a new whale watching experience to the Gold Coast. Whale Watch Kaikoura is to invest AUS$5m (3m euro, US$4.4m, £2.15m) in the venture, which includes the construction in Queensland of a 24m, custom designed whale watching vessel which can seat 100 passengers and will operate between June and November - during the annual Humpback Whale migration past the Gold Coast. It is scheduled to launch in May 2008.
Sea World, through its Research and Rescue Foundation, has conducted internationally recognised research studies, promoting marine education and rescuing Humpback Whales which have become stranded or entangled in nets.
Whale Watch chairman Wally Stone said: "We are very impressed that in Sea World we have found a partner that also has enormous experience with marine mammals and the business of tourism.
"We both share a common philosophy that cherishes the twin values of hospitality to visitors and reverence for the natural world."
Sea World CEO John Menzies added: "This approach dovetails perfectly into the traditional values that we have used to build our successful Sea World marine park and will without doubt see extraordinary success for our new whale watching venture."

20/12/2007

Ogden Joins With Venue Giant

Los Angeles-based AEG has acquired an interest in Brisbane-based Ogden IFC and will form a new division to operate arenas, theatres, stadiums, convention and exhibition centres across the Asia Pacific region.
Details of the joint venture were announced by Ogden IFC Chairman and Chief Executive, Harvey Lister and AEG President and Chief Executive, Timothy J. Leiweke.
The joint venture, to be known as AEG Ogden will be led by Lister and Rod Pilbeam, Ogden IFC's Executive Director, working in conjunction with Bob Newman, the Chief Operating Officer of AEG Facilities and other divisions of AEG, including AEG Live.
AEG Ogden's territory of operations will focus on the Asia region from China through India, including South East Asia; the Western Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand; and the Middle East and North Africa regions. In total, this territory encompasses countries with 64% of the world's population.
The joint venture brings to 65 the number of venues affiliated with the AEG Ogden Global Family of Facilities. It also creates one of the largest venue and events businesses in the world.
Speaking of the merger, Bob Newman explained that the tremendous experience, strengths and portfolios of affiliated venues of both companies would ensure AEG Ogden became a global organization with unprecedented resources from the outset, stating "the collection of associated facilities will provide a single entity of unmatched strength capable of maximizing event activity, sponsorship revenues and the highest levels of guest services as well as providing capital to the advantage of the entire network of venues.
"Merging the assets and experience of AEG Facilities with the great infrastructure and management team already in place with Ogden IFC is going to create an organization that will not only set a new standard within our industry but will have a positive impact on the diversity of programming and guest services throughout the region," Newman added.
Harvey Lister added, "both AEG and Ogden operate under strong commercial models and both have taken a strikingly similar partnership approach in relation to working with various Government entities as well as private sector venue developers. That's where the business models of both companies in the delivery of successful operating venues differ from those of our competitors."

Health Club chain shuts down

The Alexander Health Club Group, the largest health club chain with operations in both Taiwan and China, abruptly shut down after its annual revenues of NT$250 million slid precipitously to only NT$80 million.
Candy Ya-chun Tang, who single-handedly founded the operation to promote health, made apologies to her employees and the public, saying she is looking for new investors to take over the business.
Tang set up a modest indoor health gym offering aerobic dance classes 28 years ago. In Taiwan, she ran more than 20 health facilities, including the Alexander Health Clubs, the Aegius Clubs that provide premium-standard spa and other recreational facilities, and yoga learning classrooms.
The group still boasts more than 100,000 members on the island.
She also expanded aggressively to the other side of the Taiwan Strait in more recent years.
While building her fitness business empire, Tang was touted as a successful model for Taiwan's young entrepreneurs.
Among her recognitions, she was elected as the first female president of the China Career Development Association, an organization of budding business people.
She was even elected for a second term for the influential position.
During its height, the Alexander Group could generate an annual turnover of NT$2 billion.
Tang said that he had strived to rescue her money-losing operations in Taiwan by selling all of her assets in China.
Meanwhile, the Bankers Association of the Republic of China urged Alexander members who have been paying their membership fees in installments using their credit cards to ask their banks to cancel further payments immediately.

Rugby Dumps National Championship

The Australian Rugby Union has decided to terminate the Australian Rugby Championship (ARC).
The ARU Board considered a thorough review of the 2007 tournament which revealed a $4.7 million loss for the ARU, more than $2 million over the budgeted investment.
Even allowing for cost cutting measures, forecasts for 2008 also suggested further losses of $3.3 million.
The ARU Board resolved that to continue with the ARC given the financial outlook - a cumulative loss of $8 million over two years - would be fiscally irresponsible.
"Strong leadership is paramount to the success of our game and, to that end, there are times when tough decisions need to be taken," said ARU Deputy Chief Executive Matt Carroll, adding "continuing with the ARC was considered by the Board to be an untenable financial risk for the ARU and Rugby as a whole.
"The Board noted that the ARC had achieved many of the player development goals including quality rugby for players, coaches and referees and an excellent opportunity to identify and trial talented players in higher level competition."
Carroll emphasised while the ARC would not continue in 2008, the ARU Board remained committed to improving the talent pathways for players and coaches, and expanding the game nationally.
"In resolving the matter of ARC, the Board has directed ARU management to immediately commence in the New Year a full review of all professional rugby programs and funding arrangements involving national talent squads, Australia A, Sevens and grants for academies and premier rugby.
"While the format of ARC and the stakeholder investment strategy has proven to be flawed, the concept of an affordable high quality rugby competition remains a key strategy."
Carroll said the forthcoming review would be carried out in conjunction with member unions, senior clubs, the Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) and other key stakeholders.

New Name for Stadium Australia Group

Sydney's Olympic Stadium, known since 2002 as the Telstra Stadium, has been renamed ANZ Stadium following a landmark naming rights agreement between Stadium Australia Group (SAG) and ANZ Bank.
Effective from 1st January 2008, the $4.5 million per year agreement (with an initial term of seven years) is Australia's biggest ever stadium naming rights sponsorship.
The naming rights change follows a significant year for 'Australia's home ground' during which SAG was acquired by Stadium Investments Pty Ltd, re-financed, delisted from the ASX and then had SAG assume direct management control over the Stadium's operations. The Stadium's catering business was also acquired and brought in-house.

17/12/2007

Labor Gets to Grips with Leisure

New ministerial responsibilities in the incoming Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's first ministry have been announced.
The former Department for Communication, IT and the Arts (DCITA) has been broken up with responsibility for arts transferred to the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts with Peter Garrett MP as Minister. The former DCITA's responsibility for sport has transferred to the Department of Health and Ageing. Here The Hon Nicola Roxon MP is the Cabinet level Minister, with The Hon Kate Ellis MP as a junior Minister for Youth and Sport.
Tourism now sits in a new Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism with The Hon Martin Ferguson AM, MP as Minister.
Meanwhile Joe Hockey MP has the responsibility for sport and Senator David Johnston has the responsibility for tourism in the shadow cabinet.
With Ministers in the Rudd Government already at work, the industry awaits announcements on the introduction of policy and election commitments.

AFL's Carrara plan

The AFL has revealed details of its $200 million plan to redevelop the Gold Coast's Carrara Stadium as a home for an AFL franchise.
The announcement follows North Melbourne's decision to not relocate to the Gold Coast, and the AFL's decision to create a new 17th team based at Carrara Stadium
The AFL's plans to redevelop Carrara Stadium will be modelled on Geelong's s Skilled Stadium with a capacity of between 20 to 22,000.
AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou recently stated "we have developed a master plan which involves taking that stadium to a 20-22,000 seats boutique stadium along the lines of the Skilled Stadium model.
"A club playing out of there with a clean stadium as far as advertising went and generating income from signage and gates would reap about $400-$500,000 net a home game.
However, the redeveloped stadium will not be ready until 2012, two years after the new side's likely entrance to the AFL. This would require the news team to play some of its top-billing home games at the Brisbane Gabba in its first one or two seasons.
Demetriou added, "what we would do is play smaller games at Carrara and the larger attended games at the Gabba perhaps for one season. It still may be for a derby, against a team like Brisbane we still may play in Brisbane for the crowds. Finals would be played at the Gabba and perhaps against teams like Collingwood."

$2 million for Queensland Showgrounds

Showgrounds around Queensland will receive a welcome injection of funds thanks to the latest round of the Queensland Government's annual show society grants.Local Government Minister Warren Pitt today announced that more than 130 show societies around the State would share in $2 million.According to the Minister, "exhibitions and country shows are some of the most anticipated and important days of the year in many communities around Queensland. They give people an opportunity to come together and celebrate what is unique about their local area and community."This funding will help show societies maintain and improve these facilities so that they can be enjoyed by everyone well into the future."

Awareness of Sports Sponsors Wanes

Australians awareness of sports sponsors has decreased significantly in the last year, with the five-year trend data show even larger decreases. The results come from the ninth winter edition of the Sweeney Sports Report, Australia's most comprehensive and authoritative sports survey. Worringly for sports wanting to attract sponsorship dollars, the report suggests that the decline in sponsor awareness stems from more and more companies and brands competing for the sporting public's attention in an increasingly saturated/cluttered sponsorship arena. The decrease during 2007 has seen the return to the top of the awareness poll of Uncle Tobys. The breakfast and snack food manufacturer dropped its Iron Man sponsorship in 2001 to concentrate on more broad-based marketing strategies centred on swimming and its rating has declined steadily ever since. Despite Speedo sponsoring some of the most successful Australian female swimmers, including Lisbeth Lenton and Leisel Jones, and despite its exposure during the Melbourne 2007 FINA World Swimming Championships, the company registered the largest decrease during the year - eight percentage points. Five-year trend data show that many major sponsors have lost substantial ground, with 11 of the top 19 sponsors now being at their lowest levels.During the five years, Uncle Tobys has posted a 22-point decrease and Ford, Vodafone and Kellogg each recorded 11 point decreases.
Apart from a few companies which posted four to six point gains, the only sponsor to post a significant gain was Toyota mainly because of its success in leveraging its AFL sponsorship.
Cricket sponsor 3/three.com was the only major sponsor to increase its awareness during the past year. It picked a winner when in 2005 it began sponsoring the dominant Australian Test cricket team.

14/12/2007

Dreamworld sees China growth

In anticipation of rapid growth in visitors from China, Gold Coast theme parks Dreamworld and WhiteWater World have doubled their Mandarin speaking guest services team.
In the last year China had surpassed Japan to become the park's second largest international visitor source after New Zealand.
The park now boasts six Mandarin speakers, all international staff, from China, Singapore and Vietnam.
"China is a critical market for us and there is still enormous potential for growth," explains Sales Manager Erin Rolfe.

One Stop for Ogden IFC

In a first for the entertainment industry, artists performing at venues managed by Ogden IFC can now take advantage of new technology offering cost effective high speed internet, telephone and data services.

Through a secure local area network linking its venues, touring artists for a nominal fee can access the Ogden IFC 'pipe' and connect to the internet to communicate utilising IP based telephony without having to get special services from telecommunications companies direct.

Ogden IFC Executive Director, Rod Pilbeam said the services were being provided in response to demands from touring artists.

"Artists want quick and easy communication to all parts of the world, 24 hours a day, while on the road.

"Such major touring productions now bring full VOIP telephony systems as well as broadband wireless networks to provide consistent communications for the army of staff engaged in presenting and moving these large audio, lighting and special effects extravaganzas, regardless of the PABX and other systems which vary greatly from venue to venue," he said.

The BEC together with the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Suncorp Stadium, and Acer Arena in Sydney will initially offer these 'one stop shop' services. It will also be available at the Darwin Convention Centre when it opens in mid 2008.

Cricketers Australia's Hottest Sports Sponsorship Property

Test cricket captain, Ricky Ponting has led his players into a dominating off-field popularity position which matches their on-field heroics.

Ponting's ranking as Australia's hottest sports sponsorship property has been confirmed by the latest Sweeney Sports Report.

And vice-captain Adam Gilchrist has ascended to second place, ahead of former long-time leader, the now retired swimming superstar Ian Thorpe.

The results are contained in the ninth winter edition of the Report, recognised as Australia's most comprehensive and authoritative sports survey.

The Report ranks more than 70 sporting identities according to how suitable Australians consider they are to be paid to endorse brands and organisations.

In the latest winter SweeneyScore analysis, fast bowler Brett Lee (equal 5th) and recently retired colleague Glen McGrath and former Test captain Steve Waugh, who were equal 7th), make a quintet of cricketers in the top eight.

For good measure, the biggest increase in popularity during the past year has been recorded by all-rounder Andrew Symonds who has sprung from equal 58th position last year to equal 23rd after increasing his SweeneyScore by 19 points to 48.

Another recent retiree, Shane Warne, surged back into popularity with an 11 point increase to 53 points and equal 16th position. Warne's ranking during his career has see-sawed depending on off-field scandals: a largely scandal-free year has meant a high ranking but negative events have tended to send his ranking plummeting.

Another big loser during the year was soccer star Mark Viduka, a post-World Cup casualty who shed 12 points to 46 points and equal 28th place. Fellow player Harry Kewell, however, lost only four points to finish in fourth place.

Zoos Cleared of Cruelty

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has cleared NSW's Taronga and Western Plains zoos following an investigation into animal deaths earlier this year.

The investigation was ordered after the deaths of a greater one-horned rhinoceros and a female African elephant. The RSPCA's Chief Inspector, David O'Shannessy, said that no action would be taken against the zoos because no evidence of cruelty had been found in the animals' veterinary records or in keeping standards, stating "there were no breaches (of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act)."

The Zoo's Head of Life Sciences, Cameron Kerr, said the RSPCA's investigation had found that the animals were closely monitored on a daily basis, "every care was taken by zoo keepers and veterinarians (animals) in our care are around 20,000 times less likely to become ill due to errors ... than humans in hospitals."

Intestinal complications have been cited by the Zoo as the cause of death for both animals.

11/12/2007

Stockland unveils Quad Park sponsorship

Quad Park on the Sunshine Coast will be known as Stockland Park under the region's largest ever sponsorship deal. Within the precinct, the new 12,000 outdoor stadium will be called Stockland Stadium as part of the new sponsorship arrangement.

The entire precinct and stadium are located in the heart of Stockland's massive Kawana Waters mixed-use community.

Quad Park Chairman Tony Long said the precinct, in the heart of Kawana Waters, would become a landmark destination for the region.

The recent sponsorship announcement coincided with the start of initial preparation works associated with construction commencement of the next stage of Stockland Stadium, which is due to be finished by the end of next year.

Tour Down Under gets UCI ProTour licence

The UCI License Commission awarded Australian cycling's Tour Down Under a four-year licence for the UCI ProTour series.

The Tour Down Under will be the first non-European event to be included on the UCI ProTour calendar.

The tenth edition of the Tour Down Under will be held from 22nd to 27th January, starting from Adelaide.

South Australian Premier, Mike Rann, welcomed the fact that the best cycling teams in the world would soon be in the State. This would increase the event's international visibility and help the region to attract more visitors.

Premier Rann also said that, to celebrate the UCI's decision, event organisers and local authorities would join together to bring a festival atmosphere to the Tour Down Under, including an official ceremony of welcome in Adelaide before the race.

UCI President Pat McQuaid recently stated that "The Tour Down Under fully deserves to be part of the UCI ProTour. Australia has definitely become one of the leading nations in international cycling. It is only fair that it should host a top-class competition from now on." McQuaid also considered that "The incorporation of the Tour Down Under in the UCI ProTour is also excellent news for cycling: it shows that the sport is continuing to develop, including outside Europe."

Water park plans for Cambodia

Plans to build a large water park near Angkor Wat, Cambodia have been revealed.

Creative Entertainment, an affiliate of Bridge Capital, announced it has secured a lease for an 35-hectare spot of land which it intends to develop into a visitor attraction called Kingdom of Dreams.

The development will be located in the town of Siem Reap, Cambodia and the will be built in two phases.

According to the plans, the first phase will include an two-hectare, themed outdoor water park bordered by an interactive raft and tube ride that includes a series of rapids, lazy river sections, water blasters, and landings.

Other facilities at Kingdom of Dreams will include a 1,500-cover restaurant, an IMAX theatre, a 400-room hotel and small amusement park with dry rides.

New S Series from Star Trac

Star Trac, the fastest growing company in commercial fitness has completed its entire S Series light commercial cardio line, which includes three treadmills, two upright and recumbent bikes, and two total body trainers.

The S Series is designed and warranted for light commercial applications, particularly suited for use in hotels, resorts and spas, rehab centers, and multi-housing facilities. The S Series has user-focused features that were specifically designed for these market needs, including adjustable armrests with a walkthrough design on the recumbent bikes, easier to read displays with larger letters, numbers and buttons on all products, and the appropriate safety lanyards on all treadmills. The line also includes Star Trac's signature personal adjustable fans and motivational track display, and is available with a seamlessly integrated entertainment option.

Star Trac's S Series is known for its exceptional value with features that make it safe and accessible for users of all skill levels, including the deconditioned or those new to exercise. Easy-to-use programs have been incorporated into each machine, creating a motivating exercise experience.

The S Series is Star Trac's most affordable line, yet delivers the same quality that people expect from the Star Trac brand. For more information on the S Series or other Star Trac cardio or strength equipment offerings.

For more information contact, in Australia, HF Industries on 02 9531 6700, www.hf.com.au or, in New Zealand, Blue Fitness on 09 307 2583, www.nzblue.com

3/12/07

Kangaroos move and Carrara upgrade in doubt?

The AFL's quest to establish a team on the Gold Coast is shrouded in uncertainty with the Queensland Government yet to commit to the cost of upgrading Carrara Stadium and the board of the North Melbourne Football Club still considering the AFL's $100 million relocation offer.

The AFL has acknowledged that a major redevelopment of the ageing Carrara Stadium is a must for its plans to either relocate the Kangaroos to the Gold Coast.

With a commitment to play three 'home' games each season on the Gold Coast, the Kangaroos (currently $4 million in debt, and with the AFL subsidising 70% of their income) have been given an ultimatum to decide their future by the AFL - the AFL looking for the team to leave North Melbourne for the 2010 AFL season.

Yet the Kangaroos have also committed to a $10.5 million redevelopment of their traditional base in Melbourne's Arden Street.

If the Kangaroos choose to stay in Melbourne, AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou has revealed that AFL will grant a 17th licence to a Gold Coast-based consortium

However, Carrara Stadium's poor condition remains a major hurdle in the AFL's bid to establish a team on the Gold Coast.

$1 million Aqua Playground for Sea World Resort

Having just completed a multi-million dollar lobby and accommodation refurbishment, Sea World Resort is set to open a million dollar aqua attraction for its waterfront pool and recreation area.

Modelled on the popular 'Buccaneer Bay' area at Wet'n'Wild Water World, Sea World Resort's new aqua attraction will be a 320 metre2 aqua play centre.

Sportspeople Partners AUSTSWIM

AUSTSWIM, the Australian Council for the Teaching of Swimming and Water Safety, has launched a national job service for aquatic industry job seekers and employers.

Developed in an alliance with employment specialists Sportspeople, the Job Board will offers a range of benefits to AUSTSWIM Registered Swim Schools:

* 20% discount for AUSTSWIM Registered Swim Schools when listing an aquatics job at the Sportspeople Jobs Market.

* 50% discount to AUSTSWIM Registered Swim Schools when listing courses or training programs at Sportspeople Learning.

* Free Directory listing and For Sale advertisements at the Sportspeople Trade Market for AUSTSWIM Registered Swim Schools.

* Each advertisement appears at the Sportspeople Jobs Market as well as the AUSTSWIM website, effectively providing two job advertisements for the price of one.

* Where an employer is an AUSTSWIM Registered Swim School the AUSTSWIM logo is clearly displayed in the job summary table at the AUSTSWIM website. This logo differentiates employers, reinforces the AUSTSWIM brand and provides a point of difference for job seekers.

* Access to other Sportspeople services including Career Centre, Forum and Trade.

* Employer and job seeker access to Australia's largest on-line community for the aquatics, fitness, sport, venues, events, leisure and lifestyle sector.

Introducing the service, AUSTWIM Chief Executive Gordon Mallett explains, "we wanted to find the most effective way to bring employers and job seekers together, particularly to ensure the jobs that are available can be immediately and effectively promoted on-line."

Powered by Sportspeople, the service can be viewed at www.austswim.com.au

For details contact AUSTSWIM on 03 9655 7500 or Robert McMurtie of Sportspeople on 02 9555 5000, Email: admin@sportspeople.com.au, www.sportspeople.com.au

Warner Bros' park planned for Abu Dhabi

Warner Bros. Entertainment has signed an alliance to launch a new attraction development in Abu Dhabi.

Locally based real estate developer ALDAR and the newly established Abu Dhabi Media Company will work with Warner's to create the theme park complete with a hotel and four jointly owned multiplex cinemas - based in An Ruwais, Al Lain City, Yas Island and the Central Market Development of Abu Dhabi - featuring titles from Warner's film library.

Barry Meyer, Chair of Warner Bros.recently stated, "we look forward to working alongside ALDAR and the Abu Dhabi Media Company to not only create an exciting and unique cultural destination in Abu Dhabi, but to have the opportunity to extend our businesses and brand throughout the region."

"This strategic announcement demonstrates the depth of our commitment to building Abu Dhabi in a holistic way - bringing the best in entertainment to the communities we are creating. International alliances are a core element of our strategy to lead the industry by example, delivering value to our shareholders, customers and partners alike," added ALDAR's chair, Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh.

Warner Bros. will help develop and design the theme park, while ALDAR will oversee the construction of the entire project, which is expected to commence in 2009.

For details go to www2.warnerbros.com