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THE LEADING SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR THE LEISURE INDUSTRY

 
 
 

Author

Nigel Benton

About the author

Nigel Benton

Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management

Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.

With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.

Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.

In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.

He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).

In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.

As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.

Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.

His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.

His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.

Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed National Museum on track for December opening

The Abu Dhabi Media Office has advised that the Zayed National Museum will open in December. A key attraction in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District - which houses one of the…

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Jul 11, 2025 Nigel Benton Attractions / Culture / Tourism /

 
 

Derrimut 24:7 takes action against ATO over $14.6 million tax debt

Controversial gym chain Derrimut 24:7 is reported to be in dispute with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) over repayment of a multi-million tax debt. Last week the Lawyerly website…

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Jul 11, 2025 Nigel Benton Finance / Fitness / Legal /

 
 

Populous releases designs for redevelopment of Malaysia’s Shah Alam Sports Complex

Populous, in collaboration with Malaysian practice HIJJAS Architects + Planners, has released design concepts for the new Shah Alam Sports Complex in the Malaysian state of Selangor.…

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Jun 13, 2025 Nigel Benton Design / Recreation / Sport / Venues /

 
 

Viva Leisure invests in Gold Coast sports drinks startup Gorilla X

Viva Leisure, known for brands like Club Lime and Plus Fitness, has revealed that it has acquired a 33% stake in Gold Coast sports nutrition startup Gorilla X Labs The announcement follows…

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May 26, 2025 Nigel Benton Finance / Fitness / Retail /

 
 

NSW Government releases new guidelines on synthetic turf sports fields

The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has advised of the release of new guidelines on the best practice management and assessment of synthetic turf sports fields.…

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May 22, 2025 Nigel Benton Environment / Government / Sport / Surfaces /

 
 

AECOM to oversee redevelopment of Riyadh’s King Fahd Sports City Stadium

Global infrastructure company AECOM has announced a continuation of its collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport that will see it provide supervision consultancy services at…

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May 20, 2025 Nigel Benton Consultants / Design / Sport / Venues /

 
 

Malaysia’s Shah Alam Sports Complex set for major redevelopment

The Shah Alam Sports Complex, located to the west of Malaysia’s capital of Kuala Lumpur, is set to undergo a long-awaited overhaul with Populous engaged and a contractor appointed to…

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May 16, 2025 Nigel Benton Sport / Venues /

 
 
 
Nigel Benton - Australasian Leisure Management
 

search ausleisure

AusLeisure

THE LEADING SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR THE LEISURE INDUSTRY

 
 
 

Authors

Tatsuo Ogura

World Aquatics Correspondent

Tatsuo Ogura is an experienced communications designer with a demonstrated history of working in the sport industry.

Skilled in Japanese<>English, sports management, branding, public and media relations, he led the international communications and sports communications team at Tokyo 2020 OCOG.

Hel holds a Master of Arts (M.A.) focused in Sports Management from Indiana State University in the USA.

Steven Baxter

Founder and Chief Executive, Mandoe Media

Steven Baxter is an entrepreneur and the founder of Mandoe Media, a global leader in digital signage software. Prior to founding Mandoe Media, Baxter co-founded Venue Media, a digital signage company backed by Lachlan Murdoch.

After successfully selling the business to an outdoor media company in 2010, he began working on the innovative technology solutions that would come to define Mandoe Media’s market-leading presence.

Driven by the desire to fill a gap in the market, Baxter set out to create a digital signage service that was user-friendly, accessible to businesses of all sizes and empowered users to create visually stunning, engaging content with ease.

Today, Mandoe Media serves 10,000 customers worldwide and stands as a market leader in digital signage innovation.

Joanne Efendi

Project & Events Officer, SWIM Coaches and Teachers Australia.

Joanne Efendi is Project & Events Officer at SWIM Coaches and Teachers Australia.

Chris Maher

Managing Editor, SPLASH!

Chris Maher is a writer, editor, journalist and public affairs expert with extensive experience writing and consulting across a wide range of industries including building & architecture, travel & entertainment, banking & finance and information technology.

He has been published in most mainstream newspapers and many niche publications, and his travel writing is studied in Australian high schools.

He is a published author of three series of children's books. Among other roles, he is currently editor of SPLASH! magazine, and is working on another two children's books and novel.

Declan Gillard-Martin

Brand Manager Australasian Leisure Management / SPASA

Declan Gillard-Martin is Brand Manager for Australasian Leisure Management / SPASA.

Adelaide-based Gillard-Martin has a solid industry background, holding a number of roles across the commercial and community aquatics industry - most recently with Royal Life Saving Society - South Australia, as General Manager Operations, and as Chief Executive of public safety-focused organisation, Quack Group.

A volunteer Surf Lifesaver, with a working career in local government, for facility manager BlueFit and the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Gillard-Martin also spent years as a high-performance swimmer and triathlete.

Lindsay McGrath

Chief Executive, Swimming Pool and Spa Association Australia

A founding Director of several not-for-profit trade associations and one global alliance, McGrath advises "I enjoy adding value to the wider community. With experience at both board and executive levels, I bring a blend of efficient governance and commercial acumen to drive a strong growth mind set to any group.

"I have had the privilege to lead in the creation of several new trade qualifications across Australasia, and the unification of the federated regions to form one Swimming Pool and Spa Association."