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AusLeisure

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.

Gymnastics Australia needs to engage with facility owners

Gymnastics Australia needs to work more closely with local clubs to deliver on their strategic objectives, collaborating with facilities to deliver on its future goals and increased…

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Jul 22, 2025 Nigel Benton Finance / Marketing / Recreation / Sport /

 
 

Typhoon Wipha impacts leisure industry across Hong Kong, Vietnam, Southern China, South Korea and the Philippines

Typhoon Wipha, a powerful tropical storm sweeping across East and Southeast Asia, is causing massive disruptions with Hong Kong, Vietnam, Southern China, South Korea and the Philippines. The…

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Jul 21, 2025 Nigel Benton Attractions / Environment / Safety / Tourism /

 
 

Queensland Government cuts size of Brisbane Games Organising Committee 

Looking to streamline operations for the 2032 Games, the Queensland Government has announced a culling of members of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Organising Committee Board. The…

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Jul 20, 2025 Nigel Benton Events / Government / Sport / Venues /

 
 

New IG Arena opens in Japan’s Nagoya

IG Arena, a new multi-purpose sports and entertainment facility in the Japanese city of Nagoya, has opened to the public with the hosting of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament. Held last…

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Jul 16, 2025 Nigel Benton Design / Entertainment / Sport / Venues /

 
 

Swimming Australia President Chris Fydler facing World Aquatics suspension

Swimming Australia’s difficulties with World Aquatics are reported to have arisen again with President Chris Fydler understood to be facing a possible suspension pending an…

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Jul 12, 2025 Nigel Benton Aquatics / Legal / Sport /

 
 

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 /

 
 
 
Australasian Leisure Management
 

search ausleisure

AusLeisure

THE LEADING SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR THE LEISURE INDUSTRY

 
 
 

Authors

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

Managing Director, Think Outside Group

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."

He was Chief Executive of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association Australia (SPASA) from May 2016 to May 2025.  he is currently Managing Director of the Think Outside Group.

Robert McMurtrie

Founder and Director, Sportspeople Recruitment

A former Chief Executive/Event Director for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and CEO, Netball Australia Robert McMurtrie founded industry recruitment service Sportspeople Recruitment in 1996.

Sportspeople Recruitment rapidly grew to become the industry's largest recruitment service.

He is presently Sportspeople Recruitment’s Director, Talent and Search.

Kate Cracknell

Journalist/editor/content creator

As the former editor of Health Club Management magazine, Kate is one of the world's leading journalists covering the global fitness industry.

She is an authoritative and in-demand content creator working with a range of leading fitness brands.

Click here to view her LinkedIn profile.