Shane McGrath takes on AALARA Presidency at successful conference

May 22, 2019

Shane McGrath, Senior Manager - Operations and Product Management at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, has been named President of the Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association (AALARA) at the Association’s 2019 Conference on the Gold Coast this week.

McGrath, who joined the AALARA Board in 2012, has worked with for the Royal Agricultural Society since 2002, moving on to work on the Royal Easter Show in 2004 and, in his current role, has been responsible for the operations of Australia's largest annual event since 2015.

McGrath replaced outgoing AALARA President Dax Eddy at the highly successful AALARA Conference and Trade Show, attended by over 300 delegates and more than 40 exhibitors.

Safety has been a key element of the event, with Queensland Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace addressing the conference this morning (Wednesday).

Covering the recent introduction of new safety rules for Queensland theme parks and attractions, Minister Grace advised that a new code of practice would be introduced to back the regulations and support operators.

She also acknowledged the "extensive support and consultation" that AALARA members and the wider industry had given to the Queensland Government’s enhanced safety regime.

Members of the AALARA Board also met with Minister Grace after her address and committed to continue dialogue between the Queensland Government, authorities and the industry.

The conference’s focus on safety also saw a session on moves to harmonise Australian and global amusement ride standards.

Held yesterday (Tuesday 21st May), the session included leading safety advocates and representatives from ASTM International from Canada and the USA.

The session heard how AALARA is backing ASTN International (the former American Society for Testing and Materials) in harmonising all three all three major global standards (ASTM F24, EN TC1 52 AXCEEK and ISO TC 25) to enhance safety and ease standardisation.

Highlighting how the amusement and theme parks sector “remains the safest of industries” the ASTM International representatives advised that any interested parties can attend its Committee F24 which meets regularly around the world.

In other board movements, former AALARA President and human resources consultant Tony Lines was re-elected to the Board, filling the role vacated by former Luna Park executive Brad Loxley, wh

Another AALARA Board member, Greg Yong, has moved from Village Roadshow Theme Parks where he was Chief Operating Officer - Asia, the role of Chief Operating Officer at Dreamworld.

For more information on ASTM International Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices go to www.astm.org/COMMIT/SUBCOMMIT/F24.htm

Image: Shane McGrath at the AALARA 2019 Expo.

19th May 2019 - AALARA 2019 conference to highlight a sector ready for safety-based resurgence

17th May 2019 - New safety rules for Queensland theme parks and attractions now in force

1st April 2019 - AALARA 2019 Conference and Trade Show looks to restore attractions sector confidence

4th March 2019 - Queensland Goverment reveals tougher safety regulations for amusement rides and theme parks

6th November 2018 - Brad Loxley to depart Luna Park Sydney after 20 years to join Vietnam’s Sun World

28th August 2018 - AALARA highlights reasons for Association membership

5th July 2018 - New faces for AALARA Board

29th March 2018 - Standards, safety and incident management the focus at AALARA 2018 conference

14th March 2018 - ASTM International begins development of Bungy Jumping Standard

24th August 2017 - AALARA supports new Queensland safety legislation but asks for improved consultation on changes

17th May 2017 - Dax Eddy takes on AALARA Presidency

14th March 2017 - Village Roadshow Theme Parks highlights safety and maintenance systems

7th December 2016 - ASTM International to release standard for waterpark conveyor belts

28th July 2015 - International Association of Trampoline Parks calls for global trampoline safety standards

18th June 2012 - AALARA welcomes two new board members

11th May 2011 - AALARA Board Elects Tony Lines as New President

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