Workshop Session 5.5: Future proofing our sports surfaces – Panel session exploring what's next with community sports fields, courts and surfaces

Tracks
Stream 5: SUSTAINABLE & INNOVATIVE SPORTS GROUNDS Made possible by SPORTENG
Friday, July 28, 2023
1:40 PM - 2:30 PM
Courtyard Room 2

Details

With the pending legislation in Europe regarding microplastics and the expected announcement of the Chief Scientist in NSW, the session will explore the next generation of sports surfaces look like and what are the options for local government and sport to consider? Panel session of leading manufacturers.


Speaker

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Nick Kerr
National Sales & Marketing Manager
TigerTurf

Panellist

Biography

Having worked in synthetic grass industry for more than 20 years Nick has developed a wealth of experience across all sectors of the industry, in particular hockey, education, and bowls. During that time Nick has worked extensively with clients to find the best solution for their projects. Working closely with Hockey Australia throughout that time has provided great exposure to the game’s elite players. As the sport of hockey seeks to embrace a green future Nick is proud to be working for a company like Tiger Turf and its parent company Tencate Grass who are leading the charge.
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Anthony Saba
Managing Director
Limonta Sport Australia

Panellist

Biography

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John Curtis
Managing Director
Synergy Turf

Panellist

Biography

John has been involved in the design, construction and resurfacing of synthetic grass sports facilities since 1980 and vertically integrated into manufacturing artificial turf in 1997. He is also an experienced owner operator of various multi-purpose sports facilities in Sydney, including the ‘5 Sports’ football centre located on school grounds which comprises 10 x Five -a- Side pitches and a full-sized synthetic football field. As Managing Director of Synergy Turf and partnerships with global yarn manufacturers he has access to the latest R&D trials and data coupled with 40 years’ experience in sports construction and facility management. This experience has allowed John to monitor and compare the playability and intensity of use in past surface installations with the emerging trend towards more environmentally sustainable and next generation solutions.
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Paul Kamphuis
General Manager
Polytan

Panellist

Biography

Paul has 20 years’ experience in delivering world class sporting facilities across Australia and internationally. As General Manager of Polytan Asia Pacific, Paul has direct experience in delivering sports facilities for events including 5 x Olympic Games, World Cups, Commonwealth Games and other international events. Paul’s passion lies in using these major sporting events as an opportunity to develop innovative and sustainable synthetic sports surfaces that help drive change in the sporting landscape at a grassroots level. Through this passion and his dedication, Paul is widely considered a global leader in the sports surfacing industry.
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Trent Cummings
Director
RE4ORM

Panellist

Biography

With over 20 years of experience in banking, financial services and business administration, Trent Cummings is an experienced leader with a proven track record for delivering outcomes across diverse industries in Australia. Since beginning his career as an AFL player, Trent pivoted into finance in 1999, advising for businesses such as ANZ, Nissan and PWC, and is now responsible for managing Tuff Group's financial actions, including tracking cash flow, analysing strengths and weaknesses and preparing accurate forecasts for management to make informed decisions about future investments.
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Mike Fitzpatrick
Construction Manager
Turf One

Panellist

Biography

Mike Fitzpatrick is a seasoned veteran in the construction industry, whose dedication and expertise have shaped the landscape of various major projects over the span of more than 40 years. With a focus on open public space redevelopments and sport field construction, Mike's impressive portfolio includes numerous iconic projects such as Crown Casino, among others. As a registered building practitioner and Construction Manager at Turf One for 8 years, he has successfully managed and supervised over 1,500 construction ventures, showcasing his exceptional abilities in design, estimating, and delivering projects with unwavering commitment to quality, timelines, and cost-effectiveness. Throughout his career, Mike has been instrumental in redefining sport-related projects. Over the years, he has overseen the construction of various sports facilities, including natural grass football fields, synthetic fields, rugby, soccer, and baseball fields. Furthermore, his contribution extends to major tennis and netball facilities, ensuring that athletes have world-class venues to showcase their talents. His expertise also includes constructing polyurethane running tracks to IAAF accreditation and soccer pitches meeting FIFA standards, setting the benchmark for excellence in sports infrastructure. Aside from sport-related projects, Mike's commitment also extends to earthworks, roads, and carparks, showcasing his versatility as a construction manager. As a registered building practitioner and construction manager, Mike's dedication to delivering top-tier projects with a focus on quality, time, and costs has cemented his legacy as a true visionary in the world of construction. His contributions have not only transformed the physical landscape but also enriched the lives of communities, leaving a lasting impact for generations to come.

Chair

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Martin Sheppard
Managing Director, Chair IAKS Expert Circle for Sports Surfaces
Smart Connection Consultancy

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