Grant Humphreys of Acousto-scan and Play Test, has 30 years of experience in the testing and performance of synthetic sports surfaces. He is a Field Test Engineer, Playground Inspector and Impact Tester, accredited for FIFA, FIBA, ITF, WR, AFL/CA, FIH, WB. He will talk about challenges facing the industry and changes to the surfacing to embrace and help of the environment. To this end SAPIA has released a new code of practice “The Installation and Maintenance of Impact Attenuating Surfacing Systems for playgrounds” this document will help the industry develop playgrounds into the future .

Mary Jeavons is a Registered Landscape Architect with over 30 years’ experience specialising in the planning and design of parks, open space and play spaces of all kinds. She is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects and is a life member of Play Australia. The Founding Director of Jeavons Landscape Architects, Mary leads a team with a core of expertise in landscape architecture applied to community, play and recreation settings of all kinds, including landscapes and outdoor areas in public parks and open space, schools, early childhood centres, children’s gardens, hospitals and therapeutic environments, Mary and her team have a particular focus on inclusive design, making play and outdoor landscapes accessible to people with disabilities. Mary has written, published and spoken widely in forums in Australia and overseas.

As an educator for most of her life working with children, teens, young adults and families Kim is a strong advocate for the rights of the child, which so often get lost in our adult world. She champions the voices of children and families, particularly those who are often not heard, and prizes the importance of play for all children. She works as a changemaker at the grassroots level, supporting councils and developers to create thriving diverse communities through community-led inclusive play space projects. Her expertise lies in community-led projects, inclusive engagement and inclusive play space design, delivery & activation. Kim is also on the NSW Committee of Play Australia.

Mark leads the Victoria team at KOMPAN Australia to create quality outdoor activity sites across the state, and has over 15 years of experience enriching parks, schools, and urban areas with play & fitness structures. Informed and inspired by KOMPAN’s Fitness and Play Institutes, projects led by Mark are grounded in research and utilise a global network of fitness & play academics to design the equipment. With a personal passion for health as an avid trail runner, Mark’s outdoor playground & fitness site designs are underpinned by a dedication to uplifting the community with opportunities to be fit and activate the inactive.