Workshop 4.1: Future Proofing Sports Fields - Embracing good natural turf technologies and the use of hybrid and synthetic solutions

Tracks
Sports Grounds & Activity Spaces | Sponsored by Smart Connection Consultancy
Thursday, June 27, 2024
1:35 PM - 2:40 PM

Details

Unpacking the planning around how to future proof sports grounds for the next generation of users. Case studies of current fields will be considered, as well as identifying where new fields are needed and the surface options available for them.


Speaker

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Dana Spence
Manager Sport and Recreation
Camden Council

Future proofing sports grounds strategy – Embracing technology for current and future sports grounds.

1:40 PM - 1:55 PM

Biography

Dana Spence is the Manager of Sport and Recreation at Camden Council, the fastest growing LGA in Australia. She studied Recreation in North America, has worked in local government in Australia for over 25 years and is a former President of Parks and Leisure Australia NSW/ACT. Inspiring innovation and driving participation is of particular interest as we stive to deliver the best health and wellness outcomes for our community. With a proven track record of planning for improved recreation outcomes and a never ending supply of ideas, Dana’s insight and curiosity has led her to develop a mindset that thrives on challenge and change. She’s a new Parkrun convert, has a love of animals, and enjoys travelling near and far. Her next adventure is never far away.
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Adam Cummins
Strategic Recreation Planner
City of Parramatta

Sports ground planning – What learnings have been gained over the past 3 years?

1:55 PM - 2:10 PM

Biography

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Mardi Cuthbert
Manager - Infrastructure and Open Space
City of Casey

Maintenance and renewal – closing the loop – what have been the learnings from a period of growth for new community and high performance sporting facilities in creating better management, maintenance and renewal practices?

2:10 PM - 2:25 PM

Biography

Mardi is currently Manager Infrastructure and Open Space at the City of Casey - one of Melbourne's largest and fastest growing municipalities, with a population forecast to reach 550,000 by 2041. Within her portfolio, Mardi's team maintain over 300 sporting facilities including the elite training facilities of Melbourne Football Club and Melbourne City FC at Casey Fields. Mardi has strong background in infrastructure and recreation in local government across Banyule City Council, Yarra Ranges Council and YMCA Victoria. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), Diploma of Management, Professional Certificate in Infrastructure Financial Management from the Institute of Public Works Engineering and Foundations of Directorship from the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Her leadership and contributions have been acknowledged through accolades such as the Top 100 Public Sector Women 2022 and the IPWEA Victoria Emerging Leader Award 2019. Mardi has served as a Board Member of Triathlon Victoria and is passionate about the transformative impact that sport can have on individuals, teams and communities.

Chair

Tom Jones
Senior Principal
Populous

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