COMMUNITY SPORT & LEISURE FACILITIES
- 1-2 July 2026
- Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Community Sport & Leisure Facilities
In Partnership with IAKS ANZ
Community sport and leisure facilities are evolving rapidly in response to growing populations, changing participation patterns and heightened expectations around sustainability and inclusion. The Community Sport & Leisure Facilities stream explores how The Next Generation of facilities are being planned, designed and delivered to serve communities for the next 100 years.
In partnership with IAKS ANZ, this stream brings together global design leaders, planners, policymakers and operators to examine how innovative design, funding and operational models are reshaping facilities into flexible, inclusive and commercially sustainable community hubs. From intergenerational thinking and smaller-footprint innovation to procurement reform and revitalising ageing assets, these sessions focus on creating places that deliver long-term social, environmental and economic impact.
The Next Generation of Sustainable Leisure Facilities – Keynote Session
What does it mean to design for the next century?
This keynote explores how intergenerational thinking can shape community leisure environments that remain relevant, adaptable and inclusive for generations to come. Moving beyond short-term planning cycles, the session will examine how facilities can be designed to respond to demographic change, environmental pressures and evolving community expectations, while still delivering strong commercial performance and operational sustainability.
- Darryl Condon, Managing Principal, hcma architecture + design
- Matt Body, Chair, IAKS ANZ
The Next Generation Panel 2: Designing Community Leisure Facilities for Intergenerational Use
This panel builds on the keynote by exploring practical design approaches that support intergenerational participation — ensuring community leisure facilities are inclusive, adaptable and welcoming across the lifespan. From spatial planning and programming to participation growth and design innovation, the discussion will focus on how to intentionally create environments that strengthen social connection and long-term community wellbeing.
- Sarah Slattery, Studio Lead – Design, AJC Architects
- Sue McGill, Director, Participation Growth, Australian Sports Commission
- Taio Waldhaus, Principal, AME Group (Canada)
Workshop 2.1: Planning to Future-Proof Facilities for Future Generations
Future-proofing requires more than strong design, it demands shared vision and data-driven decision-making. This workshop explores how policymakers, planners and operators can align around outcome-focused strategies while maintaining pragmatic, inclusive approaches that ensure facilities remain accessible and relevant to all members of the community.
- Phil Saikaly, Lead Director Community Sports Infrastructure, Sport and Recreation Victoria
- Jason Leslie, Director, Otium Planning Group
Workshop 2.2: Design – Innovating to Create a Flexible Footprint to Attract More of the Community
As land availability tightens and community needs diversify, facility design must become smarter and more flexible. This session examines innovative multi-storey and compact-footprint models that maximise space efficiency while expanding programming potential. Discover how facilities can move beyond single-purpose sport venues to become vibrant, multi-use community destinations active throughout the day.
- David Mahon, Principal, Warren and Mahoney (NZ)
- Anthony Edgar, COO, Clublinks
PolicyFEST 2: Innovation Procurement and Delivery Approaches of Future Facilities
Delivering next-generation facilities requires new thinking in procurement and project delivery. This session explores alternative construction and partnership models that prioritise multiple bottom-line outcomes, economic, social, environmental and performance. Learn how councils, designers and regional organisations are redefining procurement to unlock broader and more sustainable community impact.
- Gary Parsons, Director Open Space and Infrastructure, North Sydney Council
- Brett Diprose, Associate Principal, Warren & Mahoney
- Shane Brodie, Regional Spaces and Places Manager, Sport Waikato
Workshop 2.4: Extending the Life of Old Facilities Through Innovative Wellbeing Solutions
Many communities rely on ageing facilities with strong identity and history. Rather than replace them, how can we overlay next-generation thinking onto existing assets?
This workshop explores how vision, technical innovation and wellbeing-led design can revitalise older facilities, balancing heritage, sustainability and modern community needs. The discussion will focus on practical strategies to enhance health outcomes, environmental performance and long-term usability while preserving local character.
Chaired by: Nick Yannakis, Director – Aquatic Services, Beca (NZ)
- Thorsten Muck, Global Director, Fluidra Commercial
- Robert Alessi, Principal, Peddle Thorpe Archtiects
- Andy King, Chair, GM Active
This stream is essential for local government leaders, facility planners, architects, designers, operators, sport administrators and infrastructure partners committed to delivering inclusive, adaptable and future-ready community spaces that create lasting social and commercial value.
