PitchFEST 2: Innovative Facility Designs to Improve Bottom Line

Tracks
Community Sport & Leisure Facilities
Thursday, June 26, 2025
11:50 AM - 12:50 PM
Goldfields Theatre

Details

How should we design aquatic and leisure facilities that achieve cost-neutral operations while positively impacting the local community?


Speaker

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Alexandra Ash
CEO
The Y Australia

PitchFEST Workshop 2.3: Innovative Designs to Improve Bottom Line

Biography

Alexandra Ash is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds an MBA and Master of Policy and Politics. She is a multi-disciplinary and c-suite leader specialising in strategic vision, organisational transformation and culture change. Wearing many hats, she has quickly made a significant impact in sporting, leisure and for purpose sectors across Australia. Alex holds Non-Executive roles at Western Leisure Services, ActiveXchange and as President of Royal Lifesaving Society Australia, along with being CEO of Y Australia, and former CEO of Gymnastics Australia. Alex is renowned for her infectious energy, which inspires and motivates teams to perform at the highest level. She is driven by the idea that anyone can make an impact in the world and sees the Y as an organisation which makes a significant difference in the lives of many. Alex firmly believes in instilling a culture of work-life balance, and role models this commitment, often bringing her two children Remi, 4, and Teddy, 7, into the office with her and working flexible hours.
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Yvette Audet
Marketing Manager Australia & New Zealand
Fluidra Commercial

PitchFEST Workshop 2.3: Innovative Designs to Improve Bottom Line

Biography

With over 30 years of experience in the aquatics sector, Yvette is a passionate advocate for innovative facility design that balances performance, sustainability, and community benefit. The Fluidra ANZ team works with councils, architects, and operators to deliver tailored commercial aquatic solutions, including Australian-made Sunbather pool blankets, and SR Smith swim walls, and movable booms. Yvette is committed to helping facilities achieve operational efficiency and long-term ESG outcomes by integrating smart design, energy efficiency, and inclusive access. Her experience and international role on the IAKS Pool Expert Circle bring a strategic perspective on how aquatic and leisure centres can be built and operated to support both environmental responsibility and strong social impact.
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John Clark
CEO
South East Leisure

PitchFEST Workshop 2.3: Innovative Designs to Improve Bottom Line

Biography

John Clark’s experience in the leisure industry spans both the private and local government sectors. He is currently the inaugural CEO of South East Leisure, a subsidiary company of the City of Greater Dandenong. As part of his role, John recently introduced the sport of Padel to Noble Park Aquatic Centre, making it the first Padel facility in Melbourne's South East and the only co-located at a leisure centre. Prior to South East Leisure, as Manager Leisure Centres at Brimbank City Council, he played a major role in the design and planning for the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre. John has extensive experience in establishing new facilities and has several industry awards to his name.
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Ben Tudhope
CEO
Aligned Leisure

PitchFEST Workshop 2.3: Innovative Designs to Improve Bottom Line

Biography

Ben is a highly credentialed leader with over 17 years in the health and fitness industry, working across commercial, not-for-profit, university and local government sectors. Ben holds a Master of Business Administration (Executive), and has been a Non-Executive Director of Aquatics and Recreation Victoria since 2016. As Chief Executive Officer, Ben is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and operational management of Aligned Leisure facilities across various municipalities. His role focuses on enhancing community well-being through leisure and sport facilities, driving both social and business outcomes in collaboration with partners. Before being appointed as CEO, Ben was Aligned Leisure’s inaugural General Manager – Partnerships, responsible for identifying and developing strategic partnerships. He also led Aligned Leisure's process improvement, facilitating our Quality, Safety and Environmental certifications.

Chair

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Warren Green
Director
Warren Green Consulting

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