Belgravia Leisure’s State Manager of Sales and Guest Experience in NSW, Alex Simmons has been elected as a Board Member/Director for the Aquatic and Recreation Institute (ARI NSW).

Alex has enjoyed a long relationship with the ARI including being an Industry Mentor in 2018 where his team secured 1st Place in the inaugural ARI Mentor Challenge. The Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre team received the industry’s highest honour of ARI Facility of the Year in 2017.

Alex was also recently invited by ARI to share his insights on the importance of training our teams to provide each and every customer with an excellent guest experience.

Alex says, “I am thrilled to be able to contribute to the success and evolution of the greater sector and work with some amazing leaders from across the industry. The Board has such a diverse set of experience and skills that will surely have an impact especially in advocacy and member services and development.”

Alex was elected during the recent ARI Annual General Meeting. With the networking event having included trade exhibitors and being attended by record numbers of members and industry representatives, the big item at the Annual General Meeting was the hotly contested nominations for board member positions with so many applicants that the nominations went to vote.

The first time that the ARI had received so many nominations since it adopted a Board of Directors structure a few years ago, such interest is a sign that leaders in the sector are passionate about supporting the members through advocacy, mentoring, education, and events.

ARI Chairperson, Nichole Edsall stated “it was encouraging to see such a high calibre of candidates. It shows the trust and confidence members have for the future of ARI.

“The Board positions for ARI are all volunteer positions, so to have people that are passionate about leading the industry provides an optimistic future.”

As a result of the voting, four new board members including Belgravia Leisure’s Alex Simmons were elected.

Commenting on the calibre of the Board, Edsall noted “what’s most exciting is the scope of experience and reputation the board has amongst their peers and the diverse set of skills everyone brings to the table.

“In redefining the strategic direction, the priority is the role ARI will play in advocating and lobbying on behalf of the sector and its members.

“This has never been so important as the board aims to build relationships with key stakeholders in government to educate and advocate on COVID-19 related impacts such as government-mandated closures and reopening procedures and the impact that restrictions have on our communities and members. With the aim to advocate for a better outcome for the community and organisations.”

• To learn more about the ARI Strategic Direction for the Coming 12 Months please click here.
• Learn more about Alex Simmons here.
• Learn more about Our People here.