The WA Regional Council meets monthly. Members and non-members are welcome to attend. If you would like to come along, please contact us plawa@parksleisure.com.au. The Regional Council runs five professional networks each year: Parks and Streetscapes, Facility Managers, Leisure and Recreation Planning, Events and Leisure Fitness. These form the core focus of our professional development activities and are each managed by a Regional Councillor, supported by our staff. Check out Local Networks for more information.

President

Joanne Smith, JSA Consulting M I 0419 190 723 E I jsaconsulting@outlook.com

Joanne has been a PLA board member since 2010 and has extensive experience in private, state government and local government sectors in planning, design, development and management of farming land, heritage sites, urban parkland, foreshores and streetscapes. She joined the PLA board to help make a difference for parks professionals, a passionate bunch of people managers wanting the best business, environmental, social and health outcomes for their staff and communities. She is particularly keen to progress conversations regarding urban forestry and the values of water and open space.

Vice President

Wayne Stuart, Otium Planning M I 0403982602 E I wayne@otiumplanning.com.au

Wayne is the current Vice President of Parks and Leisure Australia WA and is a Senior Consultant with Otium Planning Group. He has worked in the recreation industry for over 20 years, most notably within the government sector in metropolitan and regional Western Australia, as a Recreation Manager, Facility Planner and Project Manager. Combined with his MBA (Project Management) and Graduate Certificate in Asset and Maintenance Management Wayne brings demonstrated strategic and asset planning principals, and uses the learnings and range experiences of many, to plan and provide essential infrastructure to the community.

Treasurer

Andrew Reedy, Play Check M I 0417 971 102 E I andrew@playcheck.com.au

Andrew Reedy has been involved in the playground industry since 1994, during which time he has been involved in the design and manufacture of playground equipment, as well all aspects of safety and compliance.  Since 2002 Andrew has represented the Australian Industry Group on the Standards Australia committee for playground equipment.  He has been involved in the development all versions of AS 4685 and AS 4422:2016.  From 2014 to 2016 Andrew chaired the Standards sub-committee responsible for the development of AS 4685.0:2017 (dealing with the development, installation, inspection, maintenance and operation of playground equipment). He has consulted on numerous major playground projects in WA, providing advice and preliminary assessments during the design and development stages, providing on-site assessments during construction and post-construction audits    

Councillor

Samantha Stewart, Department of Fire and Emergency services M I 0438 944 589 E I sstewart@dfes.wa.gov.au

After migrating from New Zealand to Australia in 2012, Samantha has developed a passion for leisure and recreation in remote regions. As a Gen-Y, Samantha’s career has previously been within social media and advertising, then working with the City of Karratha as a Leisure Planner and specialising in establishing recreation infrastructure that responds to the unique challenges that remote regions experience. Sam has also worked at the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale coordinating Community Facilities and Projects and is now Manager Property Projects, Land and Buildings at DFES. Samantha holds a Diploma in Project Management and is responsible for developing leisure implementation strategies and new facility designs - from paths to sporting facilities, to major public open space - as well as project managing construction of new community infrastructure. Samantha considers herself a ‘grass-roots’ local government employee and believes that utilising community knowledge is the key to developing great spaces.

Councillor

Liz Bindon-Bonney, North Metropolitan TAFE M I 0419 723 801 E I ebindonbonney@gmail.com

After a long career in the event industry managing both major association and corporate events nationally and internationally Liz Bindon-Bonney is currently a senior educator in events, delivering the Bachelor of Business (Convention & Event Management) and the Bachelor of Business (Tourism Management) as part of a joint venture partnership with a private university. She is an Associate Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management Western Australia, a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of the International Festival and Events Association. Her particular interest is in feasibility studies, strategic planning, consumer behaviour, event concepts and design, risk management and event sustainability.

Councillor

Adrian Fisher, M I 0437 990 794 E I adrian.fisher@afi53770@gmail.com

Specialist in facility management, leading people, master planning and strategic direction.  Initially a sports teacher, he has worked for a number of local governments, private sport and recreation companies, the University of Western Australia was General Manager of Sport at Murdoch University for a number of years. Adrian is also a Board director on two National Sports Boards and Parks and Leisure WA Board. He's passionate about family time, is a gigging musician and is about to finish his MBA. Adrian enjoys a balanced life with exercise a priority.

Councillor

Matt Lewis, City of Rockingham E I 0467 883 902, M I matt.lewis@rockingham.wa.gov.au

Currently the Coordinator Leisure Facilities Operations, City of Rockingham.  Matt has previously worked in China for 15 years as a country manager, business executive, entrepreneur, operations manager, and consultant. His area if interest includes membership growth and retention, operations management, cultural awareness, strategic planning, training / presenting and branding.

Councillor

Glen Abercrombie, Skyline Landscaping Services E I 0478 760 186 M I glen.a@skylinelandscape.com.au

Glen is from Sydney and relocated to Perth for 12 months to fill the role of WA State Manager for Skyline Landscape Services. He has been in the landscaping/horticulture industry for 25 years and is still as passionate about the industry now as he was when he first started.

Councillor

Sarah Stephens, City of Gosnells M I 0421465346 E I sstephens@gosnells.wa.gov.au

Sarah is a proud West Aussie who grew up in the Southwest. She has worked in local government for the past 15 years in various sport and recreation roles and is currently working as a facility planner at the City of Gosnells

Councillor

David Bruce, City of Gosnells M I 0407385933 E I dbruce@gosnells.wa.gov.au