The 2025 Safer Places to Swimposium, held on 27–28 August at the Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort in the Hunter Valley, marked a pivotal moment for aquatic communities in NSW and beyond. Over two days, more than 100 delegates—including council representatives, state and federal government agencies, researchers, architects, leisure operators, suppliers, and community leaders—came together to reflect, challenge, and co-design solutions for two pressing issues: Ageing Aquatic Infrastructure and Inland Waterway Safety.

This was not just a conference; it was a workshop for solutions. Delegates rolled up their sleeves in interactive design sessions—imagining ideal aquatic facilities with budgets of $10 million, $20 million, and $40 million—and explored bold, innovative ideas for reimagining inland waterways as safer, more inclusive community assets.

Key Themes from Day 1

Day 1 set a constructive yet sobering tone, highlighting:

• The urgent need for an Aquatic Infrastructure Renewal Strategy at both NSW and Federal Government levels.

• The financial pressures facing many regional councils, leading to tough decisions on supervision and operations.

• Recognition of the untapped potential of inland waterways as both treasured recreation spaces and high-risk environments.

• A strong call for innovation in design and adaptation strategies to ensure facilities remain sustainable, inclusive, and financially viable.

Key Themes from Day 2

Day 2 was solutions-focused, with a strong emphasis on data, design, and strategy. Highlights included:

• The State of Aquatic Facility Infrastructure Report, which revealed the extent of ageing centres and the urgent need for long-term investment strategies.

• Innovative facility design approaches that balance affordability with inclusivity and sustainability.

• Recognition that leadership and culture are as critical as infrastructure in improving safety and community confidence.

• A call for coordinated industry leadership to unify advocacy, align priorities, and strengthen the sector’s voice to government.

Why This Matters

The Swimposium reinforced that while our sector is facing significant challenges—ageing facilities, rising maintenance costs, and limited budgets—it is also brimming with resilience, creativity, and readiness to act. The solutions are on the table; what’s needed now is policy certainty, sustained funding, and collaboration across all levels of government and community.

Acknowledgements

This event would not have been possible without the support of Royal Life Saving Australia and the Australian Government’s Water Safety and Snow Safe Funding Program. Special thanks also to our speakers, panellists, and participants, whose expertise and lived experiences shaped meaningful discussions across the two days.

Read the Report

The Safer Places to Swimposium Summary Report is now available. This report captures the collective insights, case studies, and strategies that emerged during the event. It serves as both a record of our shared learning and a call to action for councils, planners, and communities working to deliver safer, more sustainable, and more inclusive aquatic environments.

👉 Download the Safer Places to Swimposium Summary Report