We’re midway through the Nunweek Park Pavilion Feasibility Study for the Canterbury Hockey Association — a project exploring future pavilion options to support participation, performance, and long-term sustainability at the regional level.

A key focus so far has been targeted engagement with local hockey clubs and wider sector stakeholders. These conversations have surfaced how existing facilities are functioning, the pressures they’re under, and what a future pavilion genuinely needs to deliver. That insight is now directly shaping the project’s direction and ensuring the feasibility work stays grounded in real-world use and operational realities.

The next phase translates this feedback into a clear functional brief, followed by concept design development and high-level cost planning. These elements will be tested with the project steering group to explore viable options, staging, and funding pathways — before being brought together into a robust feasibility assessment to support future decision-making.

Projects like this highlight the importance of combining meaningful stakeholder engagement with practical analysis to shape facility outcomes that are both aspirational and deliverable.

We congratulate the Inverell Shire Council on the one-year operating anniversary of the Inverell Aquatic Centre!

Officially opened in September 2025, the facility, managed by Belgravia Leisure, has had a very successful inaugural year, exceeding several key business case projections:

• More than 60,000 visitors in its first year of operation.
• Over 200 health, wellness, and aquatic members.
• More than 600 learn‑to‑swim enrolments.
• Host of the NSW Regional Swimming Championships in January 2026.
• Venue for 10 school swimming carnivals throughout February 2026.

Otium has been privileged to support the Council across multiple stages of this project, including the initial feasibility study, preparation of advocacy materials and a business case for successful funding applications, specialist input into the functional and technical design brief, financial modelling, development of the management contract, support during the facility commissioning and opening, and ongoing contract management advisory services.

It is fantastic to see the Centre thriving and delivering significant community, health, and economic benefits to Inverell and the surrounding region – a testament to the Council’s vision and commitment. We look forward to its continued growth and to its contributions to the community.

Watch a short presentation about the project here.

Otium Management Services reduce risk, optimise market interest and deliver strong community & financial results.

Drawing on our extensive experience supporting owners of sport, aquatic, and leisure facilities with their management challenges, we recognise that introducing a new model or achieving successful engagement from external operators can be complex.

At Otium, we’ve supported many clients with their facility management requirements. No matter if you choose an internal or external approach, our knowledge helps attract high market interest, maximise value for money, and ensure positive outcomes for communities.

We partner with councils and operators to ensure seamless, strategic contract delivery at every stage. Our Procurement and Contract Management service combines deep industry expertise with proven results.

How we support you:

✅ Create clear, robust service agreements
✅ Develop meaningful KPIs that drive results
✅ Manage tenders with expert evaluation
✅ Ensure smooth contract transitions
✅ Provide ongoing strategic oversight

The result? Faster time to market, maximum community benefit, and confident navigation of complex processes.

Managing a facility or heading to market? Let’s discuss how we can support your journey from procurement to performance. Contact us at enquiries@otiumplanning.com.au

We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Jason Merrett as the inaugural Director of Otium New Zealand.

This appointment strengthens our commitment to the region, ensures local understanding and dedicated leadership, and enhances our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients and stakeholders.

On his appointment, Jason says, “I’m very excited to join the Otium team and establish our office in New Zealand. I am committed to providing high-quality planning and advisory services that enhance sport, recreation, and community infrastructure throughout Aotearoa.”

Jason will be supported by our team across Australia and backed by the breadth of our national and international project experience.