Meet the Team

With over 25 years of experience in the sport and recreation industry, Jason Leslie combines rare hands-on operational expertise with strategic planning skills. From owning and operating a swim school to managing state-level venues, Jason has a deep understanding of facilities from the ground up.

His diverse background includes senior roles with the Queensland Department of Sport & Recreation and multiple not-for-profit boards, providing him with unique insight into stakeholder realities. Jason’s work spans regional and metropolitan planning studies, business cases, and major venue developments, always grounded in practical experience.

A sought-after industry presenter and skilled facilitator, Jason bridges the gap between visionary planning and operational reality.

Dave Lanfear brings more than two decades of strategic planning expertise across the UK and Australia, with deep specialisation in land use, strategic planning, and open space development. Having delivered over 100 projects, Dave is trusted by governments, developers, peak bodies, and community clubs alike.

His career spans leadership roles at AECOM and Coffey Sport & Leisure, as well as a decade of shaping sport and recreation policy with Sport England in the UK. Before joining Otium, Dave led his own successful consultancy, where he built a reputation for translating complex challenges into clear, actionable solutions.

As a skilled facilitator and member of the International Association for Public Participation, Dave champions inclusive consultation and community-first planning.

Jason Merrett is the Director of Otium Planning Group in New Zealand. With over 15 years of leadership experience across sport, recreation, and education at national, regional, and local levels, he has worked across Aotearoa with central and local government, Regional Sports Trusts, and both national and regional sport and recreation organisations.

With a proven track record in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, business planning, and the development of business cases to support sport and recreation investment, Jason has led successful funding applications, conducted management and operational reviews, and supported feasibility studies for community and facility projects.

Jason’s experience as a former National Sports Organisation Chief Executive, Regional Sports Trust Executive, and local government partner, brings a deep understanding of the sector’s challenges and opportunities across all levels.

Ben Bainbridge brings over 20 years of strategic planning expertise with a powerful focus on inclusion and community impact. His experience spans state and local government, as well as private consultancy, with a consistent commitment to creating sports and recreation spaces that bring people together.

Ben’s expertise covers strategic planning, land use, feasibility studies, and open space activation. He transforms facilities, parks, and public spaces into vibrant, inclusive community hubs that serve everyone from grassroots participants to elite athletes.

A passionate advocate for equity in sport, Ben has proudly supported groundbreaking initiatives including Pride Cup, Koorie Academy Deadly Sport and Culture Camps, and the Matildas’ Camp and Friendly. He brings this same values-driven leadership to every project, backed by strong facilitation skills and extensive networks across sport, government, and industry.

Brad Billett brings nearly two decades of proven results in sport and recreation planning, with an exceptional track record in feasibility studies, business cases, and funding strategies. His evidence-based approach has delivered major wins for community sport across Australia. 

At NSW Office of Sport, Brad led the Future Needs of Sport Infrastructure Study, a landmark project that secured $300M in community sport funding and earned the 2018 PLA State Research Award. His strategic recreation and open space planning at Blacktown City Council helped shape infrastructure for one of NSW’s fastest-growing regions, work that was nationally recognised with a PLA Award for Open Space Planning.

Brad’s expertise is strengthened by qualifications in international sports management and data science, enabling him to create facilities and open spaces that drive measurable improvements in community health, wellbeing, and inclusion.

With over 30 years of executive leadership in aquatics, recreation, and leisure, Bruce Mackay combines strategic vision with deep operational expertise. As a former CEO of two local government leisure enterprises, Bruce understands both the big picture and the day-to-day realities of venue success.

Bruce’s extensive experience spans indoor stadia, aquatic facilities, and leisure operations, making him the go-to expert for solving complex strategic and operational challenges. His portfolio includes master plans, feasibility studies, venue management reviews, and performance evaluations that drive real improvement.

At Otium, Bruce leads our Operational Management Support and Advisory Services, helping venue owners and managers unlock their potential through tailored reviews, executive coaching, and governance support. His approach combines strategic thinking with practical solutions that deliver measurable results

Cameron Bechaz brings nearly 20 years of strategic expertise to sport and recreation infrastructure planning, with a unique combination of planning knowledge and legal training that proves invaluable in complex stakeholder environments.

His comprehensive experience across local and state government has built deep expertise in facility master planning, operational governance, funding applications, and stakeholder engagement, always with a focus on balancing diverse community needs and interests.

Cameron’s Law degree provides a significant advantage when navigating complex stakeholder relationships, tenure arrangements, and governance structures. At Otium, he leads and contributes to a diverse range of projects, including aquatic centre strategies, indoor sports facilities, trail development, and open space planning

Lauren Close brings 16 years of comprehensive experience across State and Local Government in Victoria and the Northern Territory, with deep expertise in contract management, governance, strategic planning, and community engagement.

Known for her diplomatic communication style and commercial mindset, Lauren excels in complex procurement processes, funding submissions, and business case development. Her career highlights include overseeing major sports and recreation projects in the NT, from facility developments in Indigenous communities to major events such as the Rugby League World Cup 2017 and the Hidden Valley V8 Race Meet.

At Darebin City Council, Lauren led aquatic, leisure, and recreation services while developing inclusive programs that strengthened community connections. Her balanced approach consistently delivers strategic outcomes that genuinely benefit both organisations and the communities they serve

With 16 years of experience in local government across urban fringe, metropolitan, and rural communities, Kirstie Czarnecki brings a deep understanding of how to deliver sport and recreation outcomes that truly serve diverse community needs, both now and into the future.

Kirstie’s expertise spans stakeholder engagement, project management, contract development, and funding applications, with particular strength in planning and delivering strategies and policies that create lasting community benefit. Her warm, collaborative approach has successfully guided sport and recreation strategies, licenses, and Joint Use Agreements, as well as community engagement initiatives, across a wide range of councils.

Known for building genuine partnerships and fostering inclusive planning processes, Kirstie’s passion for future-focused, community-centred solutions shines through every project she leads

Mitch Jenkins has over 15 years’ experience in the sport and recreation industry spanning local government, as well as professional, semi-professional and community sporting clubs. His background includes recreation planning, infrastructure project delivery and venue management working in peri-urban and regional growth councils.

In his work as a recreation planner, Mitch was responsible for Council adopted recreation infrastructure plans, reserve master plans, feasibility studies, policy development and many successful funding applications.

He has worked in growth areas planning and was a strong advocate for the importance and benefits of open space and sporting facilities in new communities

With a background spanning urban design, architecture, and community infrastructure planning, Aditi Karande brings both creative vision and strategic thinking to the spaces where communities live, gather, and play.

Aditi’s diverse experience across local government, education, and private practice has contributed to major urban and open space planning projects. At Liverpool City Council, she led the Recreation and Open Space Strategy, engaged communities on key infrastructure projects, and developed functional briefs for parks, landscapes, and public spaces that truly connect to community wellbeing.

Her skill set encompasses precinct planning, landscape design, urban planning, community engagement, and funding strategies, all underpinned by a deep understanding of how built form and green space influence inclusion and quality of life. Aditi also draws on early career experience in architecture practices in India and academic work as a University of Sydney urban design tutor

With over 30 years of leadership experience spanning the local government and private sectors, Malcolm Kuhn is a highly respected industry figure recognised for his passion for community outcomes, team culture, and operational excellence.

As former Manager of Leisure and Recreation Services at the City of Greater Geelong, Malcolm oversaw one of Australia’s largest council-operated leisure portfolios. His achievements include delivering major infrastructure projects, such as the $31 million Leisurelink Aquatic and Recreation Centre and the $9 million expansion of the Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre.

At Otium, Malcolm brings comprehensive expertise in aquatic and stadium facilities management, feasibility studies, master planning, contract development, and financial modelling. His people-first approach to stakeholder engagement has established a reputation for fostering strong relationships across all sectors and achieving successful project outcomes

Josie MacCartney brings comprehensive expertise in contract management, venue operations, and feasibility planning, with a proven track record in planning and delivering major leisure and aquatic facilities.

In her previous role at the City of Darebin, Josie played an instrumental role in the planning, delivery, and activation of Narrandjeri Stadium and the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre. Her leadership included overseeing operator contracts through critical pre-opening and establishment phases, as well as managing a complex portfolio of license and service agreements across council-run leisure facilities.

Josie’s core strengths lie in project management, stakeholder engagement, and operational reviews, all underpinned by her ability to navigate complex service contracts and foster the strong partnerships essential to bringing major projects to life successfully.

With over 20 years of experience in the recreation industry, Wayne Stuart combines strategic thinking with deep technical expertise in infrastructure planning, asset audits, and facility strategy, particularly in metropolitan and regional Western Australia.

Wayne’s extensive government experience has delivered sport and recreation infrastructure projects that genuinely reflect community needs. His core strengths include functional facility audits, asset and maintenance planning, and training and development, all grounded in a thorough understanding of how infrastructure supports community wellbeing and connection.

A recognised industry contributor, Wayne has presented widely and developed essential planning resources, including the Recreation Strategy Checklist and Community Facilities Terminology and Definitions Guide, through his involvement with Parks and Leisure Australia WA. His work has shaped planning approaches across the sector.

Daniele Lapedota represents the next generation of recreation planning professionals, bringing fresh energy, genuine passion, and growing expertise to Otium’s strategic planning team. With a background in sport and recreation management, Daniele is already making valuable contributions to strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and facility audits across a diverse range of projects.

Daniele gained practical experience at UniSport Australia, helping deliver the 2022 Nationals in Perth, from coordinating venue logistics and volunteer training to medal presentations and event delivery. His experience extended to competition planning at Swimming WA, where he supported athlete logistics and team operations.

With a strong customer service mindset and authentic passion for sport’s power to unite communities, Daniele is quickly establishing himself as a trusted collaborator who brings both enthusiasm and competence to every project.

Saee Patil has a unique combination of aquatics operations expertise and strategic planning qualifications that brings valuable real-world perspective to recreation planning projects. Her passion for sports industry development and education is backed by comprehensive experience in aquatics program delivery and facility operations.

Saee’s practical experience at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre and Geelong Grammar School included coordinating and executing sports programs, swim teaching, and comprehensive program planning. Her operational responsibilities extended to plant room operations, where she developed an Operations Manual and Water Quality Risk Management Plan to ensure full compliance with council regulations.

Through Program Supervisor and Coordinator roles, Saee developed strong management and leadership experience, including recruitment, team development, and strategic planning. Her diverse qualifications spanning sports management, tourism, and international business provide a broad perspective on recreation planning challenges and opportunities.

Thomas Woods represents the analytical future of recreation planning, with a passion for transforming data into insights that create stronger, more inclusive sport and recreation opportunities. A recent Sport Management graduate, Thomas began his Otium journey as an intern and quickly proved his value as a permanent team member.

His standout project with the Western Sydney Wanderers saw Thomas lead a team in reviewing and analysing complex club membership data, gaining real-world experience in stakeholder communication and sports analytics while delivering actionable insights.

At Otium, Thomas contributes research, mapping, stakeholder engagement, literature reviews, and preparation of background and engagement reports across diverse planning projects. His analytical approach, combined with a collaborative spirit, makes him an increasingly valuable contributor to strategic outcomes

Amy Strong brings a dynamic combination of technical expertise and community passion to Otium’s planning and project delivery. Her diverse background spans research, compliance, marketing, and stakeholder engagement making her a versatile asset across every stage of project development.

Amy’s core contributions include literature reviews, GIS mapping, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Her Geographic Information Systems (GIS) expertise is particularly valuable, providing detailed and accurate mapping support that strengthens project outcomes across diverse planning challenges.

With experience spanning executive support, marketing, auditing, and digital platforms, Amy’s cross-disciplinary skills enhance both internal operations and community-facing engagement. Outside of work, she demonstrates her commitment to active living through her long-standing volunteer leadership with parkrun Australia, where she has helped launch and grow events in partnership with local councils and communities since 2014.

Larissa Kleiss brings over a decade of high-level event management, project coordination, and communications experience to Otium, playing a vital role in connecting our work with the communities and clients we serve.

Larissa’s experience includes 10 years with the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne working across the planning, operations, and delivery phases, and at Games time was responsible for the planning, management and delivery of the Sport Presentation and Medal Ceremonies programs. She later led ceremonies and protocol at La Trobe University, delivering seamless graduation and high-profile events both locally and internationally.

At Otium, Larissa supports everything from marketing and visual communications to event coordination, design, and mapping ensuring our planning work is as engaging and impactful in presentation as it is thorough in development. Her experience managing complex, high-stakes events brings exceptional attention to detail and stakeholder management to every project.

Suzi Culic brings qualified accounting expertise with comprehensive experience across business management, finance, and client services, spanning the sports, government, education, manufacturing, and hospitality sectors.

Before joining Otium, Suzi worked with one of Australia’s largest accounting firms, supporting clients with complex financial operations and reporting requirements. Her cross-sector experience provides a valuable perspective on the financial challenges and opportunities across different industries and project types.

At Otium, Suzi plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role ensuring smooth and efficient financial management of projects and business operations, providing the solid foundation that enables our planning team to focus on delivering outstanding outcomes for clients and communities

With over 25 years of experience in office administration and organisational support, Nell Peters serves as the operational heart of Otium, bringing dedication, structure, and genuine warmth to every aspect of the business.

Nell’s relationship with Otium Director Kate Maddock dates back to 2003, providing trusted support across recreation, leisure, arts, culture, and parks during her tenure in local government. This long-standing professional relationship has built a deep understanding of both the industry and Otium’s unique approach to planning excellence.

At Otium, Nell leads administration, project support, and office management with exceptional interpersonal skills and a consistent focus on building strong, collaborative teams. Her behind-the-scenes work ensures everything runs smoothly, from day-to-day operations to complex project coordination.

Martin Lambert stands as one of Australia’s most respected voices in open space planning and outdoor recreation. With over 20 years of consulting experience, Martin has influenced planning policy across every Australian state and territory, working with both public and private sectors.

His vision centres on “Urban Health Infrastructure”, the concept that open spaces and community places are fundamental to physical, mental, and social wellbeing. This philosophy has guided his work on master plans, feasibility studies, urban design strategies, and policy development nationwide.

A former National President of Parks and Leisure Australia (2016–2018), Martin received the prestigious Frank Stewart Award in 2020. He regularly designs training modules for councils and clubs and is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences

David Mason has over 30 years consulting experience in the sport and leisure industry. He draws on the breadth of his consulting and ‘hands on’ senior management experience to ensure that study outcomes are realistic and achievable.

David’s knowledge of facility planning from major events to community sport and recreation is reflected in the breadth of his client base which includes State and Territory governments throughout Australia, Olympic Coordination Authority, Queensland Events, state sporting organisations, and scores of Australian local governments.

With a keen interest in planning environments for active & healthy living, David has been active in debate around planning for active communities and continues to advocate in this field.