Question 1

Board

Accepted Answer

Julie Busch

Chair and Non-Executive Director

Ms Busch is a highly experienced Board Chair and independent Non-Executive Director across a range of sectors. She was previously Non-Executive Director with Western Leisure managing a wide range of aquatic and recreational facilities on behalf of the City of Wyndham.

Ms Busch was inaugural Board Chair and maintained the Chair role for Dandenong Market Pty Ltd from its inception in 2012 until her resignation in May 2020. She currently also serves on Interact Australia, DPV Health, Intowork Australia, Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust and Caulfield South Community House. Her extensive qualifications include Graduate Australian Institute Company Directors (GAICD).

Kim Jaensch

Non-Executive Director

Ms Jaensch commenced her career in Local Government in 1997 and joined Frankston City Council in 2010 as Manager Financial Services. As a Certified Practicing Accountant and experienced leader, she has played a pivotal role in ensuring Council’s long-term economic sustainability and strong financial position.

Ms Jaensch holds a Master of Business Administration and has also undertaken the Australian Institute of Company Directors course. In April 2020, she was appointed to the position of Director Corporate and Commercial Services, forming part of Council’s Executive.

Tom Mollenkopf AO

Non-Executive Director

Mr Mollenkopf is a Senior Associate with consultants, Aither, advising on policy, strategy and governance and an experienced Non-Executive Director. He has a background in law, first in private practice and then as corporate counsel, prior to undertaking a series of executive and CEO roles in the water and environment sector.

He is President and Chairperson of the International Water Association and has served on numerous Boards including six years as President of Life Saving Victoria. Mr Mollenkopf is qualified BJuris LLB MBA and is a Fellow of the AICD and the Governance Institute.

In January 2023, Tom was made an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) for his distinguished service to business, particularly through the essential services industry, and to the community.

David Fraser

Non-Executive Director

Mr Fraser is a Chartered Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor with over 30 years’ commercial and government experience including the role of Audit and Risk Delivery Partner at Oakton Limited and Audit Manager at Ernst & Young. Mr Fraser has been an independent member on Frankston City Council’s Audit and Risk Committee for the past nine years and recently appointed to the Mornington Peninsula Shire Audit and Risk Committee.

Marlene Elliott

Talent & Culture Committee Chair and Non-Executive Director

Ms Elliott has had an extensive career in marketing and communications, strategy, governance and sport. A 15 year career at KPMG includes six years as Director of National Client and Market Insights. In March 2019, she joined VUCA Trusted Advisors as a Consulting Associate Director.

An experienced leader and trusted advisor working closely with Executives and Boards, including large and small businesses, Government and NFP organisations across multiple sectors. Deep expertise as a facilitator of strategic planning workshops and board performance reviews in the NFP sector.

Her current board roles include Commonwealth Games Australia, Triathlon Australia and Workways Australia. Marlene is Chair of Commonwealth Games Heritage & awards Committee and Chair of Workways Governance Committee. Marlene is also Chair of Peninsula Leisure Talent & Culture Committee.

Her qualifications also include Graduate Australian Institute Company Directors (GAICD).

Question 2

Leadership

Accepted Answer

Kath Thom

CEO

Kath Thom is an experienced and senior leader who has made significant contributions within the Aquatics, Recreation and Leisure Sector for the past 20 years. She has successfully managed very large teams, facilities and programming in both NSW and Victoria and has a strong track record of delivering positive outcomes for Councils, Communities and not-for-profit organisations. Some of the organisations Kath has previously worked for include; City of Yarra (Yarra Leisure), Life Saving Victoria, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia and Leichhardt Municipal Council.

Kath has a wealth of experience leading multi-disciplinary workforces within complex and fast-paced environments. Kath has a strong passion and dedication for creating, building and maintaining a constructive workplace culture coupled with investing in individual and the overall teams personal and professional growth.

Kath has been a Non-Executive Director for AUSTSWIM, Chair of the AUSTSWIM Advisory Committee in Victoria and was a key member of the Victorian Aquatic Industry Alliance (VAIA), advocating for the safe re-opening of our industry. Kath continues to contribute to a wide range of panels, workshops and working groups within Aquatics, Recreation, Lifesaving and local government, and has grown a strong professional network that connects to the grass roots of our Sector.

Away from work, you’ll find Kath curled over a good book or walking her beloved dog Nola.

Chetan Patel

General Manager, Operations

Chet joined the Peninsula Leisure team in August 2023. Chet is passionate about the positive impacts participation in sport and recreation has individuals and the wider community. Having studied a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Chet has led numerous teams and held diverse portfolio’s at large aquatics and recreation and leisure centres across the last 10 years, working with the State Sports Centres Trust (Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, State Netball and Hockey Centre & Lakeside Stadium), Western Leisure Services (AquaPulse, Eagle Stadium & Werribee Outdoor Pool) and the Y Victoria.

Away from work, Chet enjoys spending time with his young family, cooking Italian food, running and everything football (or soccer for those non-traditionalists).

Jessica De Araugo

General Manager, Marketing, Communications & Digital

Jess joined Peninsula Leisure in early 2020. A highly skilled and experienced marketing professional, Jess has a proven track record in marketing strategy and delivery, CRM management, public relations, content and marketing thought leadership.

Having studied Media and Communications, Jess has served in marketing and communications leadership roles for the past 12 years. With her collaborative and dynamic approach, Jess loves working with people and is passionate about creative, smart, targeted marketing that encourages action.

As a mother of three, when she’s not taking over the world with marketing, you’ll find Jess curled over a good book, drinking coffee and solving all of life’s mysteries with friends, or having a laugh over a drink.

Lisa Newman-Morris

General Manager, Business Improvement

Lisa is a performance driven and forward-thinking leader with extensive experience across commercial sport, recreation and leisure industries over the past 20+ years. Entrepreneurial , adept at project management, strategy development and implementation, workforce capability, product delivery, and customer experience, Lisa is able to draw on her knowledge and skills from working within a diverse range of sporting associations, leisure facilities, and an international fitness franchise brand.

Having joined Peninsula Leisure in 2021, Lisa is passionate about exploring innovative solutions which produce the best possible outcomes for our customers, our staff, and the business.

When not at work, Lisa enjoys keeping active, tackling a puzzle, cooking up a storm, or recharging her batteries in the sun.

Ian Kerwin

General Manager, Finance and IT

The first Peninsula Leisure employee, Ian was here before our leading centre, PARC was even built. From the site office portable, Ian was key in implementing the company’s key operating systems before we opened in September 2013.

Ian is a senior finance executive with extensive experience in professional customer service and not-for-profit organisations. The guru of all things excel, Ian has over 30 years of commercial finance experience.

In his role at Peninsula Leisure, Ian provides strategic recommendations to the CEO and executive team, manages all financial forecasting and reporting, and ensures our cutting-edge technology stays relevant and effective. He provides leadership, direction, and management of the finance team, and oversees the IT operations of the business.

“We think People” is a value that Ian lives by, as he loves working with people. His other loves are statistical financial analysis (favourite number 23), DIY projects, living on the Mornington Peninsula, and his number one, a cooked breakfast!

Jessy Geer

General Manager, Talent and Culture

Jessy joined the Peninsula Leisure team in February 2024. Having studied a bachelors degree in Business Management, Jessy brings over 25 years experience as an accomplished Human Resources professional specialising in employment law and industrial relations. Her extensive background in the field of HR includes roles as an HR Analyst, HR Consultant and Operational and Strategic leadership positions.

Jessy combines a collaborative style of communication with strong analytical and problem-solving skills to provide best practice advice to foster a culture of accountability, respect and fun.

A mother of two active teenagers keeps her busy and she enjoys interior design, cooking and a good laugh with friends.

Question 3

PARC

Accepted Answer

Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (PARC)

PARC is Frankston’s all in one big box gym, health club and pool centre. Opened in 2014 thanks to the vision of Frankston City Council and the support of Federal and State governments, this award-winning facility aims to empower the community to be happy and healthy.

At PARC you’ll find three pool areas, an aquatic playground and waterslides, a state-of-the-art gym, and group exercise studios all with well-established accessibility features, alongside a Café and Childcare.

We welcome thousands of visitors to the facility each year, and PARC has become a well-loved icon within the local community.

Our success has been recognised by Aquatics Recreation Victoria (ARV) several times, most recently receiving the ‘Facility Management of the Year – Large’ Award in 2022. This was due to our ability to reimagine our recovery following the COVID pandemic of 2020 and 2021.

Question 4

PINES

Accepted Answer

Pines Forest Aquatic Centre (PINES)

PINES is the hidden gem of Frankston, at the gateway to the Mornington Peninsula. PINES is an outdoor seasonal facility featuring a heated 50m pool, a toddler pool and a waterslide. The pool has a passionate community of visitors who have used the pool over many generations, and has the added bonus that all PARC members get access to PINES for free.

This seasonal facility opens from November to March each year and attracts over 40,000 visitors each season.

In 2022, PINES received the coveted Aquatics Recreation Victoria (ARV) ‘Facility Management of the Year – Seasonal’ award, due to our ability to deliver exceptional service despite the ongoing impacts of the COVID pandemic.

Question 5

PARC PLUS

Accepted Answer

PARC Plus

PARC Plus is our digital online fitness portal that allows our community to work out when, where and how it suits them. It’s PARC, PLUS all the benefits of working out is a way that works for you and your goals.

We host hundreds of fitness workouts for every person, regardless of age, background or skill level based around our group exercise classes. You can be taken on a fitness journey with the support of our expert trainers all within the comfort of your own home.

This fitness portal is available to the community at no cost, providing an enhanced experience for PARC members who want to supplement activity at home, or an opportunity to be active for those who do not have the financial means to join a gym.

Question 6

FRANKSTON SKATEPARK

Accepted Answer

Frankston Skate Park

Opening in 2006, Frankston Skate Park is home to some of the state’s best skate and BMX terrain. The park offers 3,400 square meters of terrain, for varying skills and ages, so we’re sure you’ll find an area that suits your experience. The Skate Park provides services and access for all things:

Skateboarding
BMX riding
Rollerblading
Scooter riding

Frankston Skate Park is free and open to the public at all times. Between set hours there are experienced staff working at the park who are there to help with anything you may need. During Staffed hours, we also have an onsite Kiosk and Shop, so grab a bite to eat, chat to the team about lessons or bookings, or check out our range of skate merchandise and equipment. We offer regular private and group lessons for all skill levels and abilities. Sessions are all about being happy, active and connected – so let’s have some fun!

Question 7

Menu

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

PARC

Accepted Answer

Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (PARC)

PARC is Frankston’s all in one big box gym, health club and pool centre. Opened in 2014 thanks to the vision of Frankston City Council and the support of Federal and State governments, this award-winning facility aims to empower the community to be happy and healthy.

At PARC you’ll find three pool areas, an aquatic playground and waterslides, a state-of-the-art gym, and group exercise studios all with well-established accessibility features, alongside a Café and Childcare.

We welcome thousands of visitors to the facility each year, and PARC has become a well-loved icon within the local community.

Our success has been recognised by Aquatics Recreation Victoria (ARV) several times, most recently receiving the ‘Facility Management of the Year – Large’ Award in 2022. This was due to our ability to reimagine our recovery following the COVID pandemic of 2020 and 2021.

Question 9

PINES

Accepted Answer

Pines Forest Aquatic Centre (PINES)

PINES is the hidden gem of Frankston, at the gateway to the Mornington Peninsula. PINES is an outdoor seasonal facility featuring a heated 50m pool, a toddler pool and a waterslide. The pool has a passionate community of visitors who have used the pool over many generations, and has the added bonus that all PARC members get access to PINES for free.

This seasonal facility opens from November to March each year and attracts over 40,000 visitors each season.

In 2022, PINES received the coveted Aquatics Recreation Victoria (ARV) ‘Facility Management of the Year – Seasonal’ award, due to our ability to deliver exceptional service despite the ongoing impacts of the COVID pandemic.

Question 10

PARC YOUR WAY

Accepted Answer

PARC Plus

PARC Plus is our digital online fitness portal that allows our community to work out when, where and how it suits them. It’s PARC, PLUS all the benefits of working out is a way that works for you and your goals.

We host hundreds of fitness workouts for every person, regardless of age, background or skill level based around our group exercise classes. You can be taken on a fitness journey with the support of our expert trainers all within the comfort of your own home.

This fitness portal is available to the community at no cost, providing an enhanced experience for PARC members who want to supplement activity at home, or an opportunity to be active for those who do not have the financial means to join a gym.

Question 11

SKATE

Accepted Answer

Frankston Skate Park

Opening in 2006, Frankston Skate Park is home to some of the state’s best skate and BMX terrain. The park offers 3,400 square meters of terrain, for varying skills and ages, so we’re sure you’ll find an area that suits your experience. The Skate Park provides services and access for all things:

Skateboarding
BMX riding
Rollerblading
Scooter riding

Frankston Skate Park is free and open to the public at all times. Between set hours there are experienced staff working at the park who are there to help with anything you may need. During Staffed hours, we also have an onsite Kiosk and Shop, so grab a bite to eat, chat to the team about lessons or bookings, or check out our range of skate merchandise and equipment. We offer regular private and group lessons for all skill levels and abilities. Sessions are all about being happy, active and connected – so let’s have some fun!

Question 12

Board

Accepted Answer

Question 13

Leadership

Accepted Answer

PENINSULA LEISURE

About us

Our Places

About us

Our Places

I want to

Visit our award-winning places

Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (PARC)

Pines Forest Aquatic Centre (PINES)

PARC Plus

Frankston Skate Park

Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (PARC)

Pines Forest Aquatic Centre (PINES)

PARC Plus

Frankston Skate Park

I want to

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Our Places

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Endorsed by Frankston City Council