LOCAL UNDERSTANDING, GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE, TRUSTED ADVICE.
Otium, under the direction of industry leaders Kate Maddock, Jason Leslie and Dave Lanfear, is a contemporary sport, leisure and recreation consultancy service with a focus on quality advice and informed planning. Otium has a network of more than 24 staff, 6 offices and specialist sub-consultants in sport, recreation and leisure planning.
- Project Management and Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Master Planning
- Business Cases and Feasibility
- Funding Applications
- Market Research and Engagement
- Infrastructure Planning and Development
- BA (Recreation)
- MBA
- Member – Parks & Leisure Australia
Kate is the Founding Managing Director of Otium Planning Group. She is an experienced leisure and sports planner who has undertaken an extensive range of projects in all States of Australia and in New Zealand.
Kate has been involved in all areas of leisure, sport and recreation planning with a specialist focus on leisure and sport facility master planning, development, design, management and business analysis.
Her project experience is extremely varied ranging from international and national facility development through to local area facility, business and management strategies.
Kate has also worked with a number of State Sporting Associations on the development of strategic plans and has assisted many clients in successfully securing State and Federal Government grants.
Kate’s focus is on building strong, ongoing relationships with clients to ensure practical solutions from feasibility through to project delivery.
As Managing Director of OPG, Kate, along with her fellow Directors, has contributed to the company quickly becoming a dynamic and highly respected sport and recreation planning company.
- Land Use Planning
- Strategic Planning
- Master Planning
- Open Space Planning
- Community Infrastructure Planning
- Feasibility Studies
- Needs Analysis
- Business Planning
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Motor Sports
- BA (Hons) Town and Country Planning
- Member – Parks and Leisure Australia
- Member – International Association for Public Participation
Dave has a wealth of knowledge and professional experience in a variety of areas incusing sport, recreation, leisure and community consulting.
Dave has led and delivered over 100 projects ranging from those involving complex issues and the management/coordination of multi-disciplined teams to smaller discrete projects with a one on one working relationship with clients by developing an in depth understanding and analysis of their needs.
His previous experience includes Director of Dave Lanfear Consulting (2016 to present), Associate Director Management Consulting with AECOM Pty Ltd and a Senior Consultant with Coffey Sport and Leisure/Stratcorp. He has also worked within the Department of Planning as Team Leader of Urban Growth Management, and ten years of sport, recreation and community development experience in the UK, having held a variety of posts at Sport England.
As a member of the International Association of Public Participation, Dave is guided by IAP2 principles in using various techniques to manage stakeholders effectively and facilitate community consultation and engagement.
He has an inclusive style with the ability to innovate and think objectively to obtain effective solutions from a community development to elite sports perspective. This comes from experience operating for state and local governments, peak bodies, not-for-profit organisations, developers and community clubs.
- Land Use Planning
- Venue Management
- Infrastructure Strategies
- Master Planning
- Feasibility and Business Cases
- Engagement
- Data Analytics
- Melbourne School of International Sports Facility Management
- Public Venue Management School
- Cert IV Training and Assessment
- Cert Club Development
Jason has over 25 years of experience in the sport and recreation industry and is considered an industry leader. He became a Director of Otium Planning Group in July 2018.
Skilled in a wide range of sport and recreation planning disciplines, he has project-managed numerous studies for all tiers of government, sporting organisations and property developers throughout Australia and New Zealand.
With hands-on experience managing regional and state-level sport and recreation facilities, and as the former owner of his own swim school, Jason applies his knowledge to great effect in facility planning studies to help deliver sustainable outcomes. He has recently delivered a diverse range of studies, including those related to regional planning, land use management, active and healthy communities, tenure and management of sport and recreation, aquatic and leisure facilities, indoor centres and regional stadiums.
Prior to commencing his consulting career, he held senior roles in the Dept. of Sport & Recreation (Queensland Government) and senior executive roles in state and regional sports facilities and licensed clubs.
His previous experience and passion for venue management ensures that strategies reflect practical considerations to maximise the usage and viability of facilities. He continues to present at industry conferences throughout Australia.
Jason is a skilled consultation specialist that carefully manages the need to ensure realistic expectations are being maintained when engaging with stakeholders. He has a strong understanding of governance arrangements for not-for-profit organisations as he continues to act on multiple boards and committees.
- Strategic Planning
- Land Use Planning
- Open Space Planning
- Master Planning
- Feasibility Studies and Business Cases
- Funding Applications
- Market Research and Engagement
- Data Analytics
- BA (Sports Administration)
- Member – Parks and Leisure Australia
Ben has over 20 years’ experience as a Senior Manager and Consultant spanning state and local government and private consultancy. He has delivered strategy, projects and services in sport, community, planning, tourism, development and government sectors.
Ben has enjoyed changing sports facilities at local and elite level, parks, public spaces and townships into diverse and active communities and places. He has broadened sport and active living services to encourage participation for all and tackle social equity and inclusion issues through directly supporting the establishment and development of Pride Cup and Koorie Academy Deadly Sport and Culture Camps and hosting the Matilda’s Camp and Friendly career highlights.
Ben is an experienced strategic planner and project manager. He brings a partnership approach and is a skilled facilitator and advocate. Ben maintains a network across sport, government and industry. He has held executive roles with Parks and Leisure Australia at state and national level, including the national advisory groups.
- Feasibility Studies and Business Cases
- Funding Submissions
- Public Open Space and Land Use Planning
- Sport Infrastructure Planning
- Needs Analysis
- Data Analytics
- Masters of International Sports Management
- BAppSc (Sports Studies) majoring in Sports Management
- Grad Cert (Data Science)
- Certificate III – Outdoor Recreation
Brad has a wealth of experience in the sport and recreation industry including almost 20 years of experience at local and state government as well as state and national sporting organisations. Brad enjoys working with clients, communities and project partners in delivering a range of city-wide recreation plans, feasibility studies, business cases and open space demand assessments.
Prior to joining Otium, Brad was as the Principal Advisor Facilities Strategy and Planning at the NSW Office of Sport, where he used his extensive project management skills, industry knowledge and experience to deliver a range of initiatives. He was also responsible for the Future Needs of Sport Infrastructure Study project which helped source $300M in funding for community sport infrastructure and won the 2018 PLA State Research award.
Brad’s prior experience at Blacktown City Council included leading a team of recreation planners and landscape architects for the long-term planning, design and strategic direction of sport and recreation facilities for one of the fastest growing communities in NSW. During this time, he spearheaded open space and recreation planning for new release areas that will see an additional 150,000 additional residents. As part of this work, Brad and his team were awarded the PLA National award for Open Space Planning. Brad is passionate about the sport, recreation and the leisure industry due to its positive impact on community health and wellbeing.
- Strategic Planning
- Feasibility Studies and Business Cases
- Aquatic and Indoor Stadia Venue Management
- Management and Operational Reviews
- BAppSc (Human Movement)
- Graduate – Australian Institute of Company Directors
- Diploma (Human Resources)
Bruce has proven success over many years at Executive and Management levels. With a career spanning over 30 years in the aquatics, recreation and leisure industry he has a deep and broad understanding of this sector.
Bruce has recently served as CEO of two wholly owned local government start-up enterprises and has project experience including master planning, design, feasibility studies, management, business analysis, management model and operating reviews, specification creation, evaluation and performance monitoring.
As a contemporary industry leader with first-hand experience leading leisure service provision within a variety of management models, Bruce brings a practical approach to the identification of options to solve both strategic and operational challenges.
Bruce focuses on developing tailored, meaningful and practical outcomes for clients built from a base of listening to understand. He maintains a strong network of industry professionals in the sector and is well informed on industry trends and innovations.
Bruce is responsible for OPG’s Operational Management Support and Advisory Services unit which provides facility owners and managers with practical support via operational reviews and scorecards, personalised coaching and mentoring, governance and management advice. This support will assist venues to maximise their return on capital and operational investment, usage and overall viability.
- Master Planning
- Feasibility Studies
- Funding Applications
- Infrastructure Strategies and Planning
- BAppSc (Sports Administration)
- LLB
- Member – Parks & Leisure Australia
Cameron has extensive experience in the sport and recreation industry in both local and state government.
Now, with close to 20 years of experience in the industry, Cameron’s knowledge and experience include master planning, researching trends and issues, facility planning, funding programs, operations and governance of sporting clubs, including an understanding of tenure arrangements.
He has developed excellent skills in community engagement and, complemented by a Law degree, is particularly capable when dealing with diverse and conflicting stakeholder interests.
At Otium, Cameron has undertaken a range of projects, including feasibility studies, master planning, city-wide strategies and funding submissions. These projects extend across sporting facilities, indoor and aquatic, mountain biking, trails and open space.
Cameron has a strong passion for the sport and recreation industry and combines his formal qualifications, networks, and experience to provide a highly strategic and analytical approach to projects.
- Sports Technology
- Site Assessments
- Infrastructure Design
- Project Management
- Feasibility Studies and Business Cases
- Master Planning
- Data Analytics
- MEng (Engineering Management)
- BBus (Sport and Leisure Management)
- Dip Ldrshp & Mgt, ICAM Incident Investigation
- Certificates – IV in Training and Assessment, Sport and Recreation Administration, III in Information Technology
- Member – Parks and Leisure Australia, Australian Institute of Company Directors, Engineers Australia
With 20 years’ experience in the sport and recreation industry in Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland, Tony brings numerous skills and knowledge to the Otium team. In his most recent role at Redland City Council, Tony was responsible for delivering a key legacy project, Redlands Coast Adventure Sports Precinct, which includes the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Canoe & Kayak Slalom course and a new regional public lagoon. The project required project management over a range of interconnected and complex components through the delivery of strategic planning, design, master planning and development of land for the Centre and its integrated part within a broader precinct.
Tony is a motivated, energetic and dedicated professional specialising in leading critical projects and developing high-achieving cohesive teams within a high-paced setting. He has a passion for leadership, enjoys working to overcome challenges and create innovative outcomes. Tony enjoys being involved in and giving back to our industry, having presented at industry events over the years and is the current President for Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) Queensland.
- Market Research and Engagement
- Governance and Procurement
- Contract Management and Assessment
- Funding Applications
- Strategic Planning
- Business Cases
- Grad Cert (Business Management)
- Member – Parks & Leisure Australia
Lauren has 16 years’ experience across State and Local Government leisure and community facilities both in Victoria and the Northern Territory.
She is a coherent and diplomatic communicator with superior negotiation skills, who remains as a commercially aware, relationship focused professional at all times. Lauren is passionate about being able to consistently deliver targeted results that produce multiple business and organizational benefits.
Whilst working as Manager, Facilities Development at Sport and Recreation in Northern Territory, Lauren provided high level expertise in the planning, development and maintenance of Northern Territory Government supported sport and recreation facilities within the NT. Including AFL, NRL and other sporting events, Rugby League World Cup 2017, Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities for facility development in line with Active Recreation Strategy, Development of new stadiums for Netball NT and Rugby NT and facilitated Hidden Valley Racetrack Australian V8 race meet.
In her previous role with Darebin City Council, Lauren oversaw the delivery of aquatic, leisure and recreation services, including the development and delivery of a number of sporting programs and activities to benefit the community.
Lauren also has strong experience in governance, procurement and contract management in local and state government environments.
- Community and Stakeholder Engagement
- Project Management
- Funding Applications
- Facility Management Contracts
- Bachelor of Recreation Management and Leadership
- Diploma of Management
- Member – Parks & Leisure Australia
Kirstie has 16 years’ experience in local government focused on sport, leisure and community development. She has worked in a variety of councils, including urban fringe growth, inner-city metropolitan and rural growth councils.
Kirstie has a strong passion for the sport and recreation industry and delivering outcomes to serve the community into the future.
Her previous work experience includes developing and implementing sport and recreation strategies and policies, project planning and management, community consultation and engagement. She also has also managed contract and licence agreements and the development of Joint Use Agreements.
Kirstie has a personable and engaging approach to working with stakeholders and established teams.
- Urban Planning
- Urban design advice
- Precinct planning – built form and open space
- Landscape design
- Community Engagement Strategies
- Community Infrastructure Planning
- Master of Urbanism (Urban Design)
- Bachelor of Architecture
Aditi has experience in local government, education, and private practice, bringing extensive design and open space planning skills to our team.
In her role as Recreation and Open Space Planner at Liverpool City Council, Aditi worked on the review and delivery of the Recreation, Open Space and Strategy Action Plan, conducted community consultation and engagement on key strategic projects, landscape masterplans, community/social infrastructure projects, functional briefs for parks and open spaces. She also has experience in social research and analysis, project management, grant applications and funding strategies, and worked in Community and Social Infrastructure Planning.
Prior to working in local government, Aditi worked in several architectural firms in India, working across all aspects of the architecture profession. Extending her knowledge and experience to others, Aditi has also worked in the School of Architecture, Planning and Design at the University of Sydney tutoring students in the foundation of urban design.
- Aquatic and Stadiums Facilities Management
- Feasibility Studies and Business Cases
- Master Planning
- Financial Modelling
- Staff Structure and Operational Reviews
- Facility Management Contracts
- Community and Stakeholder Engagement
- BAppSc (Human Movement) majoring in Sports Administration
- Dip Bus (Frontline Management)
- Certificate – Pool Operator
Malcolm has over 30 years of leadership experience across local government and private sectors. He is a passionate advocate and leader within the Leisure and Recreation industry with a strong reputation for developing great leaders and team culture, driving business performance, raising the bar with service professionalism and building strong relationships with the community.
In his role as the Manager Leisure and Recreation Services at the City of Greater Geelong for 12 years, Malcolm was responsible for one of the largest local government-operated leisure portfolios in Australia. He has overseen significant business growth and delivery of major leisure infrastructure projects, including the $9 million expansion of the Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre and construction of the $31 million Leisurelink Aquatic and Recreation Centre.
Since joining Otium, Malcolm has completed a variety of projects including aquatic strategies, indoor stadium feasibility studies and business cases, sports reserve master plans, aquatic and golf facility management contract specifications, operational reviews and financial modelling, and extensive stakeholder engagement.
- Contract Management and Assessment
- Aquatic and Indoor Stadia Venue Management
- Feasibility Studies and Business Cases
- Facility Management and Operational Reviews
- Market Research and Engagement
- BA (Recreation Management)
- Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment
Josie has extensive experience in feasibility planning, design development, establishment and activation of operations across various major leisure and aquatic facilities.
In her most recent role as Leisure Major Projects Officer at the City of Darebin, Josie was responsible for the planning, delivery and activation stages of the Narrandjeri Stadium and the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre. Her role also included contract management of the appointed operator in the pre-opening and establishment phases of these projects. Josie’s role also included management of contracts and licence agreements for a number of Council leisure facilities.
Josie has well-established project management skills, including highly developed community engagement, relationship and stakeholder management skills. She has proven and effective contract management experience in diverse and complex service provider contracts and license agreements within Local Government.
- Infrastructure strategies and plans
- Strategic facility planning
- Industry and project research
- Functional facility and asset audits
- Training and development
- MBA (Project Management)
- Grad Cert (Asset and Maintenance Management)
- BSc (Exercise & Sports Science)
- Diplomas – Management, Event Management, Project Management
- Member – Parks & Leisure Australia
- Certified Parks and Leisure Professional (CPLP)
Wayne has worked in the recreation industry for over 20 years. His experiences involve working within the government sector in metropolitan and regional Western Australia, as a Facility Planner and Project Manager.
Wayne brings demonstrated strategic and asset planning principals and uses the learnings and range of experiences of many projects to plan and provide essential infrastructure to the community.
In recognising the benefits of physical activity, social well-being and connectivity, Wayne enjoys providing what he has learnt back to the industry and has presented at many events and conferences over the last 10 years.
Formerly a Regional Councillor with Parks and Leisure Australia WA, he developed the Recreation Strategy Checklist and the Community Facilities Terminology and Definitions Guide to assist sport, recreation and community facility planners in their quest of providing facilities for the community.
- Project Research
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Functional facility and asset audits
- Strategic facility planning
- Bachelor of Commerce (Sport and Recreation Management)
- Diploma (Sport Development)
- Certificate IV (Sport Development)
Daniele is a recent sport and recreation management graduate. He gained valuable work experience at UniSport Australia, where he assisted in numerous aspects of the delivery of the 2022 Nationals in Perth, including the production of sport handbooks and competition manuals, distribution and management of sport and event equipment across venues, volunteer training, input into planning for venues, ceremonies, medal presentations and delivery of the event program.
Daniele’s work experience at Swimming WA included input into the planning and delivery of competitions and events, coordination of athlete transport and accommodation and team merchandise. He also has vast experience within the retail industry, providing him with strong customer service and leadership skills.
Daniele enjoys building positive relationships with co-workers and clients. He is passionate about sport and is enthusiastic about the benefits that sport can bring to a community at all levels.
- Project research
- Data analysis
- Stakeholder and community engagement
- Facility and asset audits
- Program and event planning
- Master of Sports Management
- Master of Tourism
- BBus (International Business)
- Pool Lifeguard Certificate
Saee is passionate about the sports industry and sports education, and joins the Otium team with a solid background in Aquatics education.
Her previous experience in aquatics programs at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre and at Geelong Grammar School included coordinating and executing sports programs, swim teaching and program planning.
Saee was also responsible for planning and executing sports events and was in charge of plant room operations, developing an Operations Manual and Water Quality Risk Management Plan to ensure council regulations were met. Program Supervisor and Coordinator roles allowed her to develop management and leadership experience and involvement in recruitment, teamwork and planning.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Saee discovered a passion for knitting and craft and in her spare time she operates a business producing handmade bags and accessories.
- Project research
- Literature reviews
- Data analysis
- Stakeholder engagement
- Mapping
- BBus (Sport Management)
Thomas is a recent sports management graduate and had the opportunity to work with Otium through an internship during his studies.
Working on group and independent research projects to produce industry-standard sports for state sporting organisations, Thomas developed numerous skills in research, data analysis and compilation, forming and executing plans, communication with internal and external stakeholders and report production.
Thomas also had an opportunity to undertake a research project with the Western Sydney Wanderers, where he led a peer team to review and analyse club memberships.
Thomas has contributed to various background reports, stakeholder engagement meetings, engagement reports, site visits, mapping, and research projects in his role.
- Research
- Data Analysis
- Project Management Support
- Mapping
- Internal Auditing and Lead Auditor
With a background in Marketing, Executive Support, Customer Service and Internal Compliance Auditing, Amy has proven experience in copywriting and editing, client liaison, print, online and social media marketing, website design and administration, a great basis for her initial role as Administration Officer.
Amy’s role includes undertaking literature reviews, research and stakeholder engagement activities and she has extensive skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), preparing and assisting in the mapping provision for many projects.
Amy has a keen interest in running, activating local parks and trails and promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. Holding a volunteer role since 2014 as a Founding Event Director at parkrun Australia, Amy has assisted in the launch and continued growth of multiple events in her Local Government Area, involving close liaison with Council and building strong ties within the local community.
- Marketing and Communications
- Project Management
- Presentation, design and mapping
- Event Management, Planning and Operations
- BA (Industrial Design)
- Grad Cert (Project Management)
Larissa has a strong background in major event and project management, having worked at some of Melbourne’s biggest sporting events including 10 years with the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Bid and Organising Committee in the Sport and Operations Division, responsible at Games time for the planning, management and delivery of the Sport Presentation and Medal Ceremonies programs.
Larissa has also worked as Manager of Ceremonies and Protocol at La Trobe University, Melbourne, where she was responsible for the local, regional and international graduation ceremonies, and formal functions and special events for the University.
- Business Management
- BBus (Accounting)
- Grad Dip ICAA
Suzi is a qualified accountant, and prior to joining Otium she had several years’ experience with one of Australia’s largest accounting firms working with clients in varying industries including sport, Government, education, manufacturing and hospitality.
- Administration
- Project Management Support
- Office Management
- Customer Service
- Dip (Administration)
Nell has over 20 years’ experience in office administration, including experience in local government providing support in the areas of Recreation, Leisure, Arts and Culture and Parks and Gardens. Nell has been working with Otium Directors Kate Maddock and Mike King since 2003 and employs her outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and team building ability to manage administration across the organisation.
- BEd (Physical Education Health and Recreation)
- Honorary Life Member – Parks & Leisure Australia
Michael was a Founding Director of Otium Planning Group and contributed to the company quickly becoming a dynamic and highly respected sport and recreation planning company. He is an experienced leisure and tourism planner who has undertaken an extensive range of projects in all States of Australia, New Zealand, North America, China and United Arab Emirates.
In his twenty-eight years of leisure planning consultancy support services, Michael has developed a reputation for providing “Practical and leading edge solutions for difficult and complex leisure problems”. Michael has been involved in all areas of leisure, sport and recreation planning with a specialist focus on leisure facility development, design, management and viability analysis. His project experience is extremely varied ranging from international and national facility development through to local area facility, business and management strategies.
In the past five years Michael has also been involved with planning and development of a range of major aquatic, leisure and community facilities in Melbourne and Sydney that are now attracting more than 1 million visits and achieving substantial operating surpluses.
Significant international facility project commissions in PNG, China and New Zealand have also highlighted the company now provides support services of “world standard”.
Michael has recently stepped down as a Director of Otium but continues to play an active part-time role as a Senior Associate.
- Open Space Policy and Planning
- Master Planning
- Outdoor Recreation
- Nature Based Tourism
- Commercial Outdoor Recreation
- Feasibility and Business Cases
- Management and Implementation
- MEd (Social & Environmental)
- BAppSc (Parks & Recreation)
- Assoc Dip (Rural Techniques – Wilderness Reserves & Wildlife)
- Member – Parks & Leisure Australia
Martin has been consulting for over 20 years and is a founding director of Otium Planning Group. He has worked in all aspects of the industry for public and private sector clients. Martin has a strong focus on urban design and the importance of “Urban Health Infrastructure”, which are the open spaces, community places and facilities critical to healthy communities.
He has provided advice for two states in developing new planning policies and guidelines for open space and recreation planning, and has peer-reviewed planning and policy frameworks within several states.
Martin has worked on sport and recreation strategies, feasibility studies, facilities planning and infrastructure plans for rural, regional and metropolitan clients.
With clients in Qld, WA, NSW, Vic, Tas, ACT and NT, Martin has built a depth of experience in a broad range of projects and can rapidly focus on critical issues and potential solutions. His ability as a communicator and experience working in state and local government and for private industry, means he can develop realistic strategies based on real-world knowledge.
Martin has also developed a range of education and training modules targeted at community clubs and local government staff.
He was national President of Parks and Leisure Australia from 2016 to 2018 and regularly presents at state, national and international conferences. In 2020 Martin received the Frank Stewart Award for his leadership in and contribution to, the Parks and Leisure Industry.
- Sport and Recreation Facility Planning
- Master Planning
- Land Use Planning
- Market Research
- Strategic Planning
- Community and Stakeholder Engagement
- BA (Recreation Administration)
- Assoc Dip (Community Recreation)
- Member – Parks & Leisure Australia
One of Otium Planning Group’s founding directors, David has helped to guide the firm’s rapid progression to one of Australia’s largest and most respected specialist sport and leisure planning consulting firms. Immediately prior to Otium’s inception he was the Managing Director of sport and recreation consultancy, Strategic Leisure Group.
David has over 27 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.
He has advised government and private sector clients on major infrastructure studies, strategic planning, master planning, business planning, policy development and active & healthy living. His 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.
As a former Director of Recreation for Brisbane City Council, David managed a large and diverse leisure services portfolio. He continues to monitor industry trends and has presented to national and international conferences on a variety of sport, recreation and physical activity planning topics.