ABOUT ARI NSW

Young Leaders Advisory Group

Supporting the next generation of leaders in the aquatic and recreation industry.

Meet Our Young Leaders

The ARI NSW Young Leaders Advisory Group (YLAG) provides a platform for emerging professionals to contribute their perspectives, strengthen industry connections and support the future of the aquatic and recreation sector.

Liv Stephenson

Liv Stephenson

YLAG Member

Regional Manager - Newcastle, BlueFit

Regional Manager of Newcastle Pools at BlueFit, Liv oversees the five inland Newcastle City Pools. Passionate about leadership, community engagement and creating safer aquatic environments, Liv is committed to driving positive change across the industry.

Liv is particularly passionate about supporting young professionals, strengthening industry connections and advocating for safer, more inclusive workplaces. Through her involvement with the ARI NSW Young Leaders Advisory Group, she hopes to inspire the next generation of aquatic and recreation leaders.

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Tim Lehman

Tim Lehman

YLAG Member

Centre Team Leader - Springwood Aquatic & Fitness Centre, Blue Mountains City Council

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Hirra Khan

Hirra Khan

YLAG Member

Assistant Venue Manager, Belgravia Leisure

Hirra Khan is an Assistant Centre Manager with Belgravia Leisure, passionate about creating accessible, inclusive, and engaging leisure opportunities for local communities. With experience across aquatics, health and wellbeing, membership growth, community engagement, and program development, Hirra has successfully supported initiatives such as Aqua Pilates to increase participation and promote active lifestyles. She is committed to developing programs and partnerships that deliver positive social outcomes and is proud to serve on the ARI NSW Young Leaders Advisory Group, helping shape the future of the aquatic and recreation industry.

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Hamish Sherwood

Hamish Sherwood

YLAG Member

Aquatic Operation Manager, Belgravia Leisure

Hamish Sherwood is a Venue Manager with a strong focus on developing high-performing teams and creating positive workplace cultures. Drawn to the industry by a passion for working with people and leading an active lifestyle, he has built a career centred on helping others grow and succeed. With an extensive background in aquatic operations and facility management.

Hamish is passionate about empowering people to build their skills, confidence and potential. He believes great community outcomes start with engaged and capable teams and takes pride in fostering environments where people feel supported, challenged and valued.

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Bek Davis

Bek Davis

YLAG Member

Coordinator (Principal Officer) Aquatic and Leisure Centres Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope, Blacktown Key Venues

Bek Davis is the Coordinator of Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope with Blacktown City Council. Her career in the industry kicked off as a 16-year-old swim teacher at her local pool, where she fell in love with the industry and gained experience working across a range of roles and venues. Since then, she has built a portfolio managing both wet and dry venues across private and Council facilities. 

She is excited to be a part of the Young Leaders Advisory Group and connect with like-minded industry professionals, share knowledge and experience and contribute to the growth and development of the industry.

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Our Purpose

YLAG provides opportunities for young professionals to contribute to industry discussions, share ideas and develop leadership capability.

01

Consultation

Provide a young professional perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing the aquatic and recreation industry.

02

Communication

Strengthen communication and engagement between emerging professionals, ARI NSW and the wider industry.

03

Collaboration

Encourage new ideas, industry connections and opportunities for young professionals to contribute.

04

Leadership

Support professional development, leadership opportunities and the next generation of industry representatives.

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