You would think most sports would jump at the chance to be included in the Olympic Games, but parkour is a little more complicated.

The sport, which involves jumping, climbing and running through urban environments, is being courted by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), which wants to establish a new parkour-inspired discipline.

But the move has provoked a strong backlash from the parkour community.

"The big bullies are coming in and just trying to muscle in and take it away from everyone," said Matthew Campbell of Melbourne, who has been practising parkour for 13 years.

"It is just people with more power and money looking to stomp on everyone else".

So why are they so upset? Describing parkour as a sport can be contentious. For many practitioners it is as much a philosophical exercise as a physical one.

For most of them it's not about competition.

"Parkour by nature is non-competitive, so as soon as you make it a competition, to me, it is not parkour anymore, it is just the moves," vice president of the Australian Parkour Association Amy Han said.

"We are a sporting nation and I get that, and a lot of people understand sport and exercise and competition through having levels and awards and that's how you know you are progressing, and that's how you know that you're good at something, but that is not the parkour mentality."

In May, FIG ran its first parkour-based test event, an Obstacle Course Cup in Montpelier, France, which was attended by officials from the International Olympic Committee.

Significantly, the event was supported by two of the founders of parkour, David Belle and Charles Perriere.

In an open letter to the parkour community, Belle and Perriere said the time had come "to put a foot across the line that separate[s] us from competition."

Australian Parkour Association Amy Han balances on one hand in Melbourne.

But many long-time enthusiasts are dismayed by this new turn.

Parkour associations in Australia, the UK, France, New Zealand, Argentina and Singapore are refusing to work with FIG and have protested against the "encroachment and misappropriation of our practice."

What does Gymnastics Australia have to say?

Gymnastics Australia (GA) is supportive of FIG's push to incorporate parkour. Last year, it launched a parkour-inspired Free-G program in 65 gyms across the country.

The chief executive of GA, Mark Rendell said there has been some "mixed messages" from the parkour community, but he was confident an agreement could be reached.

A man lunges for a retaining wall as he executes the Parkour move the "Tic-Tac" in inner Melbourne.

"I think gymnastics is the foundation of all sports and parkour is an outcome of learning those fundamentals - we think it is a great opportunity to bring more disciplines that are closely aligned, closer together and work collaboratively for the growth of the sport," he said.

"I think the president of the international gymnastics federation has made it clear that he wants to respect the traditions and values of parkour."

There are currently 560 gymnastics clubs across Australian with more than 200,000 active participants.

The majority of these participants are female and under 12, and the sport is keen to broaden its base.

"We see parkour as an opportunity to keep kids in the gym longer and give them an opportunity to achieve their sporting goals," said Rendell.

What happens now?

FIG is now planning to establish a Parkour Committee, which will be chaired by David Belle and will hold its first meeting at the end of July.

The organisation is aiming to hold sprint and freestyle obstacle course world cups in 2018 and 2019, and a world championships in 2020.

Meanwhile, parkour associations are planning to continue their resistance.

"We are fighting against a lot of money and a lot of power, so it's going to be difficult," Campbell said.

"But it's not in the nature of parkour people to give up."

This article was originally sourced from the ABC.

Five Sydney breweries have joined forces to launch The Inner West Brewery Association (IWBA), which aims to cement Sydney’s Inner West as the Craft Beer Capital of Australia.

The founding members are Batch Brewing Company, Wayward Brewing Company, Young Henrys, Willie the Boatman and Grifter Brewing Company.

“We’ve felt for some time that the inner west is really developing as one of the most important beer areas in Sydney and also Australia,” IWBA president and Wayward founder Peter Philip told Brews News.

“We wanted to get together to achieve a few things, one was working with local government to streamline some of the planning regulations.”

Separately, Philip was recently nominated to the board of the Craft Beer Industry Association – soon to be rebirthed as Independent Brewers Australia – but says IWBA is best placed to achieve its members’ local objectives.

“My view is that IBA is a national body and should be representing national interests. Whilst we definitely have a desire to push excise reform, we really think that that’s the job of CBIA or IBA now,” he said.

Philip said there are 14 production breweries in the inner west and all will be invited to join, including Lion-owned Malt Shovel Brewery, Wayward’s nearest neighbour.

“This is really about being in the inner west, we are great friends with the guys at Malt Shovel and we will be encouraging them to join,” he said.

“Having five founders was really about trying to streamline the process so that we could get something done quickly.”

The association was foreshadowed at a recent forum for the brewers organised by Federal Labor MP Anthony Albanese, the MP for local electorate Grayndler, who was present at this morning’s launch hosted by Batch Brewing.

14 and counting

Philip’s tally of 14 breweries in the area includes one that is yet to start production, Sauce Brewing in Marrickville.

“I know of four more that are planning on setting up but I haven’t included them. They’re in the early stages of planning,” he said.

Philip said the inner west actually has a higher density of breweries than Portland or San Diego, if you take into account the limited take-up of craft beer in Australia.

“Really, we should have one brewery in the inner west to be on the same density as Portland. It’s getting pretty crowded and pretty dense,” he said.

He said this is why it is crucial for the inner west brewers to collaborate on initiatives that will increase demand for their beers, particularly considering recent sobering news about the financial hardship suffered by some brewers.

“You’ve got to run your business very carefully. You look at Brewcult and Hendo – here you’ve got a great guy who makes fantastic beer and he couldn’t be successful,” he said.

“It is a very competitive market. I know from our standpoint, we haven’t paid back the money we put into the business.”

The IWBA also announced that the first Inner West Beer Fest will be held in early 2018.

This article was sourced from the Australian Brews News.

Fitness Australia has brought a diverse array of members of the fitness industry together last week in an extraordinary meeting to discuss a range of issues facing fitness in the country.

In an inspiring show of unity, a combination of both Fitness Australia registered and non-registered fitness businesses and powerbrokers, representing a range of modalities, exchanged views in an attempt to take stock of the direction of the industry and pressing issues within it such as:

• The National Training Package review;
• The Fair Work Ombudsman’s interest in ‘sham contracting’;
• Changes to the 457 Visa arrangement;
• Fringe benefits tax exemption campaign;
• Fair Work Commission ruling on ‘all up casual rates’; and
• Increased tariffs resulting from the amalgamation of APRA and PPCA tariff collecting functions. 

The afternoon was an opportunity for all corners of the Australian fitness industry to voice concerns, share ideas and project into the future, but also a chance for Fitness Australia to better understand those concerns and how best to move forward in terms of addressing them at the appropriate level.

“This was a truly rare opportunity to bring such a diversity of people and businesses together, and our industry is better for it,” said Fitness Australia CEO, Bill Moore.

“As a peak body, we’re all about taking the leadership role in the industry and achieving positive outcomes for all.

“At its core, Fitness Australia represents the interests of the fitness industry as a whole, whether that be to Government or otherwise, and part of doing that effectively is understanding the real concerns, challenges – as well as positives – that are happening out there on the ground.

“That’s what this meeting was all about, and those outcomes will shape how we approach representing the industry moving forward.”

This article was originally sourced from Fitness Australia. 

As your member association, one of the things the ADA is always striving to ensure that your membership provides you with as much value and opportunity as possible.

That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our new initiative with Macquarie, which gives you access to a range of products and services including:

• exclusive offers on home loans, bank accounts, vehicle loans, and other banking products;
• dedicated team of banking specialists;
• financial insights for different life stages;
• smarter banking tools to help you manage your money.

Whether you’re buying a practice or fitting it out, or buying a new home or car, you’ll be able to take advantage of products and business insights that are matched uniquely to your personal and professional requirements.

Macquarie has a successful history of working with professionals in healthcare, a relationship built on supporting and understanding the needs of individuals and businesses, and providing them with tailored products and services.

To access this range of exciting new benefits, head to Macquarie Bank.

This article was originally sourced from the Australian Dental Association.

The AMA is warning that the planned new National Framework for Maternity Services (NFMS) is doomed to fail due to inadequate stakeholder consultation and the spectacular failure to adequately engage expert obstetric, general practice, and other crucial medical specialists in its development.

Following an agreement at the April 2016 COAG Health Council meeting, the Queensland Government was tasked to lead the project to develop the NFMS, under the auspices of the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council (AHMAC).

AMA President, Dr Michael Gannon, said today that the AMA first became aware of the NFMS project in December 2016 – eight months after it commenced, and without any direct contact from AHMAC’s Maternity Care Policy Working Group (MCPWG) or its consultants – and has raised concerns about the project ever since.

Dr Gannon, an obstetrician, said the AMA’s concerns are shared by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) and the National Association of Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (NASOG).

“It is outrageous that specialist obstetricians and GPs have been marginalised in this process. You could be forgiven for thinking it a joke,” Dr Gannon said.

“Obstetrician-led care is an essential tenet of Australia’s maternity system.

“There is clear and compelling evidence that shows that obstetrician involvement translates into lower mortality rates and fewer complications, not to mention lower costs.

“When issues and problems arise during labour, it is invariably an obstetrician who is called to assume responsibility and manage care, working to ensure the best possible outcome for mother and baby.

“I am pleased that midwives are strongly represented on the Working Group responsible for drafting the NFMS, and in subsequent consultations. They are key members of the maternity team.

“But not involving a single obstetrician in a 12-member group tasked with looking at maternity services is like conducting a law and order review without talking to the police,” Dr Gannon said.

Dr Gannon said that AMA members have reported maternity services and outcomes in their respective States have deteriorated under the current National Maternity Services Plan.

“Obstetricians are concerned that not enough is being done to ensure women have access to high quality, collaborative models of care,” Dr Gannon said.

“Despite this, the consultation undertaken to develop the NFMS has neglected to actively engage specialist medical practitioners who are at the centre of care for mothers and babies.

“The draft Framework, which was released for public comment in March 2017, lacked substance and provided no guidance for public hospital maternity services about what high quality care should look like.

“The NFMS is shaping up as a lost opportunity to achieve the best possible maternity care for mothers and babies in Australia.

“GPs not only routinely offer obstetric services in outer metropolitan, rural, and regional areas, but deliver antenatal and postnatal care to thousands of Australian women. There was not a single GP representative appointed.

“Further, there is no acknowledgement that best practice care of mothers involves anaesthetists, obstetric physicians, psychiatrists, pathologists, and haematologists, none of whom were invited to assist in the development and drafting of the NFMS.

“The AMA wants to see a strong NFMS.

“It must be developed in genuine partnership with the medical profession and its peak bodies.

“These are the medical professionals who deal with maternity services, day in and day out.

“They’ve seen what works, and they know where the system is not working well.

“Their experiences and views should have been at the table, from the beginning.

“Inviting them to a consultation a month before completion of the draft NFMS does not seem a genuine attempt to listen to experts at the coalface of maternity services.

“The AMA is calling on COAG, AHMAC, and the NFMS Working Group to formally and genuinely engage with the medical profession – obstetricians in particular – before there is any further policy development or public reporting on the Framework.

“The health of mothers and their babies deserves a thorough and professional Framework to ensure the best possible care,” Dr Gannon said.

This article was originally sourced from the Australian Medical Association.

ASI to team with Internet Vision Technologies (IVT) to deliver expanded solutions for association/not-for-profits in Asia-Pacific

Latest acquisition will bring enhanced services and support to the not-for-profit sector and increase ASI’s footprint in the region

Melbourne, VIC (8 June 2017) — Advanced Solutions International (ASI), a leading global provider of software and services for associations and not-for-profits, announced today that it has purchased the assets of Internet Vision Technologies (IVT), a Victoria, Australia based highly respected software provider to more than 160 Australian associations and not-for-profits.

In joining forces, ASI will be able to deliver a broader range of products and services to IVT clients and other membership organisations and associations of all types and sizes. More organisations in the region will have access to the performance improvement and engagement best-practices ASI has gleaned from working with more than 4,000 clients around the world. IVT clients can take advantage of award-winning support and IVT staff will be exposed to greater career opportunities.

“IVT and ASI are a great fit — the two companies will be stronger together and can provide the very best solutions and services to the association and not-for-profit sector in Australia and New Zealand,” said Paul Ramsbottom, ASI Asia-Pacific’s Managing Director. “ASI is committed to expanding our presence here in the AP region and this investment further demonstrates that commitment.

The agreement will not impact clients’ current use of ASI’s iMIS 20 Engagement Management System (EMS)™ or IVT’s Association Online, nor will it affect the high levels of service and support they have come to expect from both companies. The combined business will continue to invest in and develop both the iMIS 20 and Association Online products.

Jonathan Oxer, IVT’s founder, and Ann Oxer, General Manager, will continue to play an active role in the business going forward. IVT staff will have the opportunity to work from home or in ASI’s Melbourne offices.

“I am so proud of everything IVT has accomplished over the years and I am delighted we’ve found the right partner in ASI to ensure our clients are in good hands,” said Jonathan Oxer. “These clients will now have access to solutions and resources that will help make them more efficient, flexible, and responsive to their members and supporters. It’s a great move for us all.”

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

About ASI

Advanced Solutions International (ASI) is a recognised global, industry thought leader that focuses on helping associations and not-for-profits increase operational and financial performance through the use of best practices, proven solutions, and ongoing client advisement. Since 1991, ASI has served nearly 4,000 clients and millions of users worldwide, both directly and indirectly through a network of over 100 partners, and currently maintains corporate offices in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.

Contact: Paul Ramsbottom 

Ph: +61 419 700 022 

E: pramsbottom@advsol.com 

This media release was sourced directly from the ASI website here. 

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand has announced that Rick Ellis will join the organisation as its Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Ellis is currently the CEO of the National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington, where he was responsible for transforming New Zealand’s iconic cultural institution and leading tourism destination. His career spans over 30 years including tenure as Group Executive Telstra Media, based in Sydney and prior to that CEO of Television New Zealand based in Auckland.

He graduated with a BCom from the University of Auckland in 1976, and has had a career in the IT industry in senior executive roles, in which he worked for US Multinationals for over 25 years in Australia, the UK and New Zealand.

He replaces Lee White who joined Chartered Accountants ANZ as a General Manager in 2009, and served as CEO since 2011. Lee over saw the merger of the Australian and New Zealand institutes, and the alliance with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Murray Jack, Chairman, CA ANZ said: “The profession is in a time of significant change. We’ve invested in our people and our digital assets, and are now looking to continue to transform what we do and how we do it so that we remain relevant as a profession, and as a member organisation. Rick brings many skills based on years of international experience to this task. We are really excited to attract someone of Rick’s reputation and calibre to our organisation.”

Mr Ellis will be based in Sydney, and will join CA ANZ at the end of July. Prior to this time Simon Grant, Head of Members will act as Interim CEO.

This media release was sourced directly from the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand website here. 

Host your winter conference at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort and take advantage of this special offer for $199pp which includes: 

• One night in a 2 Bedroom Villa
  
• Full buffet breakfast valued at $35 per person
  
• Day Delegate Package valued at $75 per person
  

Hurry book before 30 June! 

For all enquires please telephone 02 4993 1806 or email us on eventscypress@theoaksgroup.com.au. 

For further information, please click here.

First came the cell phone, next it was the open plan office and soon after it was hot desking. So what next in collaborative office design?

According to workspace expert, Andrew Simmons from Unispace, his take on the office of the future is a “liberated team environment” that comprises of activity-based working. It also involves fully non-territorial workplaces, meaning employees can work from anywhere in the world.

Together with his colleague and fellow workspace strategy expert, Kate Horton, Andrew delivered a fascinating presentation at our Deloitte Private Club in Auckland on May 8.

Andrew and Kate were part of a night focussing on the impact our environment plays in supporting employees and organisations to achieve their goals.

The importance of collaboration

With companies placing an increasing emphasis on retaining talent, it’s more important than ever to offer an environment that allow employees flexibility and enjoyment, while fostering the ability to work more collaboratively.

In a global study of HR leaders recently completed by Unispace, respondents noted that a change in workspace design has the greatest impact on knowledge sharing, closely followed by improving culture and employee engagement. Knowledge sharing is seen to be highly valuable in the ideas and entrepreneur-based economy that we are cultivating.

The "P" word

But does changing your workspace boost productivity? This was one of the big questions put to Kate and Andrew at the Deloitte Private Club session.

While collaboration was seen as an asset for organisations, Deloitte Private Club attendees wanted to know that by having more of these spaces, their teams wouldn’t simply fill up their time ‘chatting’ and not ‘doing’. Kate says there is such a thing as ineffective and effective collaboration.

“We will start to see facilitation roles within teams becoming more prominent in the future and more emphasis on getting the best out of collaboration.”

She went onto add that there has been a shift in how we view productivity, from an individual focus to being more about what a company as a whole can produce.

“It’s also around embracing and accepting that chatting with a colleague over a coffee can be just as productive as churning out a report.”

Kate also added that when creating a new or refreshed office space, there are usually three distinct work modes and areas that employees need: worksettings to support individual work – whether that be 'do not disturb' focus areas or more routine/process type work; a range of spaces for collaboration; and a hub to socialise. These spaces all serve different functions and employees need a mix of the three.

One design doesn’t fit all - what does this mean for your office environment?

The design of your workspace has to fit what your company values and aims to achieve.

Andrew says he’s worked with companies where collaboration was their highest value, so their main space was designed for people to freely interrupt their colleagues, with a smaller 'noise-free' focus zone at the back of the floor.

“For example, I like paperless workplaces but then you have designers who need their sketch paper and their work pads so that style won’t work for them,” he adds.

“At the end of the day, it’s about embracing people’s differences, not driving an ideology.”

What's next in workspace design

The workplace of the future is exciting, dynamic, uses less paper rather than going paperless, and is wireless and liberated. It’s a place where work is done in the space that suits the project or task, be it a meeting room, a café, a kitchen or a desk. It’s a place where a company can have employees across the globe and still feel connected to their organisation through technology and we’re looking forward to seeing how this plays out!

This article was originally sourced from the Deloitte Private website here and was written by Erin McLean. 

During the last 12 months, NZTech has gone from strength to strength and a key success factor has been our exceptional Board. Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is coming up and that means election season is now upon us!

We are now seeking nominations for our Board and encourage you to consider the role or nominate someone who can make an impact. In line with our Board Diversity Policy, we have actively identified skills and experience needed to help us accelerate our strategies and ensure diverse thinking. To continue building on our success it is critical to have the drive and support of a purposeful Board.

NZTech is the voice of the organisations that are redefining the world we live in. Technology is creating jobs and growth throughout New Zealand. The tech sector makes up 8% of the country’s GDP and contributes over $6.3 billion in exports.

NZTech’s vision is a prosperous New Zealand, led by a vibrant tech sector. To connect, promote and advance the tech sector we focus our work on three key areas; education, skills and talent; business growth and exports; and strong government relations. Read what we have achieved in the last year here.

Board Nominations

There is now an opportunity to put yourself forward, or nominate someone, for a role on the NZTech Board. This year we have vacancies for the following positions:

• Major Corporate (3 positions)
  
• Corporate – Other (2 positions)
  
• Business (1 position)
  
• Government/Education (1 position)
  

It is important to note that while the board candidate must be a from an NZTech member organisation, they do not need to be from the same membership tier that they wish to represent on the Board, provided that they are nominated by at least one Member of that tier. The details of what’s required and who is entitled to be elected are set out on the attached form.

If you wish to nominate someone for a position on the Board, the nomination must be forwarded to Chantal Thomas by 5pm Wednesday 14 June 2017.

Notices and Remits

If you wish to propose any notices or motions to be considered at the AGM, please send them to Chantal Thomas by 5pm Thursday 29 June 2017.

Electronic voting and Other Key Dates

The voting will take place electronically in advance of the meeting and the results will be announced at the AGM

Please see the current constitution for an outline of Board Membership and election processes.

The NZTech AGM is scheduled for the 20 July 2017 and is to be held in Auckland. We will be holding the formal AGM presentation from 4pm, followed by refreshments and given it is election year we are working on getting a panel discussion from the various political parties to discuss their thoughts on tech.

Key dates related to the AGM are as follows:

• Now: Call for Nominations for Board representatives issued to Members
  
• 14 June: Deadline for nominations to be received by NZTech for Board representatives
  
• 21 June: List of Board nominees to be issued to Members and electronic voting commences
  
• 29 June: Any proposed notices, motions or remits to be advised to NZTech
  
• 7 July: Electronic voting closes
  
• 13 July: Members to have confirmed attendance at the AGM
  
• 19 July: Any proxies for the AGM received by NZTech
  
• 20 July: AGM event in Auckland, results of electronic voting announced.
  

This article was originally sourced from the NZTech website here.