As well as being a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative waterslides and attractions, Australian Waterslides also advises clients in the areas of concept and design, feasibility studies and park operations.

Managing Director, Annette Matthews tells us how the company has become a leading designer in the waterpark and leisure industry around the world. “Our mission is to bring clean, healthy fun to people of all ages. Safe, outdoor, active and healthy play is provided to families when they enjoy the waterslides and water play equipment designed and supplied by Australian Waterslides & Leisure.

The needs of the client are established at the design stage before any site work occurs. Keeping in close contact with the client and giving progress reports ensures a good end result. Having and keeping to a scheduled finish date is also a key to a successful project.” Before swimming head first into a project, Australian Waterslides ensures that they have good scheduling and planning in order to carry out their work effectively and on time. Annette discusses the approach to their work and how their latest projects will be completed.

“Good planning, scheduling work so as to maximise productivity and minimise down time, checking budgets against purchased goods, ensuring all OHS and Management plans are in place. Using skilled and reliable sub-contractors, keeping in close contact with client and giving progress reports. Having and keeping to a scheduled finish date. For their projects, Australian Waterslides ensures it uses the latest technology, with Annette explaining, “we use design technology in the form of a software program specifically written to design safe but exciting waterslides.

We use high quality, raw materials that are UV resistant to the Australian sun. We use the latest technology equipment to manufacture our product and installation techniques that ensure the slide is smooth, functional and safe.” Australian Waterslides’ latest project is at Big4 Whitsunday Tourist Park in Airlie Beach North Queensland, as Annette explains. “They have committed to install our quality KIPS (Kids Interactive Play Structure) product.

Unlike other products, KIPS is all stainless steel and fibreglass so looks good for a very long time. A giant tipping bucket, lots of water play elements, nine waterslides and 2 x novelty animal themed slides will bring hours of fun for its patrons and more revenue for the park by increased bookings.” Australian Waterslides prides itself on trying to use local and national materials for as many projects as possible, which makes the firm a respected member of the industry. The industry at the moment is swimming with imported goods from Turkey, India and China. Annette discusses what makes them stand out from their competitors, as well as the challenges that are present within the industry.

For almost 40 years, The Australian Waterslides & Leisure team has provided professional services to the waterpark and leisure industry. They are the only Australian company that doesn’t fully import waterslides into Australia.

As “Our children’s play structure KIPS (Kids interactive Play Structure) is made in Australia with Australian Steel by Australian fabricators and Australian raw materials and labour. KIPS is superior in quality as a result, nothing to break down, safe and compliant to all relevant Australian Standards and the BCA. AWL’s back up service is the best. We have friendly competent staff and take a pride in keeping happy clients that come back again and again. Income derived from our slide sales in Australia stays in Australia.

“The challenge is to be successful in advocating the support of our Australian company. The insurance of introducing products that are fail safe, compliant to safety standards and made from materials suitable for our harsh Australian climate is largely overlooked. Products not designed with these parameters in place are detrimental to the industry.” As well as being leaders in design and production, Australian Waterslides has also transformed lives. In one of their projects, the company has helped to resolve health issues at Minyerri Aboriginal Community where children were suffering from chronic eye, ear and skin infections from swimming in dirty billabong water.

After AWL installed a children’s water park in the community, the children were bathing daily in chlorinated salty water and the condition was relieved. School attendance was low but soon this improved as only children who attended school on the day could use the waterpark after school hours. Australian Waterslides have a bright future, judging by the vast amount of planned projects on the horizon.

They have current installations including a new ride for the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour NSW, new ride for Wet’n’Wild on the Gold Coast, a floating pontoon waterslide for Sunlover Reef Cruises in Cairns a new slide and water feature for Pacific Gardens Holiday park in Heatherbrae NSW with many more projects on the horizon.

Company: Australian Waterslides & Leisure Pty Ltd
Name: Annette Matthews
Email: [email protected] or annette@ waterslide.net
Web Address: www.waterslide.net
Address: P.O. Box 2220 Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Telephone: 0266 536 555