End of an Era:  Thank You for Supporting the Country Pool Managers Conference

After discussions with the two Micks and other long-standing colleagues, we have made the difficult decision that the 2025 Conference in Cessnock will be our final event. While some believed the conference might not stand the test of time, our country delegates always recognised the importance and value of coming together.

The very first conference was held in 1997 at the Mudgee RSL Club. Over the years, the event grew in popularity, and delegates embraced the opportunity to host conferences across many regions of NSW, creating a truly statewide gathering.

In recent years, the dynamics of the aquatic industry have changed considerably from the time the Country Pool Managers Conference was founded. Many of our regular delegates have retired or moved on from the industry, making it increasingly difficult to continue.

We extend our sincere thanks to the sponsors and tradespeople who have supported us throughout this journey. Your contribution has been instrumental in the conference’s success.

We wish everyone the very best for the future.

Regards,

Country Pool Managers Inc

---

 

The idea for the group was formed in 1996 to provide an affordable conference and 'get together' for country based Pool Managers. Through this forum, all communities large and small could benefit.

The first conference was held at Mudgee in 1997 and attracted 70 pool and 15 trade delegates. The event was wrapped up with a BBQ dinner on the verandah of the soldiers club.

In 1998 the conference was held in Wellington where a more formal approach was adopted. A steering group was formed which included Mick O'Sullivan (Mudgee), Mick Austin (Wellington), Brian Lynch (Cowra), and Les Drury (Lithgow). Billy Smith (Engadine) joined the team as MC. The conference would rotate at these venues, keeping it central for all.

Attendees have steadily increased over the years to the current number of around 160 managers. The trade show attracts about 30 aquatic industry businesses. Conferences have since been held in Parkes (2003), Young (2004), Maitland (2005), Muswellbrook (2006), Gilgandra (2007), Port Stephens (2008), Port Macquarie (2009), West Wyalong (2010), Forbes (2011), Katoomba (2012), Cowra (2013), Lake Macquarie (2014), Tamworth (2015), Forbes (2016), Queanbeyan (2017), Nambucca Heads (2018), Armidale (2019) Barooga (2020 - cancelled due to Covid), Forster (2021), Barooga 2022 (cancelled due to Covid), Goulburn (2023), Forster (2024) and Cessnock (2025).

Extra training sessions have been added to meet new qualification standards with more being planned for the future.

Country Pool Managers is proudly supported by: