Stennett's Solutions & Toxic Children

Luke Daly and David Stennett are back together on the mic for a jam-packed episode covering everything from iconic pool project blowouts to the rising tide of aquatic aggression. They dive into:
– The $64 million North Sydney Pool drama
– Sea hare invasions and $2 swims in Newcastle
– Real talk on infrastructure, investment and innovation
– Harassment stats making waves across lifeguard teams
– New builds, new jobs and swim school success
– Plus, Dave’s vulnerable (and hilarious) first steps in learning to swim as an adult

It’s insight meets irreverence—with serious industry updates and just the right amount of splashy banter.

Listen now—and maybe send Dave some encouragement.

Transcript

Aquatics Only Podcast – Episode Transcript (Cleaned Up)

David Stennett (00:02):
Always good to be back with our Aquatics Only family. You're joined by yours truly, David Stennett, alongside my partner in industry happenings and good times, Luke Daly. How are you?

Luke Daly (00:14):
AO, let’s go, mate. I’m good. It’s great to have you back. I’ve had to backfill these podcasts with other people lately—still not sure if that’s your fault or mine.

David Stennett (00:21):
Well, maybe a bit of both. You get the big-name interviews, though. The last time we did one together was about three weeks ago, and we went way over time—about 40 minutes. So, people were probably glad for a break from us. But in the meantime, you recorded what turned out to be a fantastic interview. You told me it was good, I didn’t believe you, but I listened—and it was. Tell us more about it.

Luke Daly (01:07):
Yeah, Haka was incredible. He’s like a Bruce McAvaney—can cover any sport. He told a story about being asked to commentate a sport that evening he’d never even heard of, and just figuring it out. He’s now the COO of a group that’s part of Carlisle and involved in the Day One Swimming Champs. Super successful on the business side and just a top guy.

David Stennett (01:15):
He really is. And what struck me was the blend of business and sport that’s driven real leadership and change. Carlisle has transformed in such a short time—it’s an incredible story. Amazing guest. Great interview, Luke.

Luke Daly (02:31):
Thanks, Dave. It was a lot of fun. Honestly, I didn’t want it to end. We ran long, but the stories and insights were just so good.

David Stennett (02:46):
Right, we’ve got a lot to cover today. Probably ten topics to hit—and who knows where we’ll go. But let’s start with a black hole of money: North Sydney Pool. I reckon it’s Australia’s most iconic pool at Milsons Point. But it’s $64 million over budget, years behind schedule, and now involved in a Supreme Court case. The builder’s walked away, claiming the council kept changing requirements. What a mess.

Luke Daly (04:14):
It really doesn’t need to be this messy. It’s a pool. With a roof. Just build it so we can get back to swimming.

David Stennett (04:24):
Exactly. They wanted to add extras—retail, office space—but still. This shouldn’t be rocket science. Whether it’s a regional pool in Alice Springs or Milsons Point, we all want the same thing: a safe, usable aquatic space for the community. Where are the templates for this?

Luke Daly (05:20):
Preach. I feel like we need a regular rant segment for you, like “Dave Deliberates” or “Stennett Sooks.”

David Stennett (05:41):
“Dave Drops the Dax”? Honestly, I don’t want to just whinge—I want solutions. Stennett Solutions. With coffee. Always coffee.

Luke Daly (06:01):
Or “David’s Monologues.” We could make it a thing. But seriously, this is bigger than one pool. Hobsons Bay just hit pause on their new facility plans, directly referencing North Sydney’s debacle.

David Stennett (06:25):
Ripple effect, pun intended. Where else are we seeing issues?

Luke Daly (06:45):
Hobsons Bay Council specifically cited North Sydney’s rate hikes and over-budget disaster. They don’t want to cut core services just to build a pool.

David Stennett (07:22):
And yet, we can’t afford *not* to have public pools. The research is clear—pools support health, wellness, and community connection. We just need better business models that reduce reliance on rates. People are willing to pay for what they use.

Luke Daly (08:23):
Exactly. Let’s get some real experts on the podcast—architects, engineers, designers—so we can talk about actual solutions.

David Stennett (08:28):
Yes! People who know their stuff. Not just me, throwing around opinions.

Luke Daly (08:40):
You do make great observations. They’re valuable, too.

David Stennett (08:48):
Thanks, mate. Newcastle’s in the spotlight next—with a weird case of “sea hares” infesting a local pool.

Luke Daly (09:18):
Yeah, despite having only two kids, they weren’t responsible! These sea hares are non-toxic mollusks, but still gross. Turns out they’re bigger than blue bottles.

David Stennett (09:58):
You always surprise me with facts. Sea hares—who knew?

Luke Daly (10:16):
The council’s told people to stay away. But here’s the kicker: Newcastle’s running a consultation to test public support for $2 pool entries—like Brisbane did.

David Stennett (10:58):
You think someone released the sea hares to drum up support?

Luke Daly (11:25):
I wouldn’t put it past anyone. Council’s asking residents whether they support a $2 swim initiative. Feels like it’s skewing results.

David Stennett (11:51):
We’ve benefited from $2 swims in Brisbane. But asking ratepayers directly? Feels like a setup. Most won’t use the pools and will vote “no.”

Luke Daly (12:25):
Exactly. It’s the same logic behind 50-cent public transport fares. I don’t use it, so I’d vote no—but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad policy.

David Stennett (13:05):
And that’s the issue—it becomes wealth redistribution without increased usage. In aquatics, that creates division, when the benefits are undeniable.

Luke Daly (14:10):
That was supposed to be my rant, but you took it. Fair enough.

David Stennett (14:13):
I’m old and grumpy today.

Luke Daly (14:16):
Fair call.

David Stennett (14:17):
Still wouldn’t punch a lifeguard though, which, unfortunately, is something on the rise.

Luke Daly (16:01):
Yeah, Belgravia Leisure was on ABC 7.30 discussing abuse incidents. They manage 250+ venues and reported 684 harassment incidents this year—a 20% increase.

David Stennett (16:32):
Unacceptable. We see you, pool staff. You’re doing incredible work. We’ll keep speaking up for you.

Luke Daly (17:36):
Meanwhile, YMCA has been awarded the tender for Adelaide Aquatic Centre and the SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre. Adam Luscombe and his team are doing a stellar job.

David Stennett (18:41):
That new facility sounds epic—multiple pools, diving, splash pads, rehab areas, gym, cafes. And 300 new jobs!

Luke Daly (19:21):
Exactly. Huge win for the community and the industry.

David Stennett (19:36):
Let’s hope Adelaide can do better than Sydney and deliver on time and on budget.

Luke Daly (20:12):
Meanwhile, I’m five from seven Swimposiums deep. Conference season is wild. The ASSA x ARI NSW conference in August is shaping up to be a big one.

David Stennett (20:23):
Where’s it being held?

Luke Daly (20:46):
Sofitel Wentworth—newly renovated. Packed schedule, trade show, Michael McQueen keynoting. If you haven’t registered, get on it.

David Stennett (21:35):
Before that, I’ll be at the Country Pool Managers Conference next week, then ARV in Victoria. Busy times.

Luke Daly (22:32):
National Sports Convention is also coming up in June. And don’t forget Waves in Christchurch!

David Stennett (22:45):
Love Christchurch. Maybe I’ll see you there.

Luke Daly (22:50):
We’ll see how we go.

David Stennett (23:15):
Lots of award-worthy people at all these events. Speaking of, we had the Aquas recently.

Luke Daly (23:25):
Yep—hosted by Royal Life Saving NSW, ACT and TAS. Congrats to winners like Melissa Sweeney (Lifeguard of the Year), Sarah Harwood (Swim Teacher), Chad McCamley (Pool Operator), and the Parramatta Aquatic Centre.

David Stennett (24:24):
Also great to see the Inverell Aquatic Centre win for innovation. The future of our industry depends on creative, sustainable solutions.

Luke Daly (24:51):
Agreed.

David Stennett (24:54):
And finally, I’ve started my own swim journey. Posted my first video—100m of survival splashing. It’s tough. I need real lessons.

Luke Daly (25:39):
You just need to show up. I’ll keep teasing you, but I’m proud of you. It’s brave. The response has been great.

David Stennett (26:21):
Thanks. The goal’s 750m open water so I can do a sprint triathlon. I can run and ride. Swimming? Not yet.

Luke Daly (26:31):
You’ve got this. It’s a real challenge. Holly from our team is learning to skateboard—also brave. Adults don’t learn new things enough.

David Stennett (27:26):
Exactly. I’ve also been learning German and piano. Time to get the body involved. Swimming’s not like running—it’s a real skill.

Luke Daly (28:16):
Now I just want you to play Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles.”

David Stennett (28:19):
That was me playing it. Not singing. Thanks for joining us, everyone. Go back and check out the Haka interview—and stay safe from sea hares. AO out.

Luke Daly (28:26):
We’re rambling now. Let’s go.