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How to Become A Leisure Planner

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What is a Leisure Planner

A Leisure Planner creates and runs recreational programs that bring communities to life. They design fun and meaningful activities for all ages and connect people through sport, events, and cultural programs. It is a career with real impact.

Leisure Planners work for councils, not-for-profits, and private businesses. On the job, they listen to what communities want, plan programs, manage budgets, and run events. No two days look the same. One week might involve organising a community festival; the next might involve reviewing a new fitness program.

The role calls for creativity and great people skills. Leisure Planners work with schools, local groups, and government agencies. They promote their programs online and in the community. They also check how well their programs work and improve them over time.

For those who enjoy working with people and want a career that shapes communities, Leisure Planning is a strong choice. Find leisure and recreation courses on CareerFAQs. Australia’s focus on health and wellbeing is creating strong demand for recreation workers.

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Career Outlook for Leisure Planner

Leisure Planning is a strong career choice in Australia right now. The Australian Government rates the job outlook for Recreation Officers as very strong (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). The sector spans local government, tourism, community health, aged care, and events. Entry-level roles often lead to program coordination and senior planning work.

Most Leisure Planners work full-time, often around 38 hours per week. Casual and part-time positions are available in community centres and aged care. Pay ranges from around $65,000 for junior roles to over $95,000 for experienced planners (SEEK, June 2026). Growing investment in community health is supporting long-term job growth in this field.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Leisure Planner

Step 1: Complete the Diploma of Sport, Aquatics and Recreation Management (SIS50122)

Enrol in the Diploma of Sport, Aquatics and Recreation Management (SIS50122) at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). This takes 1–2 years full-time. It covers program design, facility management, community work, and budgeting. It is the most direct pathway into leisure planning roles in Australia.

Step 2: Build hands-on experience through internship or volunteering

Seek a placement with a local council, community centre, or recreation facility while you study or soon after you finish. Even 3–6 months of hands-on work helps you apply your skills in a real setting. Look for roles such as recreation assistant or activities coordinator to get started.

Step 3: Apply for junior recreation roles

Once you have your diploma, apply for junior positions. Good options include recreation officer, activities coordinator, or leisure programs officer. These roles are common in local councils and community services groups. They give you the grounding needed for senior planning work.

Step 4: Join Parks and Leisure Australia

Become a member of Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA), the peak industry body for recreation workers. Membership gives you access to professional growth events, networking, and industry resources. The PLA Continuing Professional Learning Program (CPLP) keeps your skills current as your career grows.

Step 5: Consider a bachelor’s degree for senior roles

For senior positions, a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management or Exercise Science helps. Most degrees take 3 years full-time at a university. A degree is common for those moving into policy, strategy, or leadership roles in local government or large groups.

What does a Leisure Planner do?

On any given day, a Leisure Planner might research community needs or plan an upcoming event. They pitch programs to councils, manage budgets, and run activities for all ages. They work with schools, local businesses, and community groups to design fun and inclusive programs. Gathering feedback and improving services over time is also a big part of the role.

Tasks

A Leisure Planner creates events and programs that bring communities together. They combine creativity, organisation, and a passion for people to deliver activities that improve quality of life.

  • Client and community consultation: meet with community members to understand their needs and ideas.
  • Event planning: organise festivals, workshops, sports days, and recreational activities.
  • Budget management: develop and track budgets for events and ongoing programs.
  • Marketing and promotion: create content and campaigns to attract participants.
  • Stakeholder collaboration: work with councils, businesses, and community groups to improve offerings.
  • Program evaluation: use feedback and data to measure success and plan improvements.
  • Resource management: source venues, equipment, and staff for events.
  • Community engagement: build relationships with residents to drive participation.
  • Trend research: follow industry trends to keep programs fresh and appealing.
  • Safety compliance: ensure all activities meet relevant safety regulations and permit requirements.

Skills for Success

Leisure Planners need a mix of creativity and practical know-how to succeed in this field. Strong organisation is key. They juggle events, programs, and budgets at the same time. Budget skills help them make the most of limited funding while delivering great outcomes.

People skills are just as important. Leisure Planners work with schools, community groups, and local businesses every day. Clear communication, negotiation, and teamwork make their programs stand out. Creative thinking helps them design activities that communities want to attend, keeping people engaged and active.

Skills & Attributes

  • Organisational and time management skills
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Creative program design
  • Budget planning and financial management
  • Project coordination and event management
  • Community needs assessment
  • Marketing and community outreach
  • Knowledge of safety regulations and permit requirements
  • Stakeholder engagement and negotiation
  • Data analysis and program evaluation
  • Team leadership and collaboration
  • Flexibility and problem-solving
  • Customer service orientation
  • Knowledge of recreation planning software and tools
  • Passion for health, wellbeing, and community engagement

Average Salaries

The average salary for a Leisure Planner in Australia is around $80,000 per year (SEEK, June 2026). Entry-level roles often start at around $65,000. Senior planners can earn $95,000 or more. Local government roles often include extra salary packaging benefits.

min $65 K

max $95 K

av $80 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.