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Director Appointment of Mark Smethurst

Indoor Skydive Australia Group Limited (ASX:IDZ) (ISA Group) announces the appointment of Mark Smethurst DSC, AM as a non-executive director of the company.

Mark Smethurst DSC, AM


Mark Smethurst, is an accomplished senior executive leader, with a highly successful track record commanding large and diverse teams both in Australia and overseas.


Mark has commanded at all levels including Squadron in the Special Air Service Regiment, the Special Forces Training Centre, the 2nd Commando Regiment and the Deputy Commander of Australian Special Forces Command. He Commanded the NATO Special Forces in Afghanistan and was the Deputy Chief of Operations for the United States Special Operations Command. 


Prior to leaving the Australian Defence Force in March 2017 he was Head of Preparedness/Director General Joint Force Analysis, responsible for developing Futures Concepts, Experimentation, Lessons and Preparedness.


Mark’s current positions include Non-Executive Director of ASX listed Defence manufacturing company XTEK (ASX:XTE), Non-Executive Director of Defence technology company Kord, Advisory Board member of the Global SOF Foundation in the US and Chairman of the Commando Welfare Trust.


Wayne Jones, CEO ISA Group, commented: “Mark’s experience dealing with Australian and International Defence and supply chains will be invaluable to ISA Group over the next few years as we execute our go-to-market strategy for our military and law enforment simulatiion products.”


Mark Smethurst added: “Defence forces globaly are transforming the way they train and fight, rapidly adopting immersive technologies such as Virtual and Augmented Reality based simulation.  I am excited to be in a position to help drive this capability through my directorship with ISA Group.”


A comprehensive process including an evaluation of the current Board member’s competencies, skills and experience, was followed before the appointment of the new director.  As part of the remuneration package, Mark will receive a contractual entitlement to the issue of 1m service rights subject to shareholder approval, entitling 1 ordinary share per service right on exercise.  The rights will vest over two years with 50% in 12 months and 50% in 24 months, subject to vesting conditions.

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FREAK launching at Macquarie Centre in Sydney

FOURTH FREAK VENUE TO OPEN LATE NOVEMBER 2021

We are pleased to announce that FREAK Entertainment is opening its fourth venue, FREAK Macquarie Centre, in late November 2021.

ISA Group have entered into agreements with centre owner AMP Capital for a 5 year lease of the retail site, located in the affluent north shore area of Sydney.

Macquarie Centre, based in North Ryde is a leading Sydney shopping centre, servicing corporate headquarters, Macquarie University and a large local area population. The centre is close to train lines, buses, and the new Sydney metro.

FREAK Macquarie is a 127m2 venue that will include FREAK’s flagship free roam “Arena”, with games Arizona Sunshine Arena and Ghost Patrol. Both games are exclusive to FREAK in Australia.

In addition, the venue will feature a 4 player Assassins Creed themed VR escape room, and 4x full motion VR racing simulators with world leading car racing game Project Cars Pro.

The facility will be located on Level 4 within the entertainment hub of the shopping centre. FREAK will enjoy extended trading hours within close proximity to Timezone, cinemas, a premium gym and dining areas.

The cutting edge VR technology is being delivered by HP and HTC Vive, whom FREAK has established strategic partnerships with over the last 2 years.

“After a brief pause due to lockdowns, we are excited to continue with the FREAK rollout in line with the company’s strategy, and to have FREAK’s fourth location open in time for the summer holiday period. We expect the trading to reach record levels as consumers come out of lockdown and enter the school holidays across NSW” said Wayne Jones, CEO.

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Launch of Operator Tactical Solutions

Training and simulation products for the global defence market.

 

Operator builds training and simulation products for global defence and law enforcement agencies, using Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality technologies.

 

Operator was created to solve the problem of integrating training with technology, increasing soldiers performance and complementing existing training systems. Operator, a wholly owned subsidiary of ISA Group, has been established to capture Defence and related projects within the company.

 

Operator’s first product is a “free roam” Virtual Reality based tactical training solution, that allows tactical teams to train drills without the need for specialised facilities. The product prototype is complete and a minimum viable product will be ready by November 2021 for field testing. Pilots are being targeted towards Australian and US Special Forces in late 2021. Red Cartel, ISA Group’s inhouse Virtual Reality production company is developing the system.

 

“Given the company’s deep roots and experience in the Australian Defence force and special operations, we see this as a natural fit and additional offering to our current training relationships. With a product roadmap which includes law enforcement de-escalation training, tactical planning tools and other live operational support, we are excited to announce the launch of Operator Tactical Solutions.” – Wayne Jones.

 

Read the full ASX release here.

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Acquisition of Red Cartel, Virtual Reality production studio

Indoor Skydive Australia Group Limited (ASX:IDZ) (ISA Group) announces the acquisition of Red Cartel, Virtual Reality production studio and content developers.

 

Red Cartel are Australia’s leading experts in Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and, location-based entertainment. The company has over 20 years of experience servicing a large number of industries including Oil & Gas, Entertainment, Healthcare and Government. The company has over 20 years of experience servicing a large number of industries including Entertainment, Construction, Healthcare and Government. Previous clients include Shell, Red Bull, eBay, Qantas, Cadbury, KPMG and TAFE.

 

The incremental value to ISA Group shareholders includes;
• Creation of games for FREAK Entertainment
• Continued development of Defence and Industry capabilities
• Ability to broaden business models and revenue streams through IP ownership

 

Creation of games for FREAK

Red Cartel has previously built a world class Virtual Reality free roam game and will design and create new free roam and arcade style content to suit current and future FREAK venues. FREAK is currently looking at multiple high through-put shorter experiences to suit theme parks, festivals and other high foot traffic areas. The ability to design, build and operate these experiences will increase the current offering under the FREAK brand.

 

 

Defence and Industry Capabilities

The acquisition includes a cutting edge military Virtual Reality training tool which has been custom built by Red Cartel over the past 12 months. The tactical trainer has been developed with current defence requirements in mind and will be ready for live trial within the first 6 months of the acquisition. The ability to provide turnkey solutions and support to global Defence markets forms part of the simulation training strategy that ISA Group put into motion last year.

 

 

IP ownership and additional revenue streams

Removing upstream limitations is key to expediting the FREAK Entertainment rollout, with in house IP enabling Franchise and “Turn Key” system business models. Outside of FREAK, the in-house development capability greatly increases ISA Group’s ability to add additional revenue streams such as licencing, support and partnerships with Enterprise markets.

 

“The Red Cartel team are very excited to be joining ISA Group. ISA Group is an exceptional fit for us as the vision, goals and culture of the 2 businesses align perfectly. Our 20+ years of experience in 3D production and expertise in VR development, combined with ISA Group’s extensive military background, are a perfect combination of skills to produce world-class military training applications” said Landon Curry, Managing Director and Founder, Red Cartel.

 

Wayne Jones, CEO of ISA Group said “The acquisition of Red Cartel unleashes some major opportunities in both the consumer and enterprise markets. The ability to custom build content and specific equipment of military grade positions the company to engage direct with military and law enforcement units around the world. ISA Group welcomes Landon Curry and his team to the company and we look forward to scaling both market segments with the addition of Red Cartel.”

For further details, view the full ASX release here.

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Flight Club Showdown Event of the Year

It’s the event of the year not to miss!

At iFLY Downunder, we’re hosting our inaugural Flight Club Showdown on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th August 2021.

If you have been to any of our events in the past, you will know how much of a blast it is. Whether you’re a competitor, a friend of a flyer, or it’s your first time ever hearing about indoor skydiving, fun is had by all!

COVID unfortunately got in the way of the 2020 national championships, and this year we’ve handed the nationals baton over to iFLY Perth, but we still wanted to have something both fun and competitive (with professional judging and all your favourite skydiving categories!) for the flyers on the east coast, plus it’s the perfect opportunity to warm up for the national championships in Perth…so, here we have the Flight Club Showdown.

Flyers of ALL skill levels, including rookies, are welcome and encouraged to compete. There’s a category for everyone and we are happy to find you a suitable team mate. Go on… Give it a go! It is going to be the event of the year so make sure that you’re there.

The event is free for spectators to watch so why not bring the whole crew to see what the sport of indoor skydiving is all about.

Click below for everything you need to know:

 MORE INFO 
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Jimmy Cooper discusses the Art of Skydiving

Jimmy Cooper talks about his passion for the sport of skydiving and gives E Sports reporter, Francesca Hung, an indoor flight experience to remember! “I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.” says Francesca

Check out her awesome article below:

“I’d always dreamt of earning my wings, but I never thought I’d get them in a bright orange jumpsuit!
If you had told me a year ago that I would be trying indoor skydiving I would have laughed and told you absolutely not. Adrenaline sports have never been my forte and I can say with all honesty, I have never thought I would fly! How things change…

When Jimmy took me for my first iFLY experience I was trying to look cool, calm and collected on the outside but on the inside… I was absolutely shaking in my boots. The scariest part was jumping into the iFLY dome, but once that zero gravity hit and my whole body went weightless, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.

Indoor skydiving was possibly the most fun experiences I have ever had! I was lucky enough to have Jimmy Cooper, Champion Skydiver, guiding me the whole way through and he even took me for a high-fly which meant zooming up to the top of the wind tunnel and then skyrocketing down to the bottom, which is apparently the closest feeling to actual skydiving you can achieve. It was amazing!”

Jimmy was incredibly inspiring as he discussed the art of skydiving and showed us the unbelievable ways one can compete in skydiving competitions. I thought I was pretty good for my first time until i watched Jimmy take to centre stage and show us 360-degree spins, flying backwards and somersaults that blew our minds!

For Jimmy, skydiving is all about the preparation he puts in, his commitment to the sport, and last but not least: his confidence.

Indoor skydiving is also a uniquely accessible and inclusive sport for people of all abilities. Whether you’re a wheelchair user, have low vision or low hearing, varied cognitive abilities, or more, the full-controlled, ultra-safe environment of indoor skydiving allows almost everybody to fly their way. With very little limitation on who can fly, indoor skydiving is a sport with endless progression opportunity and is rapidly growing in Australia and around the world,

The main takeaway from my experience of indoor skydiving and meeting Jimmy, was that you should push yourselves to try new things and take things to a new height you never thought you could reach – literally! I don’t think I’m game enough just yet to try skydiving out of a plane, but you could probably catch me trying out a few new tricks at iFLY… this girl is hooked!

Francesca Hung
E! Sports

IFrame
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Exciting Sport for the Whole Family

Quite often we get asked how we got into indoor skydiving as our family sport. Originally our son James first flew at iFLY Singapore at the age of six and totally loved it. Fast forward a few years and James at the age of twelve wanted to do a tandem skydive, as a mother, I could feel my heart rate triple with the thought.  So, the next best thing….iFLY Downunder here we come! 

 

James was booked for his first introductory flight with instructor Zac.  From the first feel of the wind, right then and there James had found his calling.  Next thing, Fast Tracks were done in the click of the fingers and coaching began with Kyle Chick from Team FOCUS. 

 

After watching James have a great time, we wondered what it would be like. Raf booked in first and you guessed it, he was hooked too! So more Fast Tracks for him; then I too wanted in on the fun.  Soon after Raf and I got signed off on our belly and back flying. We decided to create a routine in the tunnel for fun, but also that we could fly as a family. So, a routine was hatched in our kitchen of all places, where we would walk through the moves we would fly in the tunnel. Many laughs were had practicing and we often thought if people could see us now. So now it is called our “Kitchen” routine and even to this day, it is one of my favourite things to fly. 

 

James has now been flying for nearly three and a half years and has a passion and dedication for Dynamic and VFS and has competed against adults and won his categories. At iFLY Downunder, James has great mentors, especially Kyle Chick who has trained him for most of those years to a level of having the privilege of James being sponsored. 

 

The flying community at iFLY Downunder is one that is not only supportive, but for the friendships that are made there will be life long and that is why we continue to enjoy this sport as a family.  Out of these friendships, I created a social flying club called Flying Friends Downunder, where everyone gets together every couple of months for a night of flying and great laughs. Our Junior Flyers attend our Huckjams and have a ball. It’s that type of community where everyone is welcome no matter what your age or flying ability is. 

In a nutshell, this sport of indoor skydiving not only gives you a great time of flying, but the chance to do things as a family that we all enjoy and to keep fit, have fun and encourage those to have a go and enjoy the experience.  Now, I wonder what the next routine will be…. Stay tuned! 

 

Paula Dehombre

 

Unleash your inner dare-devil at iFLY!

If you and your family or friends are ready to take on a new, trilling sport, check out our packages here:

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School Holidays Events for Kids

Get a taste of the sport of indoor skydiving these school holidays with our JOIN THE SPORT days!

Our Join the Sport days are our introductory sports program for kids aged 6-16 years who want to experience the new world of body flight! Kids can learn the art of indoor skydiving, where they can fly for fun or train to compete!

These holidays you can choose to join the sport for just one day and try it out, or come along for multiple sessions and see how much can be learnt in the new world of body flying.

Each session is specifically tailored to each flyer’s needs through one-on-one coaching by one of our experienced flight instructors, allowing your child to progress their flying skills at their own pace and in a fun group setting.

iFLY Gold Coast

Dates & Times: 

  • Week 1 (w/c 23rd September)
  • 3 day camp: Monday to Wednesday from 11:30am to 2:30pm
  • Single session: Wednesday from 9:30am to 12:30pm
  • Week 2 (w/c 30th September)
  • 3 day camp: Monday to Wednesday from 11:30am to 2:30pm
  • Single session: Wednesday from 9:30am to 12:30pm

Price: 

  • Single session: $69
  • 3 day camp: $177

Button_BookNow

 

 

 

iFLY Downunder (Sydney West)

Dates & Times: 

  • Week 1 (w/c 30th September)
  • 3 day camp: Monday to Wednesday from 11:30am to 2:30pm
  • Single session: Wednesday from 9:30am to 12:30pm
  • Week 2 (w/c 7th October)
  • 3 day camp: Monday to Wednesday from 11:30am to 2:30pm
  • Single session: Wednesday from 9:30am to 12:30pm

Price: 

  • Single session: $99
  • 3 day camp: $250

Button_BookNow

 

 

These Join the Sport Days act as an introduction into our Junior Flight Club which runs regularly through term time as well as during school holidays. Join The Sport days and the Junior Flight Club are a great opportunity to meet new friends and become a member of the growing community of indoor skydivers in Australia.

For more information on Junior Flight Club, click here.

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iFLY Junior Athlete Search

Junior Athlete Search

Are you our next indoor skydiving superstar?

Fly at iFLY these school holidays for a chance to win a sponsorship valued at $5000 and join our sponsored athlete team!*

Indoor skydiving is more than just fun, it’s an epic action sport. These holidays, we are on the hunt to the find the future stars of indoor skydiving.

So far, our junior athletes have become Australian Champions, been featured regularly on TV, and have even been crowned Freestyle Junior World Champion. Could you be our next star?

 

How to Enter

1. FLY – At iFLY these school holidays!

2. CREATE – Tell us why you deserve to be our next sponsored athlete, by creating a social media post or video. The response that shows the most passion will win so get creative!

3. SHARE – Share your entry on Facebook or Instagram. Tag iFLY Indoor Skydiving on Facebook, or ifly_oz on Instagram, and use hashtag #iFLYathletesearch

 

More Information

*For all the information on this competition and the entry requirements and terms and conditions, visit the website here: iFLY.com.au/JuniorAthlete

 

Current Junior Athlete Team

Meet iFLY’s current Junior Athletes, James and Sarah.

Sarah Yates, iFLY Gold Coast

Sarah Yates Photo

15 year old Sarah has been representing iFLY since she started flying a couple of years ago. Sarah is an all rounder in the tunnel, competing in almost every discipline at our recent national championships where she took home a number of medals. You will have likely seen Sarah’s smiley face and awesome flying skills on a Brain Buzz episode, the News, Playschool, or a number of our promotional videos – she’s a superstar! Sarah has competed internationally a couple of times, most recently in the World Bodyflight Challenge with her 4 way formation skydiving team.

 

James Dehombre, iFLY Downunder

James Dehombre Photo

James joined the iFLY Athlete team this year at age 15. James has been flying since iFLY Downunder opened in 2014; his disciplines of choice are Dynamic and Vertical Formation Skydiving where he gives the iFLY instructors a run for their money with his speed and skill! James has won many medals at our national championships and is aiming to compete internationally next year. James also runs a “Flying with Friends” indoor skydiving event every couple of months with his mum and dad – what a team!

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2019 Australian Open Results

That’s a wrap for the 2019 Australian Open Indoor Skydiving Championships, our biggest event to date showing the incredible growth of the sport in Australia and across the world!

A huge congratulations again to everyone who competed and our national and open champions!

Check out the competition results below:

4-way FS Rookie
1st: 4 Blind Mice
2nd: Block Defence
3rd: Flippin’ Tricks

4-way FS A
1st: Trash Pack Bandicoots
2nd: Treachery
3rd: Goulburn Supermax

4-way FS AA
1st: Aussie Aviators
2nd: Cougars
3rd: Made from Scratch

4-way FS AAA
1st: Kinetix
2nd: Caliente
3rd: 4getit

2-way VFS Inter
1st: CataTonic
2nd: Twister Brothers
3rd: Embrace

2-way VFS Open
1st: Twista Sistas
2nd: Blurred Vision
3rd: Grubby Dawgs

4-way VFS Advanced
1st: Sucof Meat
2nd: Old Hacks
3rd: Hard

4-way VFS Open
1st: Focus
2nd: Block Party

2-way Dynamic Inter
National Champions
1st: Two Confused
2nd: Team Caffinatedseaweed
3rd: Mark & JBS
Open Champions
1st: MH370
2nd: Shannon & Louise
3rd: Two Confused

2-way Dynamic Open
National Champions
1st: Two Confused
2nd: Team Caffinatedseaweed
3rd: Mark & JBS
Open Champions
1st: MH370
2nd: Shannon & Louise
3rd: Two Confused

4-way Dynamic Open
National Champions
1st: Bratherfords
2nd: Old Hacks
Open Champions
1st: No Wukkas
2nd: Bratherfords
3rd: Mickey Mouse Club House

Freestyle Open
National Champions
1st: Elise Brown
2nd: Doni Gales
3rd: Dave Hynman
Open Champions
1st: Kyra Poh
2nd: Amy Watson
3rd: Tobias Chaloupka

Junior Freestyle Inter
National Champions
1st: Fuyuki Kono
2nd: Cooper Lisle
3rd: Noah Lisle
Open Champions
1st: Fuyuki Kono
2nd: Cooper Lisle
3rd: Faye Foong

Junior Freestyle Open
National Champions
1st: Ariel Daborn
2nd: Sarah Yates
Open Champions
1st: Amy Watson
2nd: Ariel Daborn
3rd: Sarah Yates

What’s a National Champion vs Open Champion?
The annual Australian Indoor Skydiving Championships underwent a name change in 2018 to become the Australian Open Indoor Skydiving Championships to allow international competitors to attend and place at the event. It also means that the top ranking Australian in the category qualifies to compete at the following World Championships. In recognition of our Australian and International competitors, we held 2 medal presentations for those relevant categories.

For more information on the event, check out the web page here: https://downunder.iflyworld.com/AustralianChampionships