As March draws to a close it has been an interesting start to 2006 for the transportable industry.

Several new major rides and attractions have appeared at recent shows and the competition is hotting up between operators.

The wet weather has affected some of the recent shows and with Easter not falling until mid-April, this will impact the show calendar and revenue as a many of the good performance shows are scheduled after Easter.

We are disappointed to see NSW work cover implement new requirements for electrical registration and the fall out from this has only just begun to be felt.

A few operators are having trouble finding suitable electronic engineers to certify their rides, I know that many operators and AALARA sent submissions to Work Cover New South Wales prior to Christmas concerning this potential problem and we trust they will consult with the operators to ensure a workable outcome for the industry.

The AALARA board is working feverishly on a great line up for the Annual Conference and as usual it is a great opportunity to have your input on so many important issues affecting our industry.

We are please to announce the panel of speakers to present at the "Fun on the run – the transportable rides and show circuit" session at the 2006 AALARA Conference will include Max Laurie, president of the Victorian Showmen's Guild and amusement ride operator and Judith Noble, project manager of the Royal Agriculture & Horticultural Society South Australia.

SBF Visa, which will be exhibiting at the 2006 AALARA conference has reported a strong start to 2006 (with sales to the Arabian countries, Russia and ex Soviet Union, USA and Asia).

Throughout Europe it has been a difficult time for showmen with attendances down at the major festivals. The more dynamic showmen have diversified their business and are working not only for traditional kirmes/festivals but also for other major events and some operators have launched indoor entertainment centers.

SBF Visa International recently launched the new ride "Traffic Jam" with 10 orders already confirmed. The success of this ride has been fantastic and this new car-shaped cup has been incorporated into two new rides: the magic ride and rocking cars.

SBF Visa has also customised the tower and swinger rides for Serengheti park in Germany, the big flume ride crossing and roller coaster for a big shopping mall in Arabia Kingdom.

Moser Rides will also be in Australia in May to promote its new "Extraordinary Bike" interactive ride which is being launched this year.

This ride is powered by the riders resulting in a complete loop. The unit has been developed over the last few years increasing the number of seats and making it a mobile unit. Other new rides from Moser Rides include a new Side Winder and Energy Rush and a 60 Mt Tower with one gondola of 24 seats.

Moser Entertainment has been very busy supplying rides to India and China and new emerging markets including Russia and the ex Soviet Union. It has also delivered rides to Iceland, USA, Kuwait. United Kingdom and France.

The Australian show line-ups are world class and something we should be proud of, we all know that the main beneficiary of competition is the customer. The standard of operation and presentation is great and most operators should be proud of their continued efforts in striving to achieve the highest standards in their operations, particularly those that have achieved accreditation and continue to maintain it.

I look forward to catching up with you at this year's conference!

Phil Durkin

AALARA board member

Photographs: Top: Traffic Jam (SBF Visa) Below: Extraordinary Bike Ride (Moser Rides)