Active Management

Tag: AUSactive

  • AUSactive turns up the heat with upcoming events!

    AUSactive turns up the heat with upcoming events!

    – Great range of upcoming events catering to all in health and fitness – 

    It’s time to pack your bags and secure your tickets for a great range of AUSactive events coming to Sydney later this year.

    As part of this year’s AusFitness Industry Trade Show & Summit, AUSactive is hosting its popular Active  Health Summit and Senior Management Summit from 11-12 October at the International Convention  Centre, Sydney, and the National Awards Gala event at, Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf. 

    Event Information 

    Senior Management Summit 

    This exclusive one-day event is designed for CEOs, CMOs, general managers, national managers, business  owners, industry suppliers, and operations managers in the active health and exercise industry. 

    The micro talks format ensures a dynamic and engaging experience, allowing attendees to absorb a wealth  of valuable information in a condensed timeframe.  

    Date: Friday, 11 October 2024  

    Time: 9:00am – 3:30pm 

    Venue: International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney 

    Room: Located inside AusFitness Industry Trade Show & Summit 

    Click Here For Tickets & Full Program

    Sydney Active Health Summit 

    The summit is dedicated to covering essential health topics, aiming to enhance the skill set of exercise  professionals across various modalities, including personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches,  group exercise instructors, aqua instructors, yoga, Pilates professionals, and more. 

    Date: Saturday, 12 October 2024 

    Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm 

    Venue: International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney 

    Room: Located inside AusFitness Industry Trade Show & Summit 

    Click Here For Tickets & Full Program

    What’s Included: 

    ✓ Education: Engage in a full day of diverse educational sessions led by industry leaders. Explore  the latest trends, best practices, and innovations in the exercise and active health landscape

    ✓ Networking Opportunities: Connect with other like-minded exercise professionals, and  industry experts. Build valuable relationships that extend beyond the conference 

    ✓ Resource Kit: Gain access to exclusive content, including post-conference materials, and  additional resources to continue your learning journey

    ✓ Interactive Q&A Sessions: Participate in interactive Q&A sessions with speakers and industry  experts, providing opportunities for personalised insights and guidance. 

    ✓ Complimentary pass to the AusFitness Expo 

    ✓ 4 CECs 

    National Awards Gala 

    The AUSactive National Awards Program, formerly known as the Fitness Australia Awards, boasts a rich  history of recognising and celebrating the exceptional achievements within the Australian active health and  exercise industry. These awards align with AUSactive’s vision to activate the nation: Every body. Every way.  Every day. 

    Date: Friday, 11 October 2024 

    Time: 6.30pm – 10.30pm 

    Venue: Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf 

    Click Here For Tickets

    We hope to see you at one of these memorable events! 

  • AUSactive elevates skillset with two new director appointments

    AUSactive elevates skillset with two new director appointments

    John Petrozzi and Dr Bikram Karmakar join as Non-Executive Directors

    The peak association for the health and exercise industry, AUSactive, has appointed two new Non Executive Directors to its board to broaden and strengthen its skillset and bolster its role in Australia’s preventive health environment, as it continues to focus on supporting its members to improve the health  and wellbeing of Australians.

    As the largest association of exercise and active health professionals and facilities across Australia,  AUSactive has more than 12,000 Professionals, 3,000 fitness, yoga and Pilates businesses plus over 180 CEC  providers and 35 Quality Accredited businesses who service an industry with more than 8 million active Australian consumers.

    Commencing from 1 July, AUSactive welcomes Dr Bikram Karmamkar and Dr John Petrozzi to the board as Non-Executive Directors. The new appointments follow the recent departure of Kate Corkery and Sally Anderson.

    AUSactive Chairperson Jayne Blake said the two new board appointments play a pivotal role in the strategic direction of AUSactive and the expertise will elevate the collective board’s skillset.

    “We are delighted to welcome Bikram Karmakar and John Petrozzi to the AUSactive board and extend a very sincere thank you to Kate Corkery and Sally Anderson for their dedication during their time with us.  Sally will remain connected to the AUSactive Board as she will be Chairing an Advisory Group going forwards, I look forward to continuing to work with her in this capacity,” Ms Blake said.

    “The appointment of Bikram and John brings to the table a vast range of industry and health related experience and knowledge.”

    “As the peak association for the health and exercise industry, it’s our mission to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians through greater advocacy, research and education while also professionalising the industry to instil consumer confidence.”

    “The extensive hands-on knowledge and experience John and Bikram have will be invaluable to this strategic direction.”

    Bikram Karmakar said it was a privilege to join the AUSactive board and supporting its commitment to addressing population and preventative health issues.

    “As a Sport and Exercise Physician with extensive experience in the health sector and working with allied health I share AUSactive’s desire to improve health outcomes through lifestyle and exercise intervention,”  Dr Karmakar said.

    John Petrozzi said he was looking forward to working alongside other AUSactive board members and the executive team to position the Australian health and exercise industry as world leading.

    “Australia leads the world in many aspects of health and medicine and AUSactive’s strategic direction focuses on elevating the health and exercise industry, which is so important for preventative health. I’m honoured to be part of the journey,” Dr Petrozzi said.

    Dr Bikram Karmakar, AUSactive Non-Executive Director

    Bikram Karmakar is a Sports and Exercise Physician and Chief Medical Officer for the Cronulla Sharks Rugby League. In addition to his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, he has completed his Master of Surgery and MBA (Executive) and is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians (ACSEP). Bikram’s diverse roles have included appointments with the International Cricket Council, Sydney Thunder, Cricket Australia, National Rugby League, and FIFA. In addition to his clinical practice, Bikram is an Adjunct Associate Lecturer at UNSW Medicine and a member of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ASLM). He has presented several research publications at national and international conferences.

    Dr John Petrozzi, AUSactive Non-Executive Director

    John Petrozzi is an allied health professional, health researcher and board director. John completed a back pain focused PhD at The University of Sydney in 2021 involving the design and leading an Australia-wide randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of combined physical and psychological interventions for the management of chronic back pain. John is a practicing chiropractor since 1998 at Body Mind Central, an allied health practice in Sydney Australia and continues to practice alongside his research roles.

    Other organisations John currently (or previously) works for include NSW Health Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) – Pain Management Network, and ACI -State Spinal Cord Injury Network, The University of Sydney – Kolling Institute and Macquarie University Health Sciences.

    For more information on the AUSactive Board visit https://ausactive.org.au/about/

  • Peak body applauds Queensland for keeping the state active

    Peak body applauds Queensland for keeping the state active

    FairPlay voucher expansion and Million Moves rollout funding announced

    AUSactive has applauded the Queensland Government’s budget focus on keeping children active through cost-of-living initiatives while also supporting the industry to roll out the successful Million Moves campaign.

    From today 1 July 2024, Queensland’s Sport and Recreation’s popular FairPlay program will open to all children aged between 5 to 17 years giving them access to $200 per child to offset the rising costs of junior sports and fitness activities.
    Increasing from $150 to $200 as part of the recently announced Queensland Budget, 200,000 vouchers will be made available for children to participate in eligible sport and active recreation.

    In addition, AUSactive has also been granted funding to roll out its Million Moves Challenge after a successful pilot on the Sunshine Coast last month.

    AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said the FairPlay vouchers and Million Moves funding would ensure people of all ages continued to prioritise regular physical activity.

    “Prioritising regular physical activity is not only important for our overall health and wellbeing but establishing a regular routine that involves physical activity also helps to prevent a whole range of lifestyle related illnesses and diseases,” Mr Elvish said.

    “Getting our kids active too at a young age enables them to understand the importance of regular exercise but also the fun and enjoyment that comes with keeping active with friend and family.”

    Alarmingly 75% of Australians don’t get the required amount of physical exercise each day. AUSactive’s Million Moves Challenge pilot campaign was designed to highlight these statistics by getting people of all ages to move 75 times each day for 21 days – the time it takes to form a new routine.

    Mr Elvish said the broader Queensland rollout of the Million Moves challenge was about promoting the health benefits of getting active and most importantly getting people off the couch and into a routine that involves regular physical movement.

    “Australians have become drastically inactive, and the more all levels of government can do to turn the tide and get more people active the better. These new budget Initiatives that support Queenslanders to keep active, even when cost of living bites, are fantastic and we can’t wait to rollout our Million Moves challenge to motivate more people to get involved!” Mr Elvish said.

    For more information on the FairPlay vouchers visit https://www.dts.qld.gov.au/news/latest/2024/fairplay-for-all-queensland-kids

    For more information on AUSactive’s Million Moves visit https://millionmoves.org.au/

  • Myzone Champions Physical Activity Policies Worldwide

    Myzone Champions Physical Activity Policies Worldwide

    Myzone is intensifying its efforts to educate governments and promote policies that encourage physical activity and healthier populations across the globe.

    With a vision of making ‘movement a movement’ and encouraging people to be physically active for their own health, the wearable fitness brand has been engaging with policy makers about the critical role of physical activity for public health and wellbeing.

    Mike Leveque, CEO of the Americas, Myzone, says: “As one of the leading risk factors for noncommunicable diseases and death worldwide, physical inactivity needs to be urgently addressed. Inactivity not only harms individual health, quality of life and life span, it also significantly impacts national economic development and productivity. That’s why we are working with our partners to deliver this message to law makers globally and bring physical activity to the forefront of political discussions.”

    In the US, Myzone representatives got together with legislators and their staff during the Health & Fitness Association’s ‘Fly-In’ and Advocacy Summit at Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, in May 2024. Twice the size of the 2023 event, the Fly-in saw 120 industry leaders hold 130 meetings with members of Congress or their departments to build support for the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act. If passed, the PHIT Act will make physical activity more affordable allowing Americans to spend their pre-tax dollars on healthy living activities like gym memberships and fitness equipment.

    Fly-in participants were also invited to a Myzone-sponsored group workout, which formed part of the annual Congressional Physical Activity Challenge. Run by Myzone and the Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) – the largest coalition in the US dedicated to advancing regular participation in physical activity – the Challenge ran throughout May to promote the importance of physical activity to members of Congress and their staff.

    Last year’s winning team, led by Senator Cynthia Lummis, beat their rivals again this year earning both the highest number of MEPs (194,844) and the highest average MEPs (10,255).

    Ben Hitchcock, Chief Marketing Officer, Myzone, says: “These initiatives are not publicity stunts, but important ways to strengthen relationships with law makers and allow them to personally experience the benefits of being active, however they choose. The impact of physical inactivity is felt across all aspects of society, from overburdened healthcare systems to decreased productivity. We all need to play our part in bringing physical activity to the forefront of government policy to halt the rising levels of inactivity which is challenging societies across the world.”

    In Australia, Myzone was a key supporter of AUSactive’s Million Moves initiative in May. Highlighting the fact that 75 per cent of Australian adults don’t meet the WHO guidelines for physical activity, Million Moves challenged those living in the Sunshine Coast’s electorates of Fisher, Fairfax and Longman to complete 75 moves or Myzone MEPs every day for 21 days. With local MPs including Andrew Wallace, Ted O’Brien, Llew O’Brien and Terry Young driving the initiative, more than 1,300 children and adults squatted and jumped, stepped and pedaled their way to complete over 2 million moves in three weeks.

    Finally, in the UK, Myzone partnered with ukactive to host the second ‘Fit for Office’ physical activity challenge, which saw 143 MPs, peers and their offices exercise throughout March using Myzone’s wearable devices to track their physical activity effort levels. The office of Andrew Lewer MP (Conservative) was crowned winner of the challenge, racking up an impressive average score of 18,076 MEPs, followed by runners up the office of Alex Davies-Jones MP (Labour) with 10,674 MEPs.

    For more information about Myzone visit: myzone.org

    To find out more about Myzone’s advocacy work across the globe, click on the following links

    EMEA – https://www.myzone.org/blog/fit-for-office-uk

    AMER – https://www.myzone.org/blog/advocacy-in-action-usa

    APAC – https://www.myzone.org/blog/australia-million-moves

  • AUSactive Health & Fitness Annual Trends Survey NOW OPEN

    AUSactive Health & Fitness Annual Trends Survey NOW OPEN

    It’s time to vote for the anticipated future trends!

    Exercise for Mental Health was the top anticipated trend in Australia for 2024, with the USA, Brazil and Italy also featuring this trend in their top 10. Will 2025 follow similar trends across different countries?  

    You can now have your say with the annual Fitness Trends Survey now open until 17 June 2024. 

    AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said the AUSactive survey provided valuable data for the Health and Fitness  Industry Trends Report, a global research and insights report from people working in the industry. 

    “With our members at the forefront of our industry, they provide valuable data and insights into what  people are actively doing and what trends we are likely to see in the next 6-18 months,” Mr Elvish said. 

    “This year Exercise for Mental Health was our #1 anticipated trend and was focused on an increase in  exercise programming designed to improve aspects of mental health, like reducing feelings of anxiety,  stress, and depression.” 

    As awareness grows about the deep connection between physical and emotional well-being, therapy has increasingly begun to integrate movement, mindfulness, and innovative treatments to address anxiety at its core. Traditional talk therapy remains essential, but many are now exploring complementary approaches that nurture both body and mind.

    The Avesta Ketamine Wellness, for example, combines evidence-based therapeutic practices with advanced treatments to help individuals find relief from persistent anxiety and stress-related symptoms. By fostering a holistic environment that values both psychological support and physiological balance, such programs empower people to build lasting mental resilience—one mindful step and breath at a time.

    “Fitness Programs for Older Adults came in at #2, highlighting exercise professionals and businesses  recognising the importance of catering for the ageing population that continues to grow in size.  

    “By developing suitable programs designed to improve the physical and mental health and quality of life of  the Australian population, our industry can continue to play an important role in preventative healthcare.” 

    Mr Elvish said the more people who took part in the survey, the better the data can be helping shape our  industry in the future.  

    “We are looking forward to seeing what the top trend of 2025 will be and are urging all business owners  and managers, exercise professionals, allied health professionals and medical professionals involved in the  active health & fitness sector to cast their vote,” Mr Elvish said. 

    “Research and data are vital to the continued success and relevance of our industry. The more we can do to  tailor programs and options to keep more Australians physically active the better.” 

    To have your say on the anticipated future health and fitness trends complete the survey before 17 June  2024 via here.

  • AUSactive 2024 National Awards NOW OPEN!

    AUSactive 2024 National Awards NOW OPEN!

    It’s now time to get your entry into this year’s 2024 AUSactive Awards with submission open from today 25th March until Sunday 26 May! With new categories added this year, the Awards offer a greater chance for more individuals and businesses within the health and fitness sector to be recognised.

    AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said the introduction of new categories and awards reflected the growth in the industry and the many businesses and individuals who contribute day in and day out to its continued success.

    “The AUSactive Awards is one of the pinnacle events on the Australian exercise and active health industry calendar and it’s important all aspects of our sector have a chance to be part of them. This year we have introduced a new individual award honouring club managers as well as a new overarching supplier category,” Mr Elvish said.

    “Club managers and suppliers play a huge role in helping the industry reach new heights through service excellence, state-of-the-art product and equipment as well as advances in technology for members and facilities.”

    The new Individual Category this year is “Club Manager of the Year“.

    Additionally, AUSactive has introduced a new overarching Industry Supplier Category, which includes the following awards:

    1. Innovator Of The Year: Awarded to the supplier that has introduced the most innovative product or service in the fitness industry.
    2. Best Equipment Supplier: Recognising the supplier that has consistently provided high-quality,
      durable, and user-friendly fitness equipment.
    3. Best Technology Integration: Awarded to the supplier that has effectively integrated technology
      into their fitness products or services to enhance user experience and outcomes.
    4. Fitness Apparel Brand Of The Year: Recognising the apparel brand that has provided high-quality,
      innovative, and stylish fitness wear.

    This year’s program includes 27 categories across individual, business and community categories, providing an opportunity for all parts of the industry to get involved.

    “Last year we honoured 222 state and national finalists and celebrated 34 exceptional category winners in front of a sold-out Gala audience of 400 people,” Mr Elvish said.

    “With almost 500 valid submissions received and more than 13,000 votes in the People’s Choice Awards, we are expecting this year’s numbers to be even stronger!

    “If you think you’ve got what it takes to be one of this year’s winners, I urge you to start planning and get your submission ready. The Awards calendar is packed full of events, with it all culminating with the National Awards Gala in October, an event not to be missed.”

    2024 AUSactive Awards Key Dates

    Nominations
    Award Nominations Open Monday 25 March 2024
    Award Nominations Close Sunday 26 May 2024
    Judging & Voting
    People’s Choice Voting Opens Sunday 26 May 2024
    Judging Begins Friday 31 May 2024
    Judging Closes Friday 21 June 2024
    People’s Choice Voting Ends Friday 28 June 2024
    Events
    WA State Winners Networking Event Thursday 25 July 2024
    NSW State Winners Networking Event Tuesday 30 July 2024
    QLD State Winners Networking Event Thursday 1 August 2024
    VIC State Winners Networking Event Tuesday 6 August 2024
    2024 National Awards Gala Friday 11 October 2024

    For more information on 2024 AUSactive National Awards Program, eligibility and to enter visit awards.ausactive.org.au

  • AUSactive 2024 National Awards kick off on 25 March

    AUSactive 2024 National Awards kick off on 25 March

    It’s time to mark your diaries and set your alarms for your chance to be crowned a 2024 AUSactive Award Winner! With nominations for this year’s Awards set to open on Monday 25 March, now is your chance toAUSactive awards
    start prepping your submission.

    For the first time in the Awards’ history, an international line up of industry experts will also join this year’s judging panel.

    AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said the introduction of international judges this year was about showcasing Australian industry talent globally and positioning the AUSactive Awards as one of the flagship programs on offer on the international stage.

    “The AUSactive Awards is one of the pinnacle events on the Australian exercise and active health industry calendar and this year we wanted to go one better and showcase the exceptional talent we have in our industry in front of an international audience,” Mr Elvish said.

    “This year’s international judges will bring a new perspective to the judging process, that will not only elevate the AUSactive Awards but also give all entrants the chance to be seen by world-renowned industry professionals.”

    Applications to join this year’s judging panel are still open, with international judges already secured including:

    • Catherine Hanson Farid (Dubai) – REPs UAE, Director of Operations. ICREPs Chair
    • Gerald (Gerry) Salmon (New Zealand) – Executive Director, Arma Fitness and Revl NZ
    • John Windle (Ireland) – National General Manager of UPMC Sports Medicine and Institute for Health
    • Jack Thomas (Thailand) – CEO of BASE, co-founder / co-CEO of The Fit Guide
    • Mahdi Jafargholizadeh (Malta) – President of REPs-Malta
    • Huw Edwards (United Kingdom) – CEO, UK Active
    • Alan Leach (Ireland) – Chief Executive, West Wood Clubs

    This year’s program includes 27 categories across individual, business and community categories, providing an opportunity for all parts of the industry to get involved.

    “Last year we honoured 222 state and national finalists and celebrated 34 exceptional category winners in front of a sold-out Gala audience of 400 people,” Mr Elvish said.

    “With almost 500 valid submissions received and more than 13,000 votes in the People’s Choice Awards, we are expecting this year’s numbers to be even stronger!

    “If you think you’ve got what it takes to be one of this year’s winners, I urge you to start planning and get your submission ready. The Awards calendar is packed full of events, with it all culminating with the National Awards Gala in October, an event not to be missed.”

    2024 AUSactive Awards Key Dates

    Nominations
    Award Nominations Open Monday 25 March 2024
    Award Nominations Close Sunday 26 May 2024
    Judging & Voting
    People’s Choice Voting Opens Sunday 26 May 2024
    Judging Begins Friday 31 May 2024
    Judging Closes Friday 21 June 2024
    People’s Choice Voting Ends Friday 28 June 2024
    Events
    WA State Winners Networking Event Thursday 25 July 2024
    NSW State Winners Networking Event Tuesday 30 July 2024
    QLD State Winners Networking Event Thursday 1 August 2024
    VIC State Winners Networking Event Tuesday 6 August 2024
    2024 National Awards Gala Friday 11 October 2024

    For more information on 2024 AUSactive National Awards Program, eligibility and to enter visit awards.ausactive.org.au

  • Industry Membership That Delivers Real Benefits

    Industry Membership That Delivers Real Benefits

    70+ unique advantages for all members now in one place

    To kick off 2024, AUSactive has launched a membership advantages platform where members can easily  access more than 70 unique benefits that directly support their career or their business.

    From a student member starting fresh in fitness right through to experienced business owners, the new  Advantages platform delivers practical benefits for everyone.

    AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish, said the new platform was about providing a clear one-stop-shop of the full  range of benefits on offer to all AUSactive members.

    “Imagine having a clear, easy-to-use platform where you can find and access all membership benefits.  That’s exactly what we offer with our Advantages platform. No more confusion or hunting for membership  benefits – everything you need is in one place,” Mr Elvish said.

    “We offer our members a huge range of benefits and we know in the past this has been overwhelming to  navigate. The new Advantages platform breaks down our benefits into four categories so that members can  easily see what’s most relevant to them.” 

    The four Advantages categories include:

    • Student Advantages: Get access to valuable resources, industry insights, and opportunities for  professional growth. We’re here to support your journey.
    • Business Member Advantages: If you run a business, you’ll enjoy practical tools and services to  help you thrive. This includes access to Lawpath, with over 300 legal and HR templates to simplify  your operations.
    • Exercise Professional Advantages: As an exercise professional, you’ll find Advantages tailored to  boost your career, from networking opportunities to advanced training resources.
    • Sole Trader Advantages: Sole traders enjoy the advantage of complete control over their business  operations and finances, along with access to resources designed to support their unique needs.

    Mr Elvish said AUSactive was focused on continuously improving membership value to ensure benefits  remained relevant and practical for everyone in the industry.

    “AUSactive continues to grow as an industry association and part of that growth is making sure we evolve  with our members and their needs,” Mr Elvish said.

    “Our Advantages platform is about organising all member benefits in one place to ensure all individual and  business members can quickly access those that support their success and help them strive for excellence.” 

    To access the new Advantages portal head to https://ausactive.org.au/members-advantages/

  • AusFitness Expo announces 2-Year partnership with AUSactive

    AusFitness Expo announces 2-Year partnership with AUSactive

    AusFitness Expo, the premier fitness and wellness event in Australia, proudly unveils a transformative two-year partnership with AUSactive, the peak association for the exercise and active health sector, building on a previous collaboration.

    As part of the enhanced partnership, AusFitness Expo Sydney, which is now scheduled for 11 – 13 October, will align with AUSactive’s esteemed Gala Awards Night and Senior Management Summit, offering a unique convergence of networking opportunities and industry insights for participants.

    Additionally, the AUSactive – Active Health & Trainer Summit will take place directly on the Trade Show floor – seamlessly integrating with the Expo and elevating the overall experience for all involved.

    Barrie Elvish, CEO of AUSactive, said he was thrilled to enter into this two-year industry alignment with AusFitness Expo.

    “This partnership represents a significant step forward for the fitness industry in Australia,” said Barrie.

    “It will create a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking that will benefit both our members and AusFitness Expo attendees.”

    In tandem with this partnership announcement, AusFitness Expo is excited to introduce a suite of content enhancements designed to scale attendance.

    Shaun Krenz, Co-Founder and Event Director of AusFitness Expo, stated:

    “This partnership marks a significant milestone for both entities, promising unparalleled value for event attendees and exhibitors alike.

    “We are delighted to embark on this two-year industry alignment with AUSactive, which adds significant value to AusFitness Expo. Our core strategy revolves around creating an inclusive celebration of all the different fitness communities coming together under one roof, and we are thrilled with how it has all come together. The enhanced partnership and new offerings build on our mission to bring fitness communities together and further enrich the overall experience for our attendees, exhibitors, and partners. AusFitness Expo is the fitness event of the year, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming everyone to Sydney in October.”

    Exciting New Activations:

    AusFitness is highly focused on bringing fitness communities together. Building on these core strengths, AusFitness Expo will introduce a range of thrilling new community activations to the Sydney event in 2024 including:

    1. Oceania Strongman Championships
    2. AusFitness Cross Functional Invitational
    3. Australian Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships
    4. Australian Amateur Boxing Championships
    5. Australian Kettlebell Championships
    6. Australian Weightlifting Championships
    7. DEKA, the Decathlon of Functional Fitness

    Working with leading industry associations and sporting bodies will see some of the nation’s fittest elite athletes compete, taking the event to the next level and inspiring attendees.

  • AUSactive announces two new Board Directors

    AUSactive announces two new Board Directors

    AUSactive will welcome two new Board Directors at next week’s AGM on 20 November with the appointment of David Aitchison from Body Fit Training and Mel Tempest from Ballarat Health and Fitness following the 2023 Director Election.

    David Aitchison has been involved in all areas of the fitness industry for 25+ years. His roles include Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, multi-site Operations Manager, General Manager and CEO of some of Australia’s largest, most well-known and successful fitness brands. These included Genesis, Goodlife, Fitness First and BFT.

    Prior to his current CEO role at BFT, David was General Manager leading both Fitness First and Goodlife to significant business success, along with leading the business through the difficult Covid period.

    Mel Tempest is a passionate advocate of the fitness sector, continually pushing for positive transformative change and inspiring synergy within. Since 2003, she has been an integral member of esteemed fitness industry associations and significant roundtables, both in Australia and internationally. She has taught and presented globally.

    AUSactive Chair Jayne Blake said David Aitchison and Mel Tempest’s appointments bring a wealth of knowledge and grassroots experience to the Board.

    “David is passionate about advocating for the fitness industry which is evident by the 25+ years he has been involved with Fitness Victoria, Fitness Australia and now AUSactive. David’s wealth of knowledge of the industry across multiple brands, modalities and ownership structures make him an ideal candidate to contribute to the AUSactive Board,” Ms Blake said.

    “Mel brings to the table her invaluable experience of steering businesses both as an autonomous owner and a franchisee. Her skills are finely honed in critical thinking and adept problem-solving. She thinks outside the square and brings and element of fresh air to the table.”

    Ms Blake said AUSactive would like to thank all volunteer Directors, in particular to departing Directors Greg Oliver and Edwina Griffin, who will complete their terms on 20 November 2023.

    “Greg and Edwina’s passion for the industry has shone, as they have generously volunteered their time to advancing the strategic direction of AUSactive and the entire industry,” Ms Blake said.

    “We wish both Greg and Edwina every success in the future and look forward to both of them staying actively involved to support AUSactive as we make further progress in executing the strategic objective of advocating for a healthier Australia.”

    For more information on the AUSactive Board visit https://ausactive.org.au/about/