Announcements
Kate Palmer CEO of Sport Australia backs Fitness Australia’s new strategic direction in making Australia a more physically action nation
Kate Palmer, CEO of the Government agency Sport Australia used the FILEX Women of Influence Forum as a platform to throw Sport Australia’s support behind a partnership between the agency and Fitness Australia.
“We were really pleased to hear your new strategy was demonstrating a shift into this physical activity space,” Kate told Barrie Elvish CEO, of Fitness Australia –the peak national industry association - in a post-Forum interview.
“For me it’s about how can we partner with you (Fitness Australia) to look at opportunities, because your professional workforce is predominantly female and we’re very much skewed to male, and we need feet on the ground nationally, and you certainly have feet on the ground,” said Kate.
With a particular focus on your children, both Kate and Barrie agreed that teaching young children to run, catch and jump is so important because the reality is that many children start school not having the right physical-movement foundations.
“The opportunity that we have right now, in getting the foundations right through early childhood settings, is critical,” said Barrie.
This is simply one step in a series of initiatives that will support Fitness Australia’s primary goal.
Kate acknowledged that Sport Australia and Fitness Australia now share a strategic alignment; the next step is to align business planning to achieve our common goal.
Watch the full interview here
Find out more at fitness.org.au
Next phase for Fitness Australia to push for a more physically active nation
Today the national peak fitness industry association, Fitness Australia, announced that their next phase includes a heavy focus in its core business towards promoting physical activity to the public through partnerships with Government agencies like Sport Australia and the corporate and allied health sectors.
“Our new strategic direction will see Fitness Australia as a key player in getting more Australians more physically active more often and our success will benefit our industry, and the Australian community,” explains Barrie Elvish, CEO of Fitness Australia.
“We know that there’s a deterioration of the overall health of Australians. As a consequence, Governments at all levels nationally - and internationally for that matter - are turning their focus on the need to encourage more members of the community to participate more regularly in physical activity. Indeed, Australia has joined the international campaign and is a recent signatory to the World Health Organisation’s Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030.”
“I believe this scenario represents a once in a lifetime opportunity for Fitness Australia and our members, to have a significant and long-lasting positive impact in the non-exercising Australian community,” adds Barrie.
Fitness Australia has an integral, and important, role to play in this initiative at a national level through effective advocacy underwritten by evidence-based research, a professional membership base and high-quality accessible facilities.
“You’ll start to see new programs and initiatives by Fitness Australia that encourage more people to be active; connecting more mums, dads, children, older adults, people living with a physical disability or with a mental health condition, our First Australians and the wider community generally with our industry’s workforce and facilities.”
Barrie adds, “The more Australians who participate in physical activity the more opportunities for employment in the industry and associated business growth.”
We'd love your feedback on this, so please email [email protected]
Are you providing effective & appropriate nutrition advice to your clients?
There's currently an expectation amongst consumers for fitness services to be coupled with nutrition advice, particularly with regards to weight management and dietary supplementation. This has created a need for Registered Exercise Professionals (REPs) to find the balance between providing an appropriate level of nutrition advice to the client, without providing information beyond their scope of practice. Throughout the seminar you’ll hear from a variety of experts including, fitness business owners, exercise professionals and dietitians.
With this in mind, we've developed an online course, Effective & Appropriate Nutrition Advice (Guidance for Registered Exercise Professionals), in collaboration with Dietitians Association of Australia and Sports Dietitians Australia.
The course can be completed at any time, on any device via our online learning platform, iLearn, and is approved for 2 CECs.
Who should participate?
This seminar is designed to inform exercise professionals of the opportunities that exist when providing nutrition advice. Additionally, this provides business managers and industry educators the opportunity to clearly understand the role of REPs and the value of working collaboratively with dietitians in the fitness industry.
In this course you'll learn:
- The importance of adhering to nationally endorsed nutritional standards and guidelines, such as the Australian Dietary Guidelines
- When and how to refer clients to appropriate allied health professionals
- The benefits of working in collaboration with allied health professionals.
Fitness Australia to take part in the second World Health Organization (WHO) Dialogue on the Implementation of the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity
Joel Perricone, National Manager, Advocacy and Partnerships, Fitness Australia – the peak national industry association - has been invited to attend the second World Health Organisation (WHO) Dialogue with the Sports Industry on the Implementation of the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030, to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 25-26 February 2019.
“It’s a tremendous honour for me to be taking the opportunity to showcase the great work of the Australian fitness industry in front of a global audience,” says Perricone.
“We know that the fitness industry has a major role to play in improving the health of Australians, but as a nation, we still have a long way to go. Being part of this discussion on a global scale gives us the opportunity to learn from examples of good practice by our counterparts in other countries.”
“I hope to come back from Geneva with ways that the Australian fitness industry can impact the health of the global population,” explains Perricone.
Regular physical activity is proven to help prevent and treat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and breast and colon cancer. It also helps prevent hypertension and obesity and can improve mental health, quality of life and well-being. Yet, much of the world is becoming less active.
WHO has developed a new global action plan to help countries scale up policy actions to promote physical activity. It responds to the requests by countries for updated guidance, and a framework of effective and feasible policy actions to increase physical activity at all levels.
The plan sets out four objectives and recommends 20 policy actions that are applicable to all countries and address the cultural, environmental and individual determinants of inactivity.
The objective of the second Dialogue is to further discuss emerging areas of shared interest as identified during the first Dialogue: 1) building knowledge (through evaluation and market research); 2) global communications campaign on physical activity; 3) joint initiatives to address priority issues and population such as inequalities in participation by girls, women, disadvantaged communities and people living with disabilities; and 4) joint initiatives to demonstrate whole of community approach to GAPPA implementation in a set of target countries.
The second Dialogue will be hosted by WHO. Participation in the Dialogue is through invitation only. Participants will include about 20 representatives from the sports industry, including apparel, equipment, fitness and gym industries, and senior WHO officials.
For more information about the Global Action Plan 2018-2030: "More active people for a healthier world" visit the WHO website
To follow Joel’s trip in Geneva later this month, be sure to follow Fitness Australia on Facebook
We've revealed the 2019 Australian Fitness Awards finalists across ten award categories, covering emerging exercise professionals, individuals delivering exercise, businesses providing fitness services and community exercise programs.
Fitness Australia, the national peak industry association, today reveal the 2019 Australian Fitness Awards finalists across ten award categories, covering emerging exercise professionals, individuals delivering exercise, businesses providing fitness services and community exercise programs.
CEO of Fitness Australia, Barrie Elvish, explains that the Australian Fitness Awards provide a fantastic opportunity for businesses and individuals to be acknowledged for their contribution to the industry and the impact they have in their communities.
“The achievements of our 2019 finalists demonstrate their commitment and pride in supporting their clients to lead an active and healthy lifestyle for better health.”
“We’re proud to be part of an industry with such wide-ranging business models because it simply means that we can reach such a diverse range of Australian communities, and support their physical activity needs,” adds Barrie.
“Similarly, the depth of current and emerging Personal Trainers and Instructors, who are this year’s finalists, is a testament to the work that is being done and can be done to improve peoples’ lives everyday.”
The 2019 Australian Fitness Awards finalists are:
PERSONAL TRAINER OF THE YEAR
- Anthony Bloomfield – NSW
- Brad Cunningham - VIC
- Melani De Sousa – VIC
- Stacey Flynn – WA
- Suanne Lowery – QLD
GROUP EXERCISE INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR
- Karen Daly – NSW
- Jill Healy-Quintard – NSW
- Jessica Lea – VIC
- Angela Saville – NSW
- Veronica Sutherland – NSW
FITNESS STUDENT OF THE YEAR
- Margaret Hadfield – QLD
- Michelle Swenson - QLD
- Yolandie Weir – QLD
COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE AWARD
- Active Farmers – NSW
- Manward – QLD
- Parkinson’s Connect BoxFit Crew – QLD
- The LIFE Program – WA
- YMCA PrYme Movers – NSW
PERSONAL TRAINING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
- Bfirm Personal Training – VIC
- Enterprise Fitness – VIC
- Fitness Enhancement Personal Training – QLD
- Sculpture Personal Training – WA
- Savvy Fitness – NSW
BOUTIQUE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
- Soulful Fitness – NSW
- LA FIT Studio – WA
- Kangatraining – VIC
- Do You Even Bootcamp!? – WA
- Strong Healthy Women – QLD
COUNCIL/LICENSED FITNESS CENTRE OF THE YEAR
- Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre – WA
- Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre – NSW
- Knox Leisureworks – VIC
- The Parks Recreation & Sports Centre – SA
- The Valleys Lifestyle Centre- YMCA South Australia – SA
INDEPENDENT FITNESS CENTRE OF THE YEAR
- 5th Element Wellness – VIC
- AIS Fitness Centre – ACT
- DOOLEYS Health + Fitness – NSW
- Health Mates Fitness Centre – NSW
- The Urban Fitness Club - VIC
FITNESS CENTRE OF THE YEAR
- Fitness First Wynnum – QLD
- Snap Fitness Helensvale – QLD
- Snap Fitness Bendigo – VIC
QUALITY ACCREDITED FITNESS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
- Aquahub – VIC
- Aquanation – VIC
- Elizabeth Aquadome – SA
- Enterprise Fitness – VIC
- Glen Aira Sports & Aquatic Centre – VIC
- Goldfield Oasis – WA
- Monash Sports – VIC
- Morley Sport & Recreation Centre – WA
- Personal Best Fitness – TAS
With over 1,500 nominations across ten award categories, the Australian Fitness Awards program brings the Australian fitness industry together each year to recognise and celebrate the work of businesses and professionals, in and around the fitness industry.
All of the national award winners, Chairperson’s Award recipient and Roll of Honour inductees will be announced at an event in Sydney on Thursday 11th April 2019. To learn more visit awards.fitness.org.au
We've introduced new ways to get CECs
Fitness Australia, the national peak industry association, has expanded its Continuing Education System by introducing new ways for Australian Registered Exercise Professionals (AusREPs) to obtain Continuing Education Credits (CECs) - all in an effort to inspire continuous upskilling through credible education which in turn keeps Trainers and Instructors up to date with the latest modes of training, develops career pathways and brings them up to scratch with industry standards.
“We’re listening to our AusREPs and acknowledging the importance of safety standards by introducing CECs for CPR and First Aid credentials by all AusREPs, as well as adding several new relevant and cost-effective ways to gain CECs, including through affiliated learning that’s been undertaken,” says Barrie Elvish, CEO of Fitness Australia.
“Having an experienced and robust workforce like ours means that many of our Level 2 & 3 AusREPs work and learn across related industries. These AusREPs can now claim CECs for upskilling with an appropriate education provider or association, outside of Fitness Australia, which complements their work as a Trainer or Instructor.”
AusREPs can now claim CECs for:
- Completing their First Aid (3 CECs);
- Completing their CPR (1 CEC);
- Reading journal articles and research based publications (1 CEC per article)#;
- Affiliated education* (1 CEC per 2-hours for Level 2 & 3 AusREPs)#
- Completing a Unit of Competency in the VET Fitness training package (5 CECs); and
- In-house training (1 CEC per 3-hours).
“With many so-called fitness experts around, it’s even more critical that continuous education plays a role in the career of an exercise professional. And not just any education, but upskilling through a system that meets a benchmark set by industry experts should be the aim for professionals,” explains Barrie.
“We’re all working with the ultimate goal of helping to boost peoples’ health whilst keeping them safe.”
All AusREPs are committed to ongoing professional development by way of obtaining 20 CECs over a two year period, and based on feedback from exercise professionals, Fitness Australia recognises the need to expand the way AusREPs obtained their CECs.
These new ways to get CECs are in addition to the existing 650 courses from over 200 different providers already available in the CEC Directory, which has a new ‘Book Now’ function, making it even easier for AusREPs to connect with an education provider.
To see all of the ways to obtain CECs visit fitness.org.au/CECs
*Affiliated Education is the ability to undertake a program or event from an appropriate education provider or association, outside of Fitness Australia.
# A limit of CECs applies per registration period, please refer to the CEC Guidelines for more information fitness.org.au/cec-guidelines
Enterprise Fitness are the First Personal Training Studio to become Quality Accredited
Enterprise Fitness pride themselves on leading by example, and that is exactly what they have done by becoming the first personal training studio to achieve Quality Accreditation.
The Quality Accreditation Program by Fitness Australia, the national peak fitness industry association, is designed to continuously build on the quality of a fitness business, with customer care and value being the ultimate goals.
Mark Ottobre, the Owner and Director of Melbourne based Enterprise Fitness said: “Our goal is to set the standard and lead the way for personal training businesses and personal trainers.”
“The accreditation confirms our commitment to delivering the highest quality fitness experience for our members. It’s an honour to be the first personal training studio to achieve this”
Scott Bumpstead, Manager of Quality Accreditation and Compliance at Fitness Australia, says “It is outstanding to see Enterprise Fitness achieve quality accreditation. Time and time again we are hearing about the benefits club owners, their teams and their members are receiving from taking part in the program.”
“As part of the accreditation, business managers are provided with feedback in order to improve the effectiveness of their business. Enterprise Fitness was a shining example of how systems can be used to enhance and streamline the daily operations in a fitness business” says Scott.
Mark added, “Developing systems has been an important part of evolving and growing our business, so it was rewarding to learn our investment in operational efficiencies has been worthwhile.”
“Embarking on the Quality Accreditation program was akin to undertaking a Master degree for your business. It takes commitment to complete but is well worthwhile as it highlights weak and strong links in your business,” says Mark.
Fitness Australia’s Quality Accreditation Program is available to fitness businesses in Australia via accreditation.fitness.org.au or for more information call 1300 211 311.
About Enterprise Fitness
Enterprise Fitness Australia is one of Melbourne’s leading personal training studios that turns its member’s fitness goals into reality by making health and fitness a part of their lifestyle, through education. Visit melbournepersonaltrainers.com for more information.
Fitness Australia welcomes new CEO, Barrie Elvish
Today, peak industry association, Fitness Australia announces the appointment of new CEO Barrie Elvish whose key goal will be to continue to drive the development of the Association, as we evolve to meet the needs of our members, the industry and its consumers.
Chairperson of Fitness Australia, Jayne Blake welcomes the new CEO to the team. “Barrie offers some great expertise and a relevant new perspective in an area that he knows well from his experience with similar not-for-profit organisations.”
“Having spent the past five years in CEO roles in the health sector including Autism SA and Wimmera Uniting Care, I’m very confident that Barrie will take Fitness Australia to the next level.”
With his key skills comprising teaching, marketing and business development, Barrie aims to build on Fitness Australia’s well-established foundations to support the Association in achieving its vision of empowering the industry to have more Australians be more active, more often.
“I’m here to ensure that any necessary changes are made, whilst being guided by our members, and the needs of the fitness industry,” says new CEO of Fitness Australia Barrie Elvish.
“I want to build a professional association that continues to support the fitness industry in delivering services to create healthier communities,” adds Elvish.
With a passion for his family, running and water sports, Barrie’s life achievements include completing the Kokoda Trail and Machu Picchu treks.
Our office will be closed from midday Friday 21st December 2018, but will re-open on 2nd January 2019. Thank you for your support this year, we've loved every minute of it, and look forward to achieving great things with you in 2019.
Monash Sport (Clayton campus) is first University gym in Australia to be Quality Accredited
University-based Fitness Centre, Monash Sport, has recently showcased their commitment to excellence by completing the Fitness Australia Quality Accreditation Program.
Adam Howes, Team Leader – Health and Fitness says “We are passionate about the Australian fitness industry and we saw the Quality Accreditation program as a way to enhance the industry’s integrity and professionalism.”
“We knew that participating in the program would let our members know that they are part of an organisation that strives to be the best they can be.”
“At Monash Sport, we pride ourselves on offering a welcoming and inclusive training environment, facilitated by friendly and passionate staff. We have always placed an emphasis on workplace culture and values, and the accreditation process reaffirmed we are on the right track with our business model and overall operational focus” adds Howes.
The Quality Accreditation Program by Fitness Australia, the peak fitness industry association, is designed to continuously build on the quality of a fitness business, with customer care and value being the ultimate goals.
Howes added, “As a University-based Fitness Centre, one of our main goals is to have the students and staff on campus understand and appreciate how important physical activity is to their studies and their work roles at Monash.”
“This accreditation will help us achieve that, plus raise our profile across campus and provide the University community motivation to explore our facilities, programs, and services”
Scott Bumpstead, Manager of Quality Accreditation and Compliance at Fitness Australia, says “In addition to gaining key insights about their operations, the Quality Accreditation program also provides business managers with the opportunity to;
- Improve the effectiveness of their business;
- Provide greater value to their customers; and
- Raise community expectations of customer care and service.
Fitness Australia’s Quality Accreditation Program is available to fitness businesses in Australia via accreditation.fitness.org.au or for more information call 1300 211 311.
Personal Best Fitness is first Tasmanian fitness business to become Quality Accredited
Tasmanian based Personal Best Fitness has become the first in the state to achieve Fitness Australia Quality Accreditation.
The Quality Accreditation Program by Fitness Australia, is designed to continuously build on the quality of a fitness business. Since launching in July 2018 there have been seven Australian businesses who’ve achieved Quality Accreditation.
Amanda Coombe, Director of Personal Best Fitness says “The program provides reassurance that our clients will be provided with services that are safe and effective.”
“For our team it gives them the confidence they are part of a cutting-edge business that is well respected within the fitness industry” adds Coombe.
Quality Accreditation is the latest addition to an already long list of accolades for Personal Best Fitness who have won a multitude of awards since the business began in 1998.
“Taking part in the program reminded us of the need to regularly review our policies and procedures.” said Coombe.
“The program enabled us to get a more in-depth view of our business. Working through the customer feedback and the Likert scale survey gave us a greater understanding of how our business was operating and allowed us to make small adjustments where necessary.”.
Scott Bumpstead, Manager of Quality Accreditation and Compliance at Fitness Australia, says “The Fitness Australia Quality Accreditation Program is supported by the Fitness Industry National Quality Framework's six pillars, the program leads businesses through the accreditation process, which includes multiple modules designed to assess, identify and assist businesses in reaching the industry framework expectations.”
The Quality Accreditation program also provides business managers with the opportunity to;
- Improve the effectiveness of their business;
- Provide greater value to their customers; and
- Raise community expectations of customer care and service.
Fitness Australia’s Quality Accreditation Program is available to fitness businesses in Australia via accreditation.fitness.org.au or for more information call 1300 211 311.
FILEX 2019 designed to inspire those who inspire movement. Early Bird tickets available now!
FILEX, powered by Fitness Australia the peak fitness industry association, is the leading and most long-standing annual fitness conference in Asia Pacific. In 2019 FILEX will be held at the ICC Sydney from 12th to 14th April.
“Here at Fitness Australia we're excited about bringing credible learning, industry experiences and a unique energy together to make FILEX an amazing industry event,” says Jayne Blake, Chairperson of Fitness Australia.
“We hope that a source of inspiration for people working in our industry can come from world leading experts who will deliver their knowledge and share their experiences at FILEX 2019.”
“How amazing is it be to be able to gain new inspiration, expertise and motivation that flows on to client results and business successes?!” adds Jayne.
The three day education convention is packed with over 250 education sessions delivered to almost 1500 fitness professionals, business owners and managers who come together to learn, network and socialise.
Fitness Australia AusREPs and Members receive discounts on all FILEX tickets. Early Bird tickets are available now with a saving of $140 on a FILEX Gold Pass.
"We're thrilled to be offering our AusREPs and Members exclusive discounted rates to such a large-scale credible industry event," adds Jayne.
FILEX 2019 includes 12 CECs, so for the full program, list of presenters and tickets visit filex.com.au
Fitness Australia releases National Fitness Industry Code of Practice
Today Fitness Australia, the peak fitness industry association, released a National Fitness Industry Code of Practice, the first of its kind in Australia.
Jayne Blake, Fitness Australia’s incoming Chairperson explains that the consolidation of all State and Territory Codes of Practice into one national Code is a major milestone for the fitness industry.
“We took six previous state and territory codes of practice, the Fitness Australia Business Principles guide, current Australian consumer law and extensive industry consultation as reference points to draft the National Fitness Industry Code of Practice,” said Jayne.
“We’re proud to say that this code is now the new standard of business operation in the contemporary Australian fitness industry, and is supported by the Australian Fitness Industry Standards Council.”
Designed for fitness service operators in the industry, the Code offers clear guidance that meets legislative requirements for business operation, nationally.
The purpose of the Code is to promote appropriate standards of trading, inspire consumer confidence and enable business operators to conduct services in a professional and ethical manner.
“It’s important that we, as the peak national association, help fitness businesses implement a benchmark and make it simple for them to apply the Code to their business, in particular streamlining it for implementation on a national scale,” said Jayne.
“Our organisation exists to empower the industry to engage more Australians in quality health and fitness services – this is one the ways in which we’re contributing to professionalising exercise and building consumer confidence,” added Jayne.
To learn more or to download the National Fitness Industry Code of Practice, visit fitness.org.au/codeofpractice
Check out the latest HR requirements in your dashboard - Modern Award Wage Update on Termination Payments, Changes to Long Service Leave (VIC Only) and the Introduction of Casual Conversion.
Kalgoorlie’s Goldfields Oasis adds Quality Accreditation to their list of business achievements
Goldfields Oasis keep lifting their game, now having achieved Fitness Australia Quality Accreditation - a program designed to analyse and improve key business areas – to ultimately benefit a community of members.
Cheye Hill, Manager of Goldfields Oasis says “We took up the Accreditation Program to ensure that the service that we’re delivering is in line with industry best-practice and for an independent 360 degree review of our operations.”
“We wanted the program outcomes to identify areas of strength as well as areas for improvement, and that’s what we got.”
“It’s important for other businesses to know that this process is both challenging and extremely rewarding,” adds Hill.
The recently launched Quality Accreditation Program by Fitness Australia, the peak fitness industry association, is designed to continuously build on the quality of a fitness business, with customer care and value being the ultimate goals.
“By achieving accreditation we’re giving recognition to the standard of service by our staff and showing our community that we have a very solid foundation of service excellence, irrespective of the many challenges associated with operating a facility in a remote location,” says Hill.
Having won the national #ActiveCommunties Award in 2017 for delivering the Pledge to Park Run program, Cheye acknowledges how proud he and his team feel about running a facility in a remote location and still being able to play a part as an industry leader.
Scott Bumpstead, Manager of Quality Accreditation and Compliance at Fitness Australia, says “Fitness Australia Quality Accreditation Program participants are required to undertake a rigorous process and provide evidence of compliance relating to areas such as professionalism, safety, customer care, information and knowledge, people and leadership.”
The Quality Accreditation program also provides business managers with the opportunity to;
- Improve the effectiveness of their business;
- Provide greater value to their customers; and
- Raise community expectations of customer care and service.
Fitness Australia’s Quality Accreditation Program is available to fitness businesses in Australia via accreditation.fitness.org.au or for more information call 1300 211 311.
More about the Fitness Australia Quality Accreditation Program
The Fitness Australia Quality Accreditation program is the first continuous quality improvement program, designed for gyms, fitness centres, fitness businesses and clubs in Australia.
The Fitness Australia Quality Accreditation program encourages businesses to:
- Plan business processes, functions and procedures,
- Deliver consistent standards and service
- Check that customer expectations are being met.
Businesses that enrol in the program are required to collect customer feedback and complete an online 60 question Likert scale survey on their business practices. Businesses that perform suitably in these initial stages then take part in an onsite face to face or virtual audit where they are required to provide evidence of their current practices that are aligned to the Fitness Industry National Quality Framework.
The Aquadome, managed by the YMCA, is the first South Australian fitness business to become Quality Accredited
The Aquadome is the first in South Australia to achieve Fitness Australia Quality Accreditation, with YMCA South Australia’s other seven facilities to undertake the accreditation process in the coming months.
The recently launched Quality Accreditation Program by Fitness Australia, the peak fitness industry association, is designed to continuously build on the quality of a fitness business, with customer care and value being the ultimate goals.
“Getting accredited is a great way for us to demonstrate the high quality of fitness services, customer care and business standards we provide for the local community,” says Andrew Mundy, General Manager – Operations at YMCA South Australia.
“It also provides great recognition for our team at the Aquadome who are passionate advocates for creating a healthy and happy community, and adds confidence to our members, guests and Council partners that we are delivering quality services that are constantly improved.”
“I commend the team on their drive for providing great customer service and business practices,” adds Mundy.
Scott Bumpstead, Manager of Quality Accreditation and Compliance at Fitness Australia, says “Fitness Australia Quality Accreditation Program participants are required to undertake a rigorous process and provide evidence of compliance relating to areas such as professionalism, safety, customer care, information and knowledge, people and leadership.”
The Quality Accreditation program also provides business managers with the opportunity to;
- Improve the effectiveness of their business;
- Provide greater value to their customers; and
- Raise community expectations of customer care and service.
Fitness Australia’s Quality Accreditation Program is available to fitness businesses in Australia via accreditation.fitness.org.au or for more information call 1300 211 311.
More about the Fitness Australia Quality Accreditation Program
The Fitness Australia Quality Accreditation program is the first continuous quality improvement program, designed for gyms, fitness centres, fitness businesses and clubs in Australia.
The Fitness Australia Quality Accreditation program encourages businesses to:
- Plan business processes, functions and procedures,
- Deliver consistent standards and service
- Check that customer expectations are being met.
Businesses that enrol in the program are required to collect customer feedback and complete an online 60 question Likert scale survey on their business practices. Businesses that perform suitably in these initial stages then take part in an onsite face to face or virtual audit where they are required to provide evidence of their current practices that are aligned to the Fitness Industry National Quality Framework.
Fitness Australia appoints new Chairperson, Jayne Blake, to drive business growth
(pictured Jayne Blake)
Fitness Australia, the peak fitness industry association, today announced that Jayne Blake, who recently joined their Board of Directors as an appointed member, will take office as the Chairperson at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in November.
“Jayne brings years of experience in the commercial and not-for-profit sector. Her appointment to the board and election as Chairperson will assist the association greatly in providing strong governance, as well as assisting the future development of a strategic plan that is aligned to the needs of the association and industry at large,” said David Allan, who will be retiring from his role as Chairperson and a member of the Board at Fitness Australia’s upcoming AGM.
Jayne Blake specialises in assisting people and organisations to effectively plan for, and drive personal and business growth.
“I have always been an avid consumer of fitness and I’m passionate about the industry. I’m excited and proud to have the opportunity to play a key role in a peak industry body such as Fitness Australia,” said Chairperson elect, Jayne Blake.
“I have worked with a wide range of industries and organisations and I look forward to translating my skills and experience to this role. There are great opportunities ahead and together the Board will work to deliver solid outcomes to address the changing needs of the fitness industry.”
“On behalf of Fitness Australia, we thank David Allan and Kristen Green, who are both retiring from the Board, for their dedication to enhancing the fitness industry.
“We thank David Allan for his leadership over the last three years as Chairperson and service as a Board member for a total of six years.”
“We also thank Kristen Green, an international award winning business woman, whose tenure has spanned ten years. Her involvement has included serving on the Fitness Australia Board of Directors for four years, Fitness NSW Board for one year, and two Fitness Austarlia Councils over a five year period,” an outstanding legacy of dedication to the fitness industry’s peak association Fitness Australia, adds Jayne.
(pictured David Allan, left and Kristen Green, right)
Fitness Australia’s Annual General Meeting will be held in Sydney on Thursday 15th November 2018.
YMCA WA Morley Sport and Recreation Centre becomes Western Australia’s first business to become Fitness Australia Quality Accredited
YMCA WA Morley Sport and Recreation Centre is now Fitness Australia Quality Accredited, becoming the first in Western Australia to achieve fitness business accreditation.
The recently launched Fitness Australia Quality Accreditation Program is designed to continuously build on the quality of a fitness business, with customer care and value being the ultimate goals.
David McIlhone, Manager of YMCA WA Morley Sport and Recreation Centre says “We viewed the program as an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to deliver high level fitness services and business standards to our local community.”
“As part of the program we conducted a thorough review of our policies and systems and as a result have implemented several positive changes to our procedures around service delivery.”
Greg Harris, interim CEO of Fitness Australia explains “The Fitness Australia Quality Accreditation Program is supported by the Fitness Industry National Quality Framework's six pillars, the program leads businesses through the accreditation process, which includes multiple modules designed to assess, identify and assist businesses in reaching the industry framework expectations.”
Program participants are required to undertake a rigorous process and provide evidence of compliance relating to areas such as professionalism, safety, customer care, information and knowledge, people and leadership, with the opportunity to:
- Improve the effectiveness of their business;
- Provide greater value to their customers; and
- Raise community expectations of customer care and service.
“The team from YMCA WA Morley Sport and Recreation Centre should be proud of this tremendous achievement and we congratulate them on their commitment to outstanding business practices and customer care,” said Greg.
Fitness Australia’s Quality Accreditation Program is available to fitness businesses in Australia via accreditation.fitness.org.au or for more information call 1300 211 311.
Australian Fitness Awards 2019 Nominations OPEN!
Calling All Outstanding Fitness Businesses and Professionals!
Nominations are now open for the Australian Fitness Awards 2019 powered by Fitness Australia.
The newly formed Awards are open to everyone in the industry and seek to recognise and celebrate outstanding businesses and professionals.
Anyone can put forward a nominee. Businesses and individuals can self-nominate.
The Australian Fitness Awards 2019 include seven business categories, three categories for individuals and one community award. Notably, the business awards have been redesigned to include new entrants such as Boutique Business of the Year and 24/7 Fitness Business of the Year.
Interim CEO of Fitness Australia, Greg Harris, said “The Australian Fitness Awards provide a tremendous opportunity for businesses and professionals to be acknowledged for the contribution they make to the industry and the impact they have in their community. With a range of new categories, and the ability for individuals and businesses to nominate themselves, as well as clients and customers being able to nominate them, the stage is set to find some truly remarkable stories”.
Award nominations open today August 16th and close by midnight on October 17th 2018.
Once the nomination period closes, all the nominations are sorted and finalists will be chosen by an independent panel of judges. All finalists will be notified by email with details of the next steps. The selection panel will then name the national award recipients in each of the 11 award categories.
The national winners of the Australian Fitness Awards 2019 will be announced in Sydney in April 2019.
The Australian Fitness Awards are proudly sponsored by ezidebit, Guild Insurance, GuildSuper and Les Mills.
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FILEX Immersive Powered by Fitness Australia
On the back of the wildly successful FILEX convention – the FILEX Immersion Series powered by Fitness Australia, is set to take place this October.
Designed to offer opportunities for fitness professionals to deepen their industry knowledge and skills, FILEX Immersive is comprised of two single day events: The Business Owner and Manager Event on Saturday 13th October and the Fitness Professional Event on Sunday 14th October.
To stay ahead of the game in a competitive fitness landscape, it’s essential to keep abreast of the latest information available. In order to be the best, it helps to learn from the best.
Business Immersive: 13 October 2018
Designed and targeted for managers, senior staff and owners of fitness businesses.
Fat Loss Immersive: 14 October 2018 (5 CECs)
For the professional fitness technician – the day tackles the latest concepts and ideas to achieve greater results and outcomes for your clients.
See full program and speakers.
Location
Both days will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, alongside The Fitness Show Melbourne 2018.