2023 AUSactive National Award Winners Announced

There were winners announced across more than 30 categories at the 2023 AUSactive National Awards, held in Melbourne last week. The sold-out gala event highlighted talent from across the country, and marked the biggest annual awards program for the Australian health and wellbeing industry in recent years.

What is the AUSactive National Awards Program?

Formerly known in the industry as the Australian Fitness Awards, the AUSactive National Awards Program recognises and celebrates professionals, business owners and industry experts who demonstrate passion, care and dedication day-in, day-out, helping others to be more physically active. Entries are judged and awards are granted by the members of an independent industry judging panel.

ausactive national awards 2023

Who are the 2023 AUSactive National Award Winners?

The national event ran alongside individual state and territory events, which allowed for further recognition where it was due in city and regional areas throughout Australia and across several categories. This year’s AUSactive National Award Winners were (in order of category):

Accredited Exercise Professional of the Year: Jo-Anne Starkie

Aqua Professional of the Year: Marlee King

CEC provider of the Year: Polestar Pilates Australia

CEC provider of the Year: Australian Institute of Fitness

Educator of the Year: Kimberley Garlick

LesMills Exercise Instructor of the Year: Joel Costello

Franchise Group of the Year: Fitness Enhancement Personal Training

Franchisee of the Year: Adam Kennedy, World Gym Chullora

Functional Fitness Business of the Year: Gunnedah Health & Fitness Co

Functional Fitness Trainer of the Year: Steven Halligan

LesMills Group Exercise Leader of the Year: Lisa-Marie Gleeson

Active Xchange Healthy Council Award: City of Kwinana – Healthy Lifestyles in Kwinana Project

MyZone Independent Business of the Year: Deadlifts and Deathmetal

Technogym Industry Innovation Award: Cérge, Belgravia Leisure and Belgravia Foundation

Leisure Centre of The Year: Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre

Mental Health Awareness Award: Fernwood Fitness – Mental Health First Aid

Most Inclusive and/or Diverse Program: Confit Pathways

OneMusic Multiservice Business of the Year: 5th Element Wellness

OneMusic Personal Trainer of the Year: Korin Koutsomihalis

Pilates Journal Pilates Business of the Year: Strong Pilates Somerton Park

Pilates Journal Pilates Professional of the Year: Catherine Giannitto

Active Xchange Social Value & Community Impact Award: Good Energy Run Club

OnePlayground Student of the Year: Patrick Mitchell

Yoga Business of the Year: One Big Heart

Yoga Professional of the Year: Ellen Nash

People’s Choice – Registered Professional: Dorothy Gaunt

People’s Choice Large Business: Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre

People’s Choice Medium Sized Business: Fernwood St Kilda

People’s Choice Small Business: Halligan’s Fitness

Guild Insurance Quality Accredited Business of the Year: Goldfields Oasis

Special Awards                 

Chairs Award: Justin McDonell

Roll of Honour: Chris Hicks

Roll of Honour: Korin Koutsomihalis

Roll of Honour: Marietta Mehanni

Roll of Honour: Paul Brown

Barrie Elvish, AUSactive CEO, said this year’s Awards Program celebrated the increased scope of the Australian health, fitness and wellbeing industry.

“Congratulations to our national and state winners! Last night was all about you and I’m immensely proud of your achievements. This year we had more entries from the increasing number of modalities AUSactive supports than ever before and I can only see this continuing to grow in years to come,” 

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