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.
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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