AUSactive Awards recognise excellence in Australia’s fitness industry

The national winners in this year’s AUSactive National Awards have been announced and honoured at a Gala Event in Sydney on Friday night in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 250 people. 

Showcasing the best fitness professionals, business owners and industry experts from right across the country the night was a celebration for an industry that has faced many challenges in the past two years.

Featuring 32 award categories, this year’s revamped AUSactive National Awards focused on recognising outstanding individuals, businesses and community groups - showing how much the sector continues to evolve. 

Noting that the expanded 2022 Awards Program had been a tremendous achievement for all, AUSactive Chief Executive, Barrie Elvish stated “congratulations to our national winners! You should be very proud of your achievement in being recognised as the best in the industry. Your dedication, care and passion for your work in helping people through health and fitness has been outstanding.

“The popular People’s Choice Awards also gave an opportunity for the broader industry and community to participate as well. In total we received more than 11,247 votes from 10,623 unique voters.

“From category nominees through to our state winners, supporting businesses and our AUSactive Awards Judging Panel and team a sincere thank you to all of you.

“This year’s awards was our biggest yet, receiving more than 586 unique entrants across the 28 categories - I can’t wait for next year!”

Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre was a significant winner on the night, securing awards in three categories.

The AUSactive National Awards 2022 National Winners are: 

Special Categories 
Roll of Honour - Mel Tempest and special honours to John Holsinger and Don Hartley who are no longer with us 
Life Members - Christine Atkins and Margie Cerato

Community Categories 
Mental Health Awareness Award - Mums and Bubs Get Wet for Wellbeing and Sonder PACE Program 
Most Inclusive and or Diverse Program - Move it NQ (Queensland) 
Industry Innovation Award - Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre - City of Armadale (Western Australia) 
Social Value & Community Impact Award - Better Health Company 

Individual Categories 
Educator of the Year - Matthew Boulous (NSW) and Brooke Turner (Western Australia) 
Rising Star Exercise Instructor of the Year - Kathie Long (Queensland) 
Exercise Instructor of the Year - Korin Koutsomihalis (NSW) 
Rising Star Personal Trainer of the Year - Emma Combs (ACT) 
Personal Trainer of the Year - Lauren Antonenko (Queensland) 
Group Exercise Leader of the Year - Sarah Ford 
Pilates Professional of the Year - Tom Roman (NSW) and Jill Healy-Quintard 
Yoga Professional of the Year - Loraine Rushton (NSW) 
Aqua Professional of the Year - Donna Wilmot (South Australia) 
Student of the Year - Lauren Rouse (NSW) 
Accredited Exercise Professional of the Year - Jenny Harrison (Victoria)

Business Categories 
Multiservice Business of the Year - Fitness Playground (NSW) 
Independent Business of the Year - 5th Element Wellness (Victoria)
Pilates Business of the Year - Anita Delbridge Goswell - Lifestyle Pilates and Rehabilitation Studio (NSW) 
Yoga Business of the Year - Body and Balance 
Certified Business of the Year - Reach Movement Health (NSW) 
Quality Accredited Business of the Year - Richmond Recreation Centre (Victoria)
Franchise Group of the Year - Fernwood Fitness
CEC provider of the Year - Fitness Education Online (NSW)

People’s Choice Categories 
People’s Choice Business of the Year - Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre
People’s Choice Exercise Professional of the Year - Amy Anderson (Queensland) 

10Thousandfeet Awards 
Employer of Choice - Multi Location - Fernwood Fitness Shellharbour 
Employer of Choice - Individual Location / Independent - Aquafit 
Member Love PT/Group Training - Extend Barre 
Member Love Small Footprint - Low staff/24/7 - Snap Fitness 
Member Love Big Box Gym - World Gym Australia 

Images: The shortlist for the Multiservice Business of the Year at the 2022 AUSactive National Awards (top, credit: Amanda Bracks) and the AUSactive team at the Awards (below).