Former AFL star Corey McKernan secures Sunshine Coast site to create new mind and body wellness sanctuary

North Melbourne dual premiership AFL player and 1996 AFLPA MVP Corey McKernan has advised that he has secured a prominent location at Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast where he will open a mind and body lifestyle centre which will include shake and coffee bar Health Junkee.

McKernan has partnered with experienced fitness and wellness practitioner Shane Nettleton to establish The Reset Sanctuary in a spacious 192 square metre floor area at 90 Aerodrome Road, Maroochydore.

McKernan advised “I’m really excited to bring this unique type of lifestyle centre to the Sunshine Coast, we’ll have the latest facilities including ice baths, both a traditional and an infrared sauna, compression boots, a relaxation space where members can grab a coffee or a smoothie while they unwind, as well as meditate and recharge between sessions.

“Above all Shane and I want to create a community where our members will have access to leading health, wellness and nutrition speakers who will join us on a regular basis for exclusive events and workshops. We are creating a space which will enable individuals to live better, feel better and thrive at all stages of life.

“As we move on from Covid, we know that now, more than ever, people are seeking real connection so we want to encourage our members to connect with like-minded individuals who are all striving for the same goals.”

Noting that the facility will include the latest equipment which will help people of all ages and abilities improve their physical and mental health, Nettleton added “our real point of difference will be our holistic approach to recovery. I’ve been in the fitness and wellness industry for more than fifteen years and I have no doubt that there is absolute value in combining physical and mental wellness.”

Health Junkee founder Natalie Jacobson said she was thrilled to open a new shake and coffee bar at The Reset Sanctuary going on to say “when Corey spoke to me about the vision for The Reset Sanctuary, I quickly saw how aligned our business values were. We are the perfect match to support people of all ages on their health and wellness journey.

“Having clients come in to improve their physical and mental health is the perfect target audience for our business and being in the heart of Maroochydore opens us up to a whole new client base. However, the key for me was Corey’s desire to create a real community where people can connect as well as learn from guest speakers and participate in workshops so they not only restore their body but also elevate their mind.

“We will have seating inside and outside where we will serve a set menu of protein shakes, health smoothies and snacks as well as barista made coffee using Broadway beans from Toby Estate. Customers can also choose from a range of healthy ‘Grab and Go’ food including fruit salads, chia bowls, bars and cookies as well as a curated selection of sports supplements and wellness products.”

Since relocating to the Sunshine Coast from Melbourne with his family in 2019, McKernan has focussed on his long standing sports event business and in 2020 he commenced a not-for-profit ‘Walk With Me’ to help people connect with free, live walks over Zoom each week during the pandemic.

McKernan went on say “commencing The Reset Sanctuary is the next logical step forward for me as we look to take the values and experiences from Walk With Me to a brick and mortar setting where we can create a community where people can proactively look after themselves both physically and mentally.”

The Reset Sanctuary is expected to open in Autumn 2026.

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Image: Health Junkee's Natalie Jacobson and The Reset Sanctuary's Corey McKernan and Shane Nettleton.