AusLeisure

The recent 2011 Australian Health and Fitness Industry Awards also saw Fitness Australia announce its inaugural Fitness Industry Honour Roll, inducting 15 people whose contribution to the development of Fitness Australia has been significant.

Fitness Australia Chairman Paul Kinghorn explains that "the Roll of Honour recognises the significant time and expertise that has been given by health and fitness professionals to further the fitness industry in Australia, these individuals have worked to raise industry standards and improve the lifestyle of everyday Australians."

Those recognised on the Roll of Honour have been included for their work in developing Fitness Australia and promoting the positive values of the fitness industry.

Kinghorn adds "in recognising these individuals as devoted champions of health and fitness, we hope to encourage the entire industry to approach their work with the same vigour and commitment. "

The 15 honoured are:

• Elizabeth Bennett - President of Fitness ACT from 2006 to 2007;
• Helen Benson - President of Fitness Victoria from 2006 to 2007;
• Nigel Champion - co-founder of the NSW Fitness Council;
• Monty Dortkamp (posthumous award) - the first President of Fitness Australia in 1999;
• Dean Ewington - President of Fitness Tasmania from 2006 to 2007;
• Mark Forrest - President of Fitness NSW in 2006;
• Greg Hurst - co-founder of the NSW Fitness Council;
• Julie Johnson - former Vice President of Fitness Australia;
• Susan Kingsmill (pictured) - President of Fitness Australia in 2004 to 2009;
• Maria Osborne - President of Fitness WA from 2006 to 2007;
• Dale Martin - President of Recreation SA from 2006 to 2007;
• Dr. Robbie Parker - former Director of Fitness Australia and NSW;
• Renae Sands - President of Fitness QLD in 2007;
• Lauretta Stace - Current Chief Executive Officer of Fitness Australia;
• Justin Tamsett - President of Fitness NSW in 2007

Among those honoured, Lauretta Stace explained "I would like to see greater levels of community participation within the fitness industry so that more people can achieve the health benefits and improved quality of life that the industry delivers."

Stace also believes the fitness industry should be firmly positioned as a key service provider in preventative health care, and is beginning to receive the recognition that it deserves from health and medical professionals.

Justin Tamsett, Managing Director of Active Management, added "I am so honoured to be part of such a group of people. Nigel Champion, Greg Hurst, Robbie Parker, Julie Johnson, Susan Kingsmill and the late Monty Dortkamp are some people I have admired for their tireless energy to improve the fitness industry.

"I never considered myself an equal contributor. I am humbled by this award."

Tamsett started as the President of the Fitness Centres Association in 1993 and was instrumental working with the NSW Government to form Fitness NSW.

He was appointed as the inaugural President in 1994 and then elected for thee terms as President of FitnessNSW until 2001. During which time he was also Vice President of Fitness Australia. Returning to the Board in 2006, Justin was the final President of FitnessNSW before the amalgamation of the state bodies to Fitness Australia in 2008.

Tamsett adds "people who I have worked with over the years have had enormous passion for the fitness industry. They gave up their time, as they knew the industry needed to be galvanised if it were to achieve anything in the future. There are hundreds of people I have been fortunate enough to work with.

"And each one of them has contributed to my recognition. I appreciate their support, counsel and guidance."

19th October 2011 - FITNESS AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES LIFT FOR LIFE START-UP GRANTS

12th October 2011 - MINISTER TO PRESENT AUSTRALIAN HEALTH & FITNESS AWARDS 

7th June 2011 - APRA AND FITNESS AUSTRALIA REACH AGREEMENT ON LICENCE SCHEME FOR FITNESS CLASSES

13th May 2011 - HIGH COURT DISMISSES PPCA APPEAL ON MUSIC IN FITNESS

1st November 2010 - GO HEALTH IMPROVES MEMBER EXPERIENCE WITH DIGITAL SIGNATURE CAPTURE 

16th April 2009 - REWARDING THE BEST IN FITNESS

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Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.