In celebration of International Yoga Day on June 21, Belgravia Leisure is sharing the story of Deb Quilliam, Smithton Wellbeing Indoor Recreation & Leisure (SWIRL) in Tasmania, Fitness Instructor and Swim Teacher, who has completed a 200-hour Vinyasa yoga teacher training course in Sri Lanka, strengthening her ability to support community health and wellbeing through movement.
“Completing the course in Sri Lanka was an incredible experience. The natural surroundings with the ocean and wildlife created a calm and focused environment for learning,” Deb said.
“The experience has expanded my teaching approach and given me new ways to support people in their health and wellbeing journeys.”
The qualification builds on Deb’s more than 20 years of experience working in community wellbeing through aquatics, fitness and education.
Building skills to support both physical and mental wellbeing
Deb completed her training in a coastal region of Sri Lanka, where a small group learning environment supported both professional development and personal growth.
The training focused on Vinyasa yoga, a practice that supports strength, flexibility, balance and body awareness while encouraging participants to slow down and reconnect.
A career shaped by connection across the globe
Deb has worked in aquatics for more than two decades, across roles including Aquatic Manager and Swim School Coordinator and returned to SWIRL following a two-year coaching contract in Nepal.
While yoga was not initially part of her career pathway, after living and working in Cambodia on an AusAid assignment in 2017, completing a yoga qualification became a long-term goal. Injury in a motorbike accident delayed these plans with 2026 becoming the year she committed to achieving her dream.
Deb added that the practice became an important part of her approach to holistic wellbeing following participation in classes.
“I was encouraged to attend a class by a friend and quickly discovered the physical and mental benefits. It has helped me create space to pause and reset.”
Deb has also worked on assignment in Vietnam in a drowning prevention program. The experience sparked a lifelong passion for drowning prevention and community education, which continues to influence her work today through aquatics, Surf Life Saving and volunteering with Ambulance Tasmania.
Creating inclusive and connected spaces
Deb’s focus is on creating welcoming environments where people feel comfortable, supported and connected, supporting the important role leisure venues play in maintaining social connection.
“Creating an inclusive environment is very important to me. I want everyone to feel welcome and free to be themselves,” Deb continued.
“For many people, these classes are an important part of their social life and sense of community. I enjoy helping create those connections and an environment where people feel motivated – and excited to return.”
On June 26, SWIRL is hosting its first International Yoga Day Yoga class. To learn more about health, wellbeing and fitness programs at SWIRL in Tasmania, visit the website.
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