There must be something in the water at Moonee Valley City Council’s leisure centres, with not one but two local team members being named state finalists in the prestigious AUSactive Awards 2023.
The team members, based out of Keilor East Leisure Centre (KELC) and Ascot Vale Leisure Centre(AVLC), have been recognised for their exceptional dedication in supporting their local communities to achieve their health and wellbeing goals. They now have a chance to take home national awards in September.
Aaron Joyner, a local fitness instructor at Keilor East Leisure Centre was named state finalist for AUSactive Victoria’s Yoga Professional of the Year. With excellent member retention and the ability to grow traditionally difficult time slots, Aaron’s classes consistently perform well and regularly receive positive member-driven feedback. Aaron puts his heart and soul into his work, constantly educating and training himself above and beyond what is required.
Aaron’s professional career in musical theatre put him in good stead for his career in yoga, whereby his unmatched performance style and ability to work with music lifts him above other instructors.
With the capacity to cater to both modern and traditional needs in his yoga classes, Aaron’s chameleon-like appeal crosses a broad spectrum of demographics and age groups, across an impressive variety of class styles.
“What an unexpected delight and honour to be recognised by the peak industry body for a job I am so passionate about and feel fortunate to have,” said Aaron.
Marianne Saada of Ascot Vale Leisure Centre was named a state finalist for Group Exercise Leader of the year and has over 10 years’ experience under her belt.
Instructing across Reformer Pilates, Mat Pilates, Body Pump, Les Mills Core, Body Step, Aqua Aerobics and Freestyle Cycle, Marianne’s classes are popular due to her attention to detail, ability to be flexible around the needs of individuals and her commanding instruction.
“It is an amazing feeling to be recognised by my peers for the hard work I put into my classes and our program,” said Marianne.
“Seeing members return to classes each week gives the motivation to plan and execute the best experience I can possibly can.”
As finalists in the AUSactive Awards, Belgravia Leisure’s Victorian state finalists serve as a source of motivation and encouragement for all to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the health and leisure industry, and to keep inspiring the local community to work towards a healthier lifestyle.
The AUSactive National Awards, formerly known as the Fitness Australia Awards, have a proud history recognising and celebrating the outstanding achievements of the Australian health and exercise industry.
Together with Moonee Valley City Council, and the teams at Ascot Vale Leisure Centre and Keilor East Leisure Centre, Belgravia Leisure look forward to the National AUSactive Gala Night on Friday, 15 September.
