The national winners in this year’s AUSactive National Awards have been announced and honoured at a Gala Event in Sydney 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 for the first time, this year’s AUSactive National Awards was focused on recognising outstanding individuals, businesses and community groups – showing how much the sector continues to evolve.  

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 (QLD) 
• Industry Innovation Award – Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre – City of Armadale (WA) 
• Social Value & Community Impact Award – Better Health Company 

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES

• Educator of the Year – Matthew Boulous (NSW) and Brooke Turner (WA) 
• Rising Star Exercise Instructor of the Year – Kathie Long (QLD) 
• 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 (QLD) 
• 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 (SA) 
• Student of the Year – Lauren Rouse (NSW) 
• Accredited Exercise Professional of the Year – Jenny Harrison (VIC) 

BUSINESS CATEGORIES

• Multiservice Business of the Year – Fitness Playground (NSW) 
• Independent Business of the Year – 5th Element Wellness (VIC) 
• 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 (VIC) 
• Franchise Group of the Year – Fernwood (National) 
• 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 – City of Armadale (WA) 
• People’s Choice Exercise Professional of the Year – Amy Anderson (QLD) 

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 

AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said this year’s revamped Awards Program has been a tremendous achievement for all. 

Mr Elvish said:

“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!