Rooty Hill’ s One55 Health & Fitness relaunched
with Matt“ Duck Man” Austin
Australia’ s health and fitness industry is booming, generating around $ 2 billion in revenue annually. With Australians spending approximately $ 8.5 billion each year on fitness-related products and services, the sector continues to be a major contributor to the economy. Beyond the dollars, the industry plays a vital role in supporting healthier, more active lifestyles and nowhere is that more evident than at One55 Health & Fitness in Rooty Hill.
Recently, I attended the exciting relaunch of One55, located at West HQ( formerly Rooty Hill RSL). The revamped facility now boasts state of the art equipment, private fitness studios, and a sauna, offering everything you could need to reach your goals, whether that’ s
Getting fit at One55 Health & Fitness. building strength, losing weight, or ticking off a personal best.
The event had all the energy of a festival. Nova 96.9 was broadcasting live at the entrance, while enthusiastic membership staff engaged with crowds, promoting new packages and special offers. The buzz was infectious, even before stepping inside, the motivational quotes lining the staircase set the tone, inspiring visitors to push past self-doubt and get moving.
Once inside, the atmosphere was electric. A DJ pumped out high-energy beats across the floor, driving the tempo for every workout. From Zone 1’ s dedicated treadmill and cross-trainer area, to Zone 2’ s weights, and Zone 3’ s free weights, the gym offers something for everyone. Upstairs, assault bikes roared as members powered through sessions.
During my tour, I was guided by Elly, one of One55’ s passionate trainers who has been part of the team for three years. She was thrilled to see so many new faces exploring the upgraded space. Elly explained that One55 offers a wide range of classes from Les Mills programs and Zumba to Pilates and Yoga designed to cater to all fitness levels.
The enthusiasm was clear. Regular members were just as impressed as newcomers, praising the new equipment, fresh layout, and energised vibe. The newly refurbished change rooms also received glowing feedback, now featuring modern lockers, showers, and everything needed for a comfortable postworkout routine.
After my own workout, I stopped by the Nutrition Stop Café, which was buzzing with activity. The café offers a fantastic selection of protein snacks, smoothies, My Muscle Chef meals, fresh fruit, sandwiches, and energy drinks perfect for refuelling before or after training. There’ s even a line of One55 merchandise, including shirts, hoodies, and towels.
I also caught up with Sarah Turner from the West HQ marketing team, who was thrilled with the relaunch’ s success and the strong community response.
“ We’ re seeing a real surge in excitement,” Sarah said, noting that One55 currently has between 3,500 and 4,000 members, with numbers expected to grow as part of West HQ’ s broader community network.
The relaunch marks a new era for
Elly, a trainer, showing me around the gym.
One55 Health & Fitness, one that’ s setting a benchmark for local gyms. With modern facilities, a vibrant community spirit, and a renewed commitment to health and wellbeing, One55 is truly a game-changer for Rooty Hill and the surrounding region.
Plumpton Braves Baseball Club winning over the community
with Matt“ Duck Man” Austin
Tucked away in Alroy Park, behind Plumpton Public School and just a short stroll from Plumpton Shopping Centre, the Plumpton Braves Baseball Club is one of the area’ s best-kept sporting secrets. I discovered this firsthand when I dropped in one Thursday afternoon to see what the Braves are all about.
Club President Belinda Scicluna shared that the Braves first took to the diamond back in 1996, following a breakaway led by Paul Robinson, who helped establish the new club. In its debut year, the Braves fielded just three teams, a tee-ball side and two others, and Belinda proudly recalls being one of the original members.
Nearly 30 years later, that strong sense of family and community remains at the heart of the club, with many founding
Cherokee Team Div 1 grand finalists. Credit: PBBC.
players and their families still actively involved today. In fact, there are now three generations of the Wilson family playing for the Braves. and they’ ll even be celebrating a wedding on the diamond!
The club is built around inclusivity, fun and community spirit. It welcomes new players of all ages to learn, play, and enjoy baseball. The atmosphere is warm and positive, with a strong emphasis on giving kids the chance to be active, play alongside friends, and build lifelong connections through sport. This summer, the Braves are proudly fielding five junior teams- representing around 50 – 60 young players- along with three senior teams. Baseball is an all-year-round sport at Plumpton, and during winter, the club fields another five teams, with many players returning season after season. The club’ s new committee of 12, including general members, has been hard at work strengthening the club’ s structure and future direction.
Among the senior ranks are some seriously talented players, including NSW Bluesox representatives and even international standouts. Dylan Clark has represented Australia as a pitcher, Cody Godbold is another skilled pitcher, and Liam Doolan, formerly with the LA Dodgers, boasts an impressive 3.63 ERA and 43 strikeouts, throwing heat in the upper 90mph range. Belinda herself plays in the women’ s team and in the State League on Friday nights, as well as occasionally with the men’ s squads.
The club offers clear player pathways, with Under 16s transitioning into senior grades. Girls aged 15 and up can play in adult competitions, though many have moved into the dedicated women’ s leagues.
The Division 1 and 2 women’ s State League competitions continue to grow in strength, and the Braves’ Division 1 men’ s team has reached the grand final in each of the past two years. The Division 4 side, affectionately known as Team Esky, started in Division 7 and has made every grand final over the last four years, a remarkable feat.
Family connections run deep, with many kids now playing alongside their dads. This year, the club welcomed 25 new registrations, including two more female players, Ellie and Danielle, who’ ve joined the senior ranks. Each senior team has between 12 and 14 players, creating a close knit and competitive environment.
The Braves are currently seeking more tee-ball and Under 10 players, as well as new sponsors to help support their growing programs. The committee has been focused on rebuilding the club’ s reputation, developing qualified coaches, and improving the facilities at Alroy Park,
Yurok grand final winners, 2023. Credit: PBBC.
one of the few local fields equipped with lights. With their strong relationship with the Greater Western Baseball Association, the club is aiming to operate with a more professional structure that delivers longterm rewards for its members.
Off the field, the Braves are just as community minded. Plans are underway for a Halloween Night fundraiser( gold coin donation) and a Christmas Party for the juniors, complete with pizza, of course! The club also continues its tradition of holding the end-of-season presentation at Jamberoo, a highlight for players and families alike for the past three years.
From humble beginnings to a thriving, family-oriented club, the Plumpton Braves continue to prove that with passion, teamwork, and community spirit small clubs can achieve big things.
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 56 // NOVEMBER 2025 21