Celebrating 30 years of Achievement Celebrating 30 Years of Achievement | Page 37

JUSTINE NORTHCOTT I worked at Network in the days when we had to boot up our computers with a disc, and to send emails you had to take your turn on the only computer with internet access in the meeting room! Yes, it was a long time ago – the late 1990s in fact – but my memories of my bosses Greg and Nigel are still as clear as if it were yesterday. Nigel was the one we all went to with our troubles and woes. He was always up for a gossip and a laugh – a friendly dad type, you could turn to, who would solve your problems and give you a shoulder to cry on. Greg was a boss I was half in fear and half in awe of. His ideas were visionary and he was always pushing us to achieve more than we ever thought possible. I remember one of those times was when he wanted the Network magazine to be sold at newsagencies as a commercial magazine. But, as Greg well understands, when given a challenge we rise to the occasion. So, I did. And was the better for it. Thank you, Greg and Nigel for the inspiring and strong leadership you provided during the six years I worked at Network. For showing me what it means to be part of a happy and energetic community and for giving me such sweet memories of a place that was more like a second home than an office. ZOSHA PIOTROWSKI I travelled to Sydney in 1989 and the ACHPER course changed my life. I still remember Nigel introducing the course and being so positive about our prospects in this brand new industry. After that course I popped into the Network office, which was literally, a tiny shoe box in Spofforth Street in Cremorne, to collect some TRAX tapes, and there I met a bubbly, energetic lady called Lisa (Champion). Years later, finishing one degree and moving to Sports Science, and endless training in competitive aerobics and teaching in all the major gyms in Sydney, I came back to Network which was now significantly bigger, having moved to Neutral Bay, to meet with Nigel. I had energy, passion, my CV and 1,000 reasons why they should employ me as a lecturer. Nigel then asked if I would like to cover a lecture the next week! The team was so supportive and Nigel was and still is, a great voice of reason for me. What Greg, and Nigel have done as a business, and for the fitness industry, is amazing. Now many years older and having presented all around the world (including 18 FILEX events), I know that what they have created is the best in the world. Congratulations, and thank you for your amazing insight into and passion for the fitness industry. JAMIE & ELLEN HAYES We still remember the early days of Network, when Nigel and Garry Egger had a loft office (with ladder entrance) in Willoughby. From memory, around 1981, we opened The Club World of Fitness in Castlereagh Street. We became friends with Tony de Leede around that same time, as he was doing stuff in Atlanta. We met Nigel soon after and both attended his first fitness leader course. In 1984, we opened Aerobic City and Nigel soon became a regular attendee. We hung out together a lot; he didn’t drink coffee but learned to enjoy hot chocolate! Greg came on the scene through his work with Jazzfitness (The Mills), and a huge club in Newcastle. We remember when he won the Aerobic Championships in Sydney. Nigel and Greg were natural partners, each with their own strengths and we can’t believe it’s been 30 years since all that happened. Congratulations and happy 30th to you both.