LOCAL LIFE
Lauren McMillen
Pacific Hills Christian School in Dural and, after gaining her Higher School Certificate, initially embarked on a career in childcare.“ That only lasted about six months until I realised I wanted to turn my love of sport into a career,” Lauren said.
“ I was always into sport- particularly swimming, where I made state finals in butterfly and freestyle, and Tae Kwon Do, where I earned my black belt at 10 years old.
“ I was keen to get into personal training and in 2014 landed a job as a group instructor at F45 Training in Richmond.”
In 2017, Lauren’ s passion and drive saw her take on the head coach role at Chelsea Ryan’ s Mummy Movement Gym in Bowman Street, Richmond.
“ The gym primarily offered pre- and post-natal training for pregnant women, but in 2022 it was rebranded as Women’ s Fitness Collective, catering for women of all ages,” Lauren said.
Her dedication and skill soon saw Lauren become Chelsea’ s right-hand woman, and in 2024 she didn’ t hesitate to purchase the business when Chelsea decided to sell.
“ Apart from my husband Scott and our kids- seven-year-old Luca and four-yearold Banks- this business is my life, my hobby … my everything,” Lauren said.
Such is the gym’ s reputation that Women’ s Fitness Collective now boasts 75 enthusiastic members, ranging in age
from 18 to a handful of sexagenarians.( Calm down- that means people in their sixties!)
Long-time member Emma was one of many clients quick to sing the gym’ s praises.
“ I’ ve been training at WFC since 2019, and there is honestly not one thing I would change,” Emma said.
“ I love every aspect of what WFC offers women, and the fact that it’ s so much more than just another gym.
“ All the women behind WFC strive to excel in everything they do, both personally and professionally.
“ That’ s not only inspiring, but it also means as a client I get the best experience across the board- from the crèche and nutrition advice to the programming. They always go above and beyond.”
’ Nuff said!
Lauren McMillen Key Achievements
• Third strongest woman in Australia
• 18th strongest woman in the world( Under 73kg division)
• Competed at the 2024 Strongman Games, Arlington, Texas
• Third place – Australian Strongman Championships 2024( Bendigo)
• Black belt in Tae Kwon Do at age 10
• State finalist in swimming( butterfly and freestyle)
• Owner and Head Coach – Women’ s Fitness Collective, Richmond
She’ s wheelie strong! Powerful in mind and body is powerlifting champion Lauren McMillen.
KURMOND
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THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 189 // FEBRUARY 2026 7