INDUSTRY
INSIGHT
News, views and lessons learnt
LIGHT AT END OF TUNNEL FOR
VIC CLUBS AND STUDIOS
Melbourne-based gyms and fitness facilities will be
able to reopen from Monday 26 October, with certain
restrictions in place, provided certain targets are
met, while regional Victorian facilities may be able to
reopen earlier, subject to targets and public health
advice.
The confirmation followed the controversial 6
September roadmap announcement by Victorian
Premier Daniel Andrews, which did not provide
clarity on the dates and restrictions for the industry
to reopen.
Fitness Australia CEO Barrie Elvish said ‘This
week Fitness Australia has received confirmation that
fitness facilities and gyms in metro Melbourne will be
able to open with set restrictions from Monday 26
October provided trigger points are met, while other
areas of Victoria may be able to open earlier if trigger
points are achieved.’
‘Although the restrictions are still to be
determined, Fitness Australia also welcomed the
verbal confirmation we received that the industry will
be engaged to develop protocols and procedures
for reopening and we are looking forward to working
with the Victorian Government in coming weeks.’
‘We know gyms can open and operate safely
with a robust COVID-Safe plan in place. We have
successfully achieved this in Queensland with the
endorsement and state-wide implementation of a
Fitness Australia-led Fitness Industry COVID Safe Plan and need to make this a
priority in Victoria.’
Elvish said that with job losses and uncertainty impacting the mental and
physical health of Victorians during isolation, getting people back to the gym
safely to resume an exercise routine was essential.
‘Fitness facilities and gyms are an essential service and we cannot
underestimate the vital role they play in managing and maintaining mental health,
physical health and wellbeing’ he said.
Source: Fitness Australia
8 | NETWORK SPRING 2020