When I heard the Network magazine was being retired , a casualty of the digital age , I couldn ’ t help but remember back to its very non-digital beginnings . When I joined as Network editor in 1996 , the only email we had access to was on a single computer in the meeting room , so everyone in the office had to book time slots to use it . The magazine ’ s contributing authors sent their articles to me on the fax machine ; I still remember the long sheets of fax messages spilling out all over the floor ! When the designer finished mocking up each issue , they sent the paper proofs to me via courier . I ’ d mark up the amendments and courier them back . I loved the six years I was editor at Network and recall these days fondly . We were never short of contributors who were happy to write articles for us just for the glory of being published in Network magazine ! It was a great publication that encapsulated the spirit of the fitness industry as I remember it – bright , vivacious , generous and supportive .
Justine Northcott , former Network editor and Director of JN Editorial
Network magazine - Wow ! Edition 1 , black and white with orange highlights . I remember when it was a double sided piece of A4 paper , and I wrote a music column for it . Gradually it became A3 folded in half . So many articles , photos , stories - it was the ‘ Aerobics Instructors Bible ’. We did silly photo shoots trying to replicate movements and then added verbose written explanations of the moves . It was the way we communicated and shared information , and being on the cover meant you were fitness royalty .
Lesley Gray , Group Ex Freestyler and original contributor
What an amazing and extraordinary resource Network magazine has been , providing Australian and New Zealand fitness professionals with years of education , inspiration and connection . On a personal note , thank you for the wonderful opportunity to contribute to the magazine , writing on numerous topics over more than 20 years . Words cannot express how grateful I am to Nigel , Lisa , Justine , Analee , Oli and everyone else involved with Network magazine . It was your encouragement , support and editing that allowed me to develop my writing and , thus , so many opportunities , including my four books , are all thanks to you !
These may be the last of my words that will appear in the magazine format , but this prehistoric man is moving with the times , and will continue publishing the Research Reviews on the Network site . To Liz Dene , I thank you for initiating this journey ; to the Network magazine team , especially Oli our editor and Jack the primary designer , you make us look damn good . I thank you all for your patience and support , which my Research Review colleague and friend Dr Joe Walsh and I continue to enjoy .
Assoc Prof Mike Climstein , Network magazine ’ s most published contributor
I was only recently going through my old files and found all of the articles I used to write for Network . It brought back memories of how proud I felt that I was trusted to write for them . Until that point my confidence with writing was quite low and working with the team , mainly Analee , helped me hone my craft . When I was reading back the articles I could see my voice growing and becoming stronger . It was a great time to be a part of the Network family . I will always be so grateful for the support and the camaraderie and the teamwork that was ingrained in me from those early days . I don ’ t think I would be the presenter and collaborator that I am today without those times under and beside the Network banner .
Marcus Irwin , Group Fitness legend and multiple magazine cover star
Well , with the last issue of Network magazine in December 2021 , my thoughts turn to what the magazine has meant to me over the last 35 years . I must admit to being a hoarder and still have some of the black ink editions prior to the colour printed version . When Network arrived , I would pore over the information , reading the magazine from front to back several times . Many issues were revisited over the years , taking pride of place in the bookcase . Network magazine gave us information specific to our industry and to our work , it kept us informed and , most importantly , it kept our fitness family and friends connected . To all those involved over the years , THANK YOU .
Laraine Dunn , Aqua fitness educator and contributor
Lisa Westlake , Fitball exercise specialist , former Network Author of the Year
18 | NETWORK SUMMER 2021