AUSTRALIAN FITNESS NETWORK ' S 2016 AWARD WINNERS
At the recent FILEX convention , Australian Fitness Network recognised the tireless efforts of those who lead the way in our industry .
A t the Opening Ceremony of the recent FILEX fitness
industry convention , Network ’ s Executive Director Nigel
Champion took great pleasure in honouring four individuals who go above and beyond in their dedication to this amazing industry .
Lisa Westlake – Lifetime Achievement
Lisa ’ s distinguished career has seen her combining her twin passions of physiotherapy and exercise to make a real difference in the lives of thousands of people , from oncology , cystic fibrosis and renal patients , to weekend warriors and mums-to-be .
The pioneer of instructor Fitball training in Australia and co-creator of Melbourne University ’ s Exercise for Women postgraduate course , she was also instrumental in helping set up the highly regarded Pelvic Floor First project .
Through her company , Physical Best , Lisa espouses the philosophy that everyone , of any age or level , can reap the physical and emotional benefits of exercise – especially when there ’ s also a good dose of fun thrown in . Read Lisa ’ s ‘ Perspective ’ feature on page 8
Mark McKean , PhD – Author of the Year
Mark is a fitness industry veteran of almost three decades . As a Senior Research Fellow at the University of the Sunshine Coast , he developed the Fitness Research program and the Journal of Fitness Research , which has enabled him to share industry-specific information with Network ’ s savvy members .
Mark firmly believes that it ’ s only through education and increased awareness of quality information that we can make a real difference to the health and wellness of all Australians .
Network ’ s editor , Oliver Kitchingman , said : ‘ In an age where we can get fitness information – and misinformation – from countless self-styled online experts , it ’ s more important than ever to cut through the noise to get balanced and scientifically-based content from an experienced and trusted source . Mark consistently ticks all these boxes .’ Read Mark ’ s ‘ Evidence-based Practice ’ feature on page 37
Eleni Psillakis – Inspiration Award
With over 27 years ’ experience in the fitness and education industries , Eleni has overcome mental health and selfworth issues to dedicate her life to raising awareness of eating disorders .
Thirty years after failing to receive proper psychological help as a teenager , when physically recovering from an eating disorder , Eleni was diagnosed with severe clinical depression stemming from the same unresolved issues that caused the earlier eating disorder behaviours .
Eventually beating the depression , after her recovery , Eleni wrote the CEC-approved program ‘ An Insight to Anorexia Nervosa for Fitness Professionals ’. Heading up a steering committee for managing and identifying eating disorders in the fitness industry , Eleni firmly believes that fitness professionals can be part of the solution for people with mental health challenges .
Claire Norgate – Presenter of the Year
Claire is a yoga teacher , qualified nurse and midwife who has also completed two masters ’ degrees and is currently studying physiotherapy . Her appetite for learning is matched only by her passion for sharing her knowledge and experience with fellow fitness professionals .
Having presented at countless FILEX and WAFIC conventions , she brings a dynamic approach to learning concepts that in other hands could be dry and overly-technical . The effort that goes into her presentations is always apparent to those lucky enough to experience them .
Ryan Hogan , Network ’ s CEO said : ‘ Over the years Claire has been so supportive and helpful with our events , continually delivering above and beyond the expectations of a world class presenter . She is unquestionably one of Australia ’ s – and the world ’ s – top fitness presenters .’
NETWORK WINTER 2016 | 17