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At Aquarena Aquatic & Leisure Centre
What has been your greatest career challenge to date?
Staying on top of the profession. I never stop learning new skills and
keeping abreast of health and fitness developments.
And your greatest highlight?
Being accepted as an instructor at the ripe old age of 91 by clients
and peers! It is an honour to be referred to as a role model for the
benefits of physical exercise.
Who has inspired you in your fitness industry career, and
why?
Sue Stanley, the great Australian Aerobics champion who became my
mentor in her Maidstone Gym when I started my career in aerobics.
Later on, in aqua, there was and still is, JSP (Jenny Schembri-Portelli)
– a constant source of inspiration, and two men who are true leaders
in aqua: Dominic Gili of AquaFitnessOnline here in Australia, and
Mark Grevelding from Fitmotivation in the US. And there is one more
remarkable, inspiring woman in our industry, Marietta Mehanni, who
just has unbelievable energy.
And finally, who would be on your ultimate dinner party
guest list, and why?
I would invite the aforementioned Sue, Marietta, Jenny, Dom and
Mark for their inspiration; The Sun King, Louis XIV, for his vision
and extravagant splendor; my wine industry mentor David Wynn
of Coonawarra Estate fame, Bailey Carrodus of Yarra Yering, and
another Frenchman, Baron Philippe de Rothschild, for their pursuit of
excellence in the art of wine. King Louis XIV would love a bottle of
Mouton Rothschild Vintage 1945 – he’d raise from his grave for this!
WATCH BILL’S STORY HERE
What motto or words of wisdom sum up your fitness/life
philosophy?
When I decided to get into the fitness industry in 1996, I registered
the business name ‘Staying Alive – Fit Forever’. I still believe in it.
What’s your main focus now and what are your goals for
the future?
Living life to the full. Enjoying a balance of work and leisure activities.
Travelling overseas once a year to explore different cultures, art and wine.
Want to be profiled in a future issue? For details email [email protected]
NETWORK WINTER 2019 | 47