Branded as Plus Fitness , the gym alone attracted over 200 members on its first day with many walking hours to get there .
PLUS FITNESS
By Nigel Miller
TEAMS UP WITH
TIMOR LEARNING CENTRE
Branded as Plus Fitness , the gym alone attracted over 200 members on its first day with many walking hours to get there .
On Tuesday 18 October 2016 the Timor Learning Centre and community Plus Fitness Gym located in Dili , East Timor was officially opened . This project was possible as a result of the vision , hard work and sheer persistence of two inspirational Australian women , Libby Bleakly and Theresa Beck .
Between 2010 and 2014 Plus Fitness member Libby and her colleague and close friend Theresa were deployed with the Australian Federal Police in East Timor , during which time they built a strong bond with the people and communities of East Timor .
Driven by their love and respect of the Timorese people , Libby and Theresa had a dream to return and continue their work with the community .
After much research and consultation they set out to create a community centre that would include a Learning Centre for adults and children , a Women ’ s Centre and a Community Gym . Their objective was to have a positive impact on the reduction of crime within the communities and to build a stronger culture of respect and friendships .
Their journey has been far from easy while they have navigated the process of leasing land , constructing three buildings in their ‘ compound ’, developed relationships with local government and the community and all the while making countless trips back to Australia in efforts to raise much needed support , awareness and funds .
One such visit saw Libby and Theresa walk from Sydney to Canberra to assist with their fundraising , backed by Rotary Australia World Community Service ( RAWCS ), Plus Fitness and it ’ s franchisees .
After learning more about Libby and Theresa ’ s project Plus Fitness gave further commitment to extend their involvement and contribution by donating a large amount of gym equipment , amongst other things , to assist in getting the community gym up and running . Branded as Plus Fitness , the gym alone attracted over 200 members on its first day with many walking hours to get there .
Having just returned from East Timor to attend the opening ceremony Nigel
14 WHAT ’ S NEW IN FITNESS - AUTUMN 2017