Emily Chapman Laing
Two Casey finalists are showcasing the region’s fitness flair in the AUSactive National Awards 2023.
Fernwood franchise owner Guneet Cheema has been selected as a finalist for ‘Franchisee of the Year’.
“It’s pretty amazing,” Ms Cheema said.
Ms Cheema owns three Fernwood gyms in Cranbourne, Narre Warren and Clayton.
Starting as a member, Ms Cheema quickly realised there was something special about the women’s-only gyms.
“My journey with Fernwood started as a member,” she said.
“The business model, the atmosphere, the gym, it’s just so different to all the other gyms in the market.
“I just absolutely loved being a member so I decided to buy my first club.”
Ms Cheema bought Fernwood Narre Warren six years ago and said she “never looked back”.
By 2019, Ms Cheema had bought the Fernwood Clayton and then mid-pandemic, between lockdowns, Fernwood Cranbourne was opened.
The Narre Warren and Clayton sites were pre-established gyms Ms Cheema took over, but the Cranbourne centre was hers from its very beginning.
“I had learned so much and I knew what I would do differently in my own club, so that’s when I decided I wanted to build my third club from scratch,” she said.
“It’s a community, you’re just welcome, you can sit with your friends before and after your workout and have a cup of tea and coffee, just have your own time.”
Fernwood Cranbourne has now become the number one club in the country, according to Ms Cheema, thanks to her efforts in creating an atmosphere where women can “thrive”.
“It can be very intimidating, especially if you’ve got men around,” Ms Cheema said.
“With Fernwood, it’s a gym but it has the feminine touches, the care factor, the community feel and the welcoming environment.
“That is where we stand apart from all the other gyms in the market, it’s not just about health and fitness, but wellness, building friendships and having time for [yourself].”
Casey Stadium YMCA has been nominated for ‘Leisure Centre of the Year’ in the awards, and the City of Casey is proud to be investing in the facility.
“We were delighted to learn of Casey Stadium’s nomination for Leisure Centre of the Year in the AusActive awards,” Manager Active Communities, Angie Peresso said.
“In 2017, Casey Stadium benefited from an $18 million investment from the City of Casey, in partnership with the State Government, and the upgraded facilities have ensured the stadium’s importance as a central recreational precinct of the highest quality for the all the community to enjoy.”
AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said this year’s judges were impressed by the passion and dedication of this year’s award entries, including a number of first timers to the Awards Program.
“Recognising the shining individuals and businesses in our growing industry is one of the most important roles AUSactive does as the industry’s leading membership association,” Mr Elvish said.
“The range of categories we now have on offer means there is greater scope for rewarding and celebrating the passion and commitment put into the role of fitness professional, business owner or community leader.”
State and National Winners across all categories will be announced at a Gala Event to be held on 15 September 2023.
For more information on this year’s Award Finalists and the National Gala Event on 15 September go to https://awards.ausactive.org.au/
