Celebrating 30 years of Achievement Celebrating 30 Years of Achievement | Page 34

MARIETTA MEHANNI
I have been a member of Australian Fitness Network since 1992 and remember devouring their magazines like an
information-starved woman as it was the only fitness magazine available to a young aerobics instructor. In fact, I kept
those magazines for several years and loved going back to old issues to re-read about my heroic role models like Marcus
Irwin, Lexie Williams and Cathy-Lee Spencer. These presenters were the stuff of legends who inspired me to become a
presenter. They were simply amazing.
My first convention was in 1995 when I went up to the Gold Coast for the Network end of year conference. I have not missed one
event ever since! Network and FILEX was the one event that I spent six months saving up for so that I could get my convention
fix. It was, and still is, one of the best ways to connect with other likeminded people where I can talk shop until I drop.
There have been many friendships built over the fabulous FILEX 3 days that are renewed and enjoyed each year. Wonderful
connections and empowering information. What can I say, I am a huge fan.
DI WESTAWAY
Leggie and Nigel, no other pair have had as profoundly a positive impact on my career and personal life as you guys. Your
generosity of time, support and expertise has provided invaluable insights, which have helped Wild Women On Top become
the success it is today. Congratulations and thank you. You are both living legends of the Australian fitness industry.
JO RUSSELL & TANYA PIOTROWSKI
WATCH THE VIDEO
Network has been our leading light.
Thirty years ago we came to our first fitness leader’s convention in Queensland and experienced one of the most inspiring
and fun filled events of our lives.
We were excited to attend a convention that was all about learning new aerobics moves, which featured amazing
Australian and international presenters. We didn’t come down from the high for weeks!
Greg Hurst was like some kind of Mr Amazing Fitness God and we had so much respect for both him and Nigel in leading
our fragmented baby industry to become more credible and responsible (in a business sense).
Over the years, Network has led us in discovering industry trends and innovations, and most certainly has helped us to
stay alive and kicking in an increasingly competitive market. We started with one club in Armadale (Victoria) and today
we have 13 clubs between the two of us.
You have shaped our industry, helped our businesses, and been important mentors to both of us. We are eternally grateful
for your leadership, friendship and for the legacy that you will one day leave to the industry that we love and live for.