A new partnership is bringing together two health and fitness communities at a popular waterfront precinct in the State’s North-West.
The Burnie Surf Life Saving Club (BSLSC) has become the new home of the Burnie Unigym following the University of Tasmania’s campus move to West Park.
The arrangement will see students, staff and alumni sharing the gym facilities with club members on site, and it’s hoped to foster far-reaching benefits.
Outgoing BSLSC President Stuart Paine said it was a timely development as the club proudly marked 100 years of service to the local community in 2021.
“Sharing our gym is a stepping-stone in a partnership that we hope will help grow our surf club community even more,” Mr Paine said.
“We want people from the university to join our social events, utilise our function spaces, and have a place where they can meet and relax in while building new friendships and bonds with our members.
“They can also get involved in volunteer and training opportunities like beach patrolling, pursuing a bronze medallion or first aid certificate, supporting our competitions or using their RSA to help out at our club bar.
“Surf lifesaving is a community service. It’s all about educating and giving people life skills to take with them into the big wide world, so there is close alignment between our mission and that of the University.
“We have a duty to keep West Beach safe, and by having a greater involvement with the University, we hope to increase our service to the community.”
The new Unigym comprises a small, boutique weights and cardio area which can be accessed by members 24/7 and overlooks the incredible Bass Strait coastline.
Group fitness classes are also held each week, and the facilities are a short 500-metre stroll or jog away from the new University campus at West Park.
Donald Knapp, Director of Campus Living, Sport and Recreation at the University said it was exciting to be partnering with one of the oldest surf lifesaving clubs in Australia.
“Burnie Surf Life Saving Club is a well-established and respected pillar of the community which contributes greatly to the life and vitality of Burnie,” Mr Knapp said
“A wonderful aspect of this partnership is that Unigym members can enjoy other activities and benefits offered by the club including education and training, while becoming part of the social life and social community.”
Unigym State-wide Coordinator Luke Granger said he hoped the move would further promote healthy and active lifestyles amongst the University community.
“The Burnie Surf Life Saving Club provides an excellent option for staff and students to engage in health and fitness activities in a convenient, inclusive and community-driven location less than one kilometre from West Park,” Mr Granger said.
