Active Geelong

Ambassadors

 
 

AMBASSADORS

Active Geelong’s ambassadors are representatives from across the Geelong community who are living an Active Geelong lifestyle. They are people from different walks of life who are demonstrating how to be active in all shapes and forms. They understand the importance of moving their bodies to stay healthy and well.

 
 
Jakara Anthony Athlete Jakara is a full-time athlete in the sport of Freestyle Mogul Skiing. She also studies part-time at Deakin University. As an athlete, she is constantly training her body so that she can compete to the best of her ability. She likes to practice yoga most days and when she’s not training she enjoys keeping active by playing volleyball or spikeball and going for the occasional surf. “There are so many different ways to stay active and there is definitely a way that is enjoyable out there for everyone. I hope that by being a part of the movement movement I can share this message to more people.”

Jakara Anthony
Athlete

Jakara is a full-time athlete in the sport of Freestyle Mogul Skiing. She also studies part-time at Deakin University.

As an athlete, she is constantly training her body so that she can compete to the best of her ability.

She likes to practice yoga most days and when she’s not training she enjoys keeping active by playing volleyball or spikeball and going for the occasional surf.

“There are so many different ways to stay active and there is definitely a way that is enjoyable out there for everyone. I hope that by being a part of the movement movement I can share this message to more people.”

Richard Colman AM World and Paralympic Champion Richard is a world champion and Paralympic athlete. He also plays wheelchair basketball in the local Geelong league and enjoys regular swimming as part of his cross training. Away from the track Richard has completed a Bachelor of Commerce at Deakin University. Richard also coaches and mentors new and developing athletes to help them achieve their dreams. “Sport has been life changing for me and has provided so many life skills enabling me to be successful. Around 80% of people with a disability don’t reach the recommended amount of physical activity. We have a huge challenge and opportunity to get people active with Active Geelong.”

Richard Colman AM
World and Paralympic Champion

Richard is a world champion and Paralympic athlete. He also plays wheelchair basketball in the local Geelong league and enjoys regular swimming as part of his cross training. Away from the track Richard has completed a Bachelor of Commerce at Deakin University.

Richard also coaches and mentors new and developing athletes to help them achieve their dreams.

“Sport has been life changing for me and has provided so many life skills enabling me to be successful. Around 80% of people with a disability don’t reach the recommended amount of physical activity. We have a huge challenge and opportunity to get people active with Active Geelong.”

Brian Cook Chief Executive Officer, Geelong Cats Brian loves his work as Chief Executive and Director of Geelong Football Club and Chair of Barwon Health. He swims at sunrise 5 mornings per week in Torquay no matter the water temperature or time of year, and always without a wetsuit. He has started the Rottnest Channel Solo Swim (20Kms) 13 times and completed it 11 times. He has had type 2 Diabetes for about 10 years and is sure that swimming helps to keep the sugar levels down. “I find most problems in life can be assisted in some way by becoming physically active. I was a trained physical education teacher before I went into sports administration and am aware of the advantages of human movement. Active Geelong will be a platform to promote this.”

Brian Cook
Chief Executive Officer, Geelong Cats

Brian loves his work as Chief Executive and Director of Geelong Football Club and Chair of Barwon Health.

He swims at sunrise 5 mornings per week in Torquay no matter the water temperature or time of year, and always without a wetsuit. He has started the Rottnest Channel Solo Swim (20Kms) 13 times and completed it 11 times. He has had type 2 Diabetes for about 10 years and is sure that swimming helps to keep the sugar levels down.

“I find most problems in life can be assisted in some way by becoming physically active. I was a trained physical education teacher before I went into sports administration and am aware of the advantages of human movement. Active Geelong will be a platform to promote this.”

 
Keith Fagg

Keith Fagg

Justin Giddings Chief Executive Officer, Avalon Airport Justin is the Chief Executive Officer of Avalon Airport. Avalon will become an international airport when AirAsia commences operations later this year. Presently Jetstar operates flights to Sydney, Adelaide and the Gold Coast. Avalon also has six hangars which are leased to a variety of tenants and it hosts the Australian International Airshow. Over the last two years Justin has set the goal of averaging at least 10,000 steps a day. He tries to run at least 6 times a week, with the You Yangs being his favourite spot. In addition, he attends the gym, and swims occasionally. “With my recent increase in fitness, I have realised the benefits of being fit and active. The movement movement is a simple way of encouraging others to increase their active lifestyle, and if I can assist then I am happy to be part of this great initiative.”

Justin Giddings
Chief Executive Officer, Avalon Airport

Justin is the Chief Executive Officer of Avalon Airport. Avalon will become an international airport when AirAsia commences operations later this year. Presently Jetstar operates flights to Sydney, Adelaide and the Gold Coast.

Avalon also has six hangars which are leased to a variety of tenants and it hosts the Australian International Airshow.

Over the last two years Justin has set the goal of averaging at least 10,000 steps a day. He tries to run at least 6 times a week, with the You Yangs being his favourite spot. In addition, he attends the gym, and swims occasionally.

“With my recent increase in fitness, I have realised the benefits of being fit and active. The movement movement is a simple way of encouraging others to increase their active lifestyle, and if I can assist then I am happy to be part of this great initiative.”

Erin Hoare Athlete/postdoctoral researcher, Geelong Football Club/Deakin University Erin is a female footballer. She plays with Geelong Football Club after switching codes from elite netball in 2017. She is a postdoctoral researcher at Deakin University investigating food, physical activity and mental health. She does a mix of training a few times a week. In her day-to-day work she takes breaks to get her legs moving. She also has a standing desk which allows her to take a break from sitting all day. “I am passionate about being active from a professional perspective for my sport, but also from a personal perspective for my mental health. During and after exercising I feel less stressed, and feel a great sense of achievement. I can build social connectedness and develop skills such as teamwork and leadership.”

Erin Hoare
Athlete/postdoctoral researcher, Geelong Football Club/Deakin University

Erin is a female footballer. She plays with Geelong Football Club after switching codes from elite netball in 2017. She is a postdoctoral researcher at Deakin University investigating food, physical activity and mental health.

She does a mix of training a few times a week. In her day-to-day work she takes breaks to get her legs moving. She also has a standing desk which allows her to take a break from sitting all day.

“I am passionate about being active from a professional perspective for my sport, but also from a personal perspective for my mental health. During and after exercising I feel less stressed, and feel a great sense of achievement. I can build social connectedness and develop skills such as teamwork and leadership.”

 
Kathy Turner GP Kathy is a GP working in holistic health. She encourages patients to take responsibility for their health and in this way work on lifestyle including diet, work/leisure balance, and achievable increases in exercise. She likes to keep active by walking with the ‘Lara Wellbeing Walkers’ a couple of hours each week and playing tennis 1-2 times per week. Kathy also likes to go bushwalking for at least a week each year. “I am excited to have the opportunity to share my enthusiasm and passion for exercise and to share the obvious medical, mental and social connectivity benefits with the wider population through Active Geelong.”

Kathy Turner
GP

Kathy is a GP working in holistic health. She encourages patients to take responsibility for their health and in this way work on lifestyle including diet, work/leisure balance, and achievable increases in exercise.

She likes to keep active by walking with the ‘Lara Wellbeing Walkers’ a couple of hours each week and playing tennis 1-2 times per week. Kathy also likes to go bushwalking for at least a week each year.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to share my enthusiasm and passion for exercise and to share the obvious medical, mental and social connectivity benefits with the wider population through Active Geelong.”

 
 
 
 

THE BOARD

Active The Active Geelong Board is made up of representatives from a number of leading organisations. They are a group of passionate and well-regarded individuals who want to see Geelong become Australia’s most active city.

 
 
Dr Hugh Seward Active Geelong Chair & Sport and Exercise Physician and GP Hugh is a Sport and Exercise Physician and GP in Newtown and a Board member of Geelong Football Club. He aims for a variety of exercise including strengthening, balance and flexibility, competitive games, and aerobic exercise such as jogging, rowing and swimming. However, his favourite activity is bush walking in remote parts of Australia. “Regular activity is an essential part of my life, even when on holidays, and I have found it is the best way to remain healthy in body and mind. I’m looking forward to promoting this message through Active Geelong.”

Dr Hugh Seward
Active Geelong Chair & Sport and Exercise Physician and GP

Hugh is a Sport and Exercise Physician and GP in Newtown and a Board member of Geelong Football Club. He aims for a variety of exercise including strengthening, balance and flexibility, competitive games, and aerobic exercise such as jogging, rowing and swimming. However, his favourite activity is bush walking in remote parts of Australia.

“Regular activity is an essential part of my life, even when on holidays, and I have found it is the best way to remain healthy in body and mind. I’m looking forward to promoting this message through Active Geelong.”

Sarah Leach General Manager Health Services, GMHBA Sarah is responsible for leading GMHBA’s health related business services team and is a key part of GMHBA’s executive management group. Sarah is passionate about building social capital in communities. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing with Honours, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and is an Adjunct Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Deakin University. Sarah keeps active by swimming and bodysurfing in the ocean as part of a local Bellarine Peninsula ‘iceberger’ group. "I’m keen to be part of the movement movement which will encourage the community to enjoy better health through physical activity.”

Sarah Leach
General Manager Health Services, GMHBA

Sarah is responsible for leading GMHBA’s health related business services team and is a key part of GMHBA’s executive management group. Sarah is passionate about building social capital in communities. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing with Honours, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and is an Adjunct Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Deakin University.

Sarah keeps active by swimming and bodysurfing in the ocean as part of a local Bellarine Peninsula ‘iceberger’ group.

"I’m keen to be part of the movement movement which will encourage the community to enjoy better health through physical activity.”

Professor Steven Allender Professor of Population Health, Director Global Obesity Centre, Deakin University Steve leads an NHMRC Partnership grant targeting childhood obesity and co-leads an NHMRC Australian Centre for Research Excellence in Obesity Policy Research and Food Systems. He receives lead investigator funding from a range of bodies. Steve loves to keep active by surfing and running. “Physical activity is an important component of a healthy lifestyle and an easy win for improving population health. Active Geelong is an ambitious project that will support a healthy lifestyle.”

Professor Steven Allender
Professor of Population Health, Director Global Obesity Centre, Deakin University

Steve leads an NHMRC Partnership grant targeting childhood obesity and co-leads an NHMRC Australian Centre for Research Excellence in Obesity Policy Research and Food Systems. He receives lead investigator funding from a range of bodies.

Steve loves to keep active by surfing and running.

“Physical activity is an important component of a healthy lifestyle and an easy win for improving population health. Active Geelong is an ambitious project that will support a healthy lifestyle.”

 
Sarah Albon General Manager Community Development, Geelong Cats Sarah manages the Cats in the Community program at the Geelong Cats. The 10 programs have one central purpose - to build a better and healthier community with a special focus on youth. With a busy family life including a new puppy Sarah is always on the move. She loves walking and running, especially participating in her local parkrun. “I love the utopian notion of creating Australia’s most active city. Geelong is an incredible place to live and raise a family.”

Sarah Albon
General Manager Community Development, Geelong Cats

Sarah manages the Cats in the Community program at the Geelong Cats. The 10 programs have one central purpose - to build a better and healthier community with a special focus on youth.

With a busy family life including a new puppy Sarah is always on the move. She loves walking and running, especially participating in her local parkrun.

“I love the utopian notion of creating Australia’s most active city. Geelong is an incredible place to live and raise a family.”

Mike Beck Managing Director, Fluid As co-founder and Managing Director of Fluid – a strategic creative agency - Mike leads a team that makes creativity flow for a range of national and local brands. Mike has always tried to keep active but five years ago he discovered his passion – open water swimming. He swims daily through the warmer months and 3-4 days a week during winter, all without a wetsuit. “I joined Active Geelong because I believe in the cause. I have type 2 diabetes and during the process of managing this disease I have become increasingly aware of the health risks caused by a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet.”

Mike Beck
Managing Director, Fluid

As co-founder and Managing Director of Fluid – a strategic creative agency - Mike leads a team that makes creativity flow for a range of national and local brands.

Mike has always tried to keep active but five years ago he discovered his passion – open water swimming. He swims daily through the warmer months and 3-4 days a week during winter, all without a wetsuit.

“I joined Active Geelong because I believe in the cause. I have type 2 diabetes and during the process of managing this disease I have become increasingly aware of the health risks caused by a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet.”

Colin Bell Professor, Deakin School of Medicine Colin leads the Public Health Medicine theme at Deakin University's School of Medicine and is Co-Director of GLOBE, a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention. He loves to keep active by getting air on a mountain bike. “When you get the right amount of physical activity in your day, everything else falls into place. Active Geelong will help make this happen.”

Colin Bell
Professor, Deakin School of Medicine

Colin leads the Public Health Medicine theme at Deakin University's School of Medicine and is Co-Director of GLOBE, a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention.

He loves to keep active by getting air on a mountain bike.

“When you get the right amount of physical activity in your day, everything else falls into place. Active Geelong will help make this happen.”

 
Richard Carr Managing Director, West Carr & Harvey As a Director of West Carr & Harvey since 1986, Richard specialises in giving taxation, business advice and valuation services to a broad range of clients. He leads a very active lifestyle including surf skiing, gym and PT and lifesaving competitions. He has been a volunteer lifesaver at Anglesea Lifesaving Club for many years. “I believe being active on a daily basis will improve the quality of an individual’s life and help them reach their potential both personally and professionally. I understand that a healthy worker is a happy worker. Active Geelong will provide a vehicle to achieve this. Our firm promotes ongoing health and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year.”

Richard Carr
Managing Director, West Carr & Harvey

As a Director of West Carr & Harvey since 1986, Richard specialises in giving taxation, business advice and valuation services to a broad range of clients.

He leads a very active lifestyle including surf skiing, gym and PT and lifesaving competitions. He has been a volunteer lifesaver at Anglesea Lifesaving Club for many years.

“I believe being active on a daily basis will improve the quality of an individual’s life and help them reach their potential both personally and professionally. I understand that a healthy worker is a happy worker. Active Geelong will provide a vehicle to achieve this. Our firm promotes ongoing health and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year.”

Robin Daly Professor, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University Rob holds the position of Chair in Exercise and Ageing and leads a program of research focused on understanding the role of exercise and nutrition to prevent and manage common chronic diseases. His work has led to the implementation of several ‘real‐world’ evidence‐based exercise programs. Rob has been actively involved in sport and exercise throughout his life including a few seasons with North Melbourne Football Club reserves. He is hoping to complete his first marathon before he turns 50. At work he has a standing desk to break up any prolonged periods of sitting each day. “I have joined the movement movement because I want to ensure that the findings from high quality, evidence-based research are adopted by all health care and medical professionals and importantly, are translated and made readily available to the everyday person.”

Robin Daly
Professor, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University

Rob holds the position of Chair in Exercise and Ageing and leads a program of research focused on understanding the role of exercise and nutrition to prevent and manage common chronic diseases. His work has led to the implementation of several ‘real‐world’ evidence‐based exercise programs. Rob has been actively involved in sport and exercise throughout his life including a few seasons with North Melbourne Football Club reserves. He is hoping to complete his first marathon before he turns 50. At work he has a standing desk to break up any prolonged periods of sitting each day.

“I have joined the movement movement because I want to ensure that the findings from high quality, evidence-based research are adopted by all health care and medical professionals and importantly, are translated and made readily available to the everyday person.”

Chris Faulkner General Manager Operations, National Disability Insurance Agency Chris is privileged to be part of one of the most significant reforms in recent Australian history. Enabling people with disabilities to have choice and control of the supports in their life to engage in social and economic participation in their community. Running around the Barwon River provides Chris with time to reflect and draw strength to manage a busy life. “Active Geelong is an exciting opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of our community and to remind us all of the importance of including everyone regardless of their ability.”

Chris Faulkner
General Manager Operations, National Disability Insurance Agency

Chris is privileged to be part of one of the most significant reforms in recent Australian history. Enabling people with disabilities to have choice and control of the supports in their life to engage in social and economic participation in their community.

Running around the Barwon River provides Chris with time to reflect and draw strength to manage a busy life.

“Active Geelong is an exciting opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of our community and to remind us all of the importance of including everyone regardless of their ability.”

 
Simon Guthrie Partner, Ryan Carlisle Thomas Lawyers Simon is a highly experienced lawyer and Senior Partner of Ryan Carlisle Thomas Lawyers. Simon has held senior positions with many community organisations including the Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Royal Geelong Yacht Club, Geelong Little Athletics and the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust. Simon walks his two evil Labradors every day and swims regularly. He also keeps fit with regular group training, sailing and mountain biking. “I am a very strong advocate for keeping active, seven years ago I had minor back surgery, and keeping mobile helped enormously with flexibility and pain management. The movement movement philosophy is a simple way of focussing on health, without the emphasis on exercise.”

Simon Guthrie
Partner, Ryan Carlisle Thomas Lawyers

Simon is a highly experienced lawyer and Senior Partner of Ryan Carlisle Thomas Lawyers. Simon has held senior positions with many community organisations including the Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Royal Geelong Yacht Club, Geelong Little Athletics and the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust.

Simon walks his two evil Labradors every day and swims regularly. He also keeps fit with regular group training, sailing and mountain biking.

“I am a very strong advocate for keeping active, seven years ago I had minor back surgery, and keeping mobile helped enormously with flexibility and pain management. The movement movement philosophy is a simple way of focussing on health, without the emphasis on exercise.”

David Meade Barwon Health During the week David oversees the rehabilitation, palliative care and community health program at Barwon Health. Daily, he sees the effects of poor health, but most importantly the impact of people improving their health and the positive impacts it has on their life and what they can achieve. David likes to head to the gym each day and regularly kicks the footy with his two boys in the backyard. “I joined Active Geelong because physical activity is critical to who we are and how well we feel, not just physically but emotionally. If you’re not moving you have stopped!”

David Meade
Barwon Health

During the week David oversees the rehabilitation, palliative care and community health program at Barwon Health. Daily, he sees the effects of poor health, but most importantly the impact of people improving their health and the positive impacts it has on their life and what they can achieve.

David likes to head to the gym each day and regularly kicks the footy with his two boys in the backyard.

“I joined Active Geelong because physical activity is critical to who we are and how well we feel, not just physically but emotionally. If you’re not moving you have stopped!”

Dr Jane Opie Medical Advisor, Western Victoria Primary Health Network Jane has worked as a GP within the Geelong community for more than 25 years. She also tutors, lectures and is an examiner for medical students within the Deakin University School of Medicine. Jane looks for every opportunity to get incidental activity into her work schedule such as lunchtime walks and taking the stairs. She also finds music an inspiration – with a love of singing and moving to music which she finds can be an amazing workout. “I joined Active Geelong because I want to promote the idea of incidental and opportunistic activity as a way to move more.”

Dr Jane Opie
Medical Advisor, Western Victoria Primary Health Network

Jane has worked as a GP within the Geelong community for more than 25 years. She also tutors, lectures and is an examiner for medical students within the Deakin University School of Medicine.

Jane looks for every opportunity to get incidental activity into her work schedule such as lunchtime walks and taking the stairs. She also finds music an inspiration – with a love of singing and moving to music which she finds can be an amazing workout.

“I joined Active Geelong because I want to promote the idea of incidental and opportunistic activity as a way to move more.”

 
 
 

EXECUTIVE SUPPORT

Active Geelong’s Executive Support team have been engaged by the Board and with support from GMHBA to help bring the movement movement to life.

 
 
 
Pat Murnane Founder and Principal, Murnane Community Consulting Pat is the Founder and Principal of Murnane Community Consulting providing advice and services to not for profit organisations throughout Geelong. He is also a Councillor for the City of Greater Geelong representing the Kardinia Ward. Pat enjoys walking as it gives him time to think whilst exercising. He also enjoys attending his local gym and participating in lawn bowls and the odd game of golf. “The success of Active Geelong will deliver far reaching benefits for the whole Geelong Community, and achieve generational change.”

Pat Murnane
Founder and Principal, Murnane Community Consulting

Pat is the Founder and Principal of Murnane Community Consulting providing advice and services to not for profit organisations throughout Geelong. He is also a Councillor for the City of Greater Geelong representing the Kardinia Ward.

Pat enjoys walking as it gives him time to think whilst exercising. He also enjoys attending his local gym and participating in lawn bowls and the odd game of golf.

“The success of Active Geelong will deliver far reaching benefits for the whole Geelong Community, and achieve generational change.”

Amy Gillett Community Relations Manager, GMHBA Amy is responsible for GMHBA’s community portfolio which includes supporting programs that focus on improving physical activity, nutrition and mental health as well as engaging GMHBA’s staff with the local community. She keeps active with regular F45 classes and running. “Active Geelong is an ambitious project that has the potential to create real lasting positive change in our community and I’m excited to be part of it.”

Amy Gillett
Community Relations Manager, GMHBA

Amy is responsible for GMHBA’s community portfolio which includes supporting programs that focus on improving physical activity, nutrition and mental health as well as engaging GMHBA’s staff with the local community.

She keeps active with regular F45 classes and running.

“Active Geelong is an ambitious project that has the potential to create real lasting positive change in our community and I’m excited to be part of it.”

 
 

Movement Makers

 
 

Movement Partners

 
 

Movement Supporters

 
 

Movement Endorsers