After 26 years as a health and wellness officer Phil Grace still loves being on the gym floor most days at Fawkner Leisure Centre. He believes keeping people active starts with something basic: connection.
If I’m out on the floor, saying hello, showing someone a new exercise, or just asking how they’re going, that’s what makes the difference. That’s how you build a healthy community.
Phil has worked in local leisure for over two decades, beginning as a member before retraining in fitness and stepping into a job he now calls a passion. His approach reflects what research has consistently shown: people are more likely to maintain healthy habits when they feel part of a community. Social connection is one of the strongest predictors of long-term exercise participation.
That sense of connection is evident at Fawkner. The centre’s member morning teas regularly draw a large crowd, with members contributing home-baked cakes, biscuits and conversation. “It works because this is a community centre,” Phil says. “People here know each other, they bring a plate, and they feel like they belong.”
Being ingrained in the Merri-bek community, Phil understands the barriers facing many locals. From cost and accessibility to cultural diversity, these factors can prevent people from staying active.
“Gyms can be intimidating,” he says. “But if you’ve got someone saying hello, showing you the ropes, asking about your goals, you feel comfortable. That’s how people stick with it.”
His decades of knowledge, from bodybuilding titles to training young people under the NDIS, mean he can adapt to almost anyone. “Everyone’s different,” he says. “You need to understand their background, whether it’s diet, culture, or ability, and give them the best advice for their situation.”
This approach builds stronger communities – one conversation, one adjustment, one friendly hello at a time.
“I don’t plan to retire,” Phil says with a grin. “This keeps me young. And as long as I can help people, I’ll keep turning up.”
