As the doors opened at 5.30am, people started filing in, keen to use the new facility, and by 9am the gym had signed 80 members.
Gym co-ordinator Keith Hearn said the whole idea of Nyini Health was to take a holistic approach to include the mind, body and spirit.
“It’s going to encompass not just fitness but your overall health – that’s what’s exciting about it,” he said.
“It’s not just about coming here and using a gymnasium – we’ve got quit smoking programs, dieticians and nutritionists, exercise physiology and personal trainers.”
Mr Hearn said he hoped to see a healthier community as a result.
“The main thing is about educating our children about the importance of looking after yourself,” he said.
“Diabetes is huge in our community, especially type two, but with a good diet and exercise you can actually eliminate any medication, lower your levels and become healthier.
“It’s about changing your lifestyle.”
The new facility is intended to be more accessible than the previous gym which was located 10 minutes out of town at Baroona.
Njernda Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Aaron Wallace-Peters said the organisation wanted to take a preventative approach to health issues in the community.
“There are a lot of health concerns for Aboriginal people and research shows physical activity is a really big part of remedying some of those concerns,” he said.
The two-storey centre features weights and cardio areas, a boxing ring and a space where educational youth and support programs will take place.
“We took it over in February and then COVID-19 hit so weren’t able to open – we’ve spent the time to make it something really cool,” Mr Wallace-Peters said.
“We’ve funded this ourselves, completely self-generated, and we’re hoping funding bodies and other stakeholders will see the value of it and help contribute to the running cost.”
Membership is free for the Aboriginal community, including non-Aboriginal family members.
Yorta Yorta elder Aunty Barbara Day said it was great for the community.
“I used to go to the gym when it was out at Baroona but we had to battle to get there,” she said.
“I love lifting weights and now I'm working with (staff member Troy Walker) to get back to it again.”
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