By Shelby Gurney
The Koongal Women’s Fitness Club loves to celebrate, whether it be birthdays, Christmas, Easter or their very own 59th anniversary.
The club celebrated with balloons, gifts, games, competitions and a trip to Frenchville for lunch on 6 June.
Starting with just 14 members, the club has continued to expand and reach many people over the years.
Located in the Silver Band Hall in Diggers Lane.
The club now has more than 50 women keeping active, with additional people joining continuously.
The fitness club has been open since 1964, and in their early years the exercises were done to live piano music.
Shirley Bauer has been a member of the fitness club since 1974 and has been secretary of the club for 14 years.
She lived in Rockhampton most of her life and currently lives in Yeppoon.
But every Tuesday, she travels to meet with this lovely community of people.
“It’s great to meet everyone on Tuesdays, it’s a great community and it keeps us fit,” Shirley said.
The club focuses on low impact aerobics and allows people to workout at their own pace.
Starting with a light warm up then moving onto chair exercises.
“The exercises help with balance, coordination and muscle memory,” Shirley said.
After their workouts they enjoy a relaxing morning tea with the community.
On the last Tuesday of each month the club holds a cent sale which helps to raise money for their annual bus trip.
This year the club will be visiting the Cockscomb Retreat.
Shirley recalls that every time they go they make a point to notice the improvements that the Vietnam veterans have refurbished.
The club loved to support the local areas by keeping their annual bus trips around the region.
A harbour cruise was a favourite trip among the club members.
“We have been everywhere around the Rockhampton region,” Shirley said.
Shirley said the planning for next year’s anniversary had already begun.
The club is excited to be celebrating its 60th anniversary next year.