Jetts Mt Gambier making a difference

Local gym brings home three awards from national conference

Jetts Mt Gambier has returned from a national conference with a swag of awards, making their mark on the national stage.

Jetts CEO and managing director Elaine Jobson complimented the Jetts Mt Gambier team on their success. They took home the major award – Making a Difference Award – as well as the only facility to earn Loveland Club status, and also being named the top club in South Australia and Victoria.

The awards were handed out at the 2023 Jetts Gathering, a national conference, as the fitness group celebrated its 16th year in operation.

“The club is leading the nation in its commitment to making a difference by cultivating a culture of growth and unity among its team, members and local community,” Ms Jobson said. “They have the highest positive feedback scores from their members in the country which is a testament to their tireless efforts to immerse themselves into the heart of their community and support local businesses, groups and schools.

“At the end of the day, it comes down to our people’s obsession with members that determines the success of Jetts. The team at Jetts Mt Gambier lead the way in our network with absolute dedication to our purpose which is to inspire people to live a better life. I am so proud of their achievement.”

Owners Josie, Brian and Kieran Ashby were also thrilled to see their business acknowledged among the almost 300 Jetts clubs. Jetts Mt Gambier is the only South Australian club.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has played a part in this remarkable achievement of winning the Making A Difference Award,” the owners said. “The dedication, innovation and hard work of our incredible team, as well as the unwavering support of our loyal members in a small community over the past thirteen years, has been magnificent.

“We have always strived to create a welcoming and transformative environment for our members and this award reaffirms our commitment to creating a positive impact and culture within the gym and beyond.

“We truly honoured and motivated to continue our mission of promoting health and wellbeing within our community. Thank you again and this prestigious award inspires us to aim even higher in the pursuit of Making a Difference.”

For co-managers Dree Ashby and Lizzy Cassara, the Making A Difference Award affirmed for the personal trainers that their philosophy and the way they run their club works.

“We are a gym for all shapes and sizes – we are here for anyone who wants to change and be a better version of themselves,” Dree said. “We are committed to providing a very personal service, we meet people where they are and that is the most important thing. We have built such strong relationships with our clients. We have a laugh or a deep conversation – it’s not just about working out.”

Jetts Mt Gambier have looked to build an environment where everyone feels comfortable and it feels like family.

“You spend a lot of time at home, you spend a lot of time at work, you spend a lot of time in bed and so you make sure you are happy in all those areas,” Lizzy said. “If you spend a lot of time at the gym we want it to feel like an extended family – we want it to be a place of belonging.”

Jetts Mt Gambier is celebrating 13 years this week and along with this month’s national awards, they were also the 2019 National Club of the Year – the last time the awards were held before COVID hit.

Dree has been part of the Jetts Mt Gambier team since it opened its doors, while Lizzy helped with initial set up, spent some time back in Queensland, but has been back alongside Dree for the past few years, with the duo managing the club for the past two years.

“We want to inspire people to live a better life and to help members achieve their goals – it could be fitness, weight loss, rehabilitation,” Dree said.

At the gala presentation on October 14, the Making a Difference Award was outlined as an award for a club that had an incredible commitment to making a difference, who has cultivated a culture of growth and community among their team, members and the local community. It was for a club who highlights individual experience and inspires others with members telling their stories and a club that sets a gold standard for member satisfaction and have become a key part of their community.

The girls’ use of social media has been a huge part of the culture they have created at Jetts Mt Gambier as they share the stories of members.

“We are so grateful to the members who are prepared to share their journey because it is those stories that inspire and influence people,” Lizzy said.

The Loveland Award was based around facilities, member satisfaction and online reviews.

“Often when you see online reviews for any business, the negative ones are really long and the positive ones are just a couple of words but ours are the opposite – we have beautiful long reviews from happy clients,” Lizzy said.

“The reviews are always a opportunity to learn – it can help us see what works and what could be better,” Dree said. “It is all about fostering that sense of belonging.”

Dree and Lizzy are supported by an assistant manager and a trainee, as well as a team of personal trainers and coaches.

“We all bring our own strengths to the team,” Dree said. “Lizzy is fantastic with customer service and makes everyone feel like they belong, while Mercedez can fix anything and is a whiz on the computer.

“For all of us it really doesn’t feel like work.”