Health and Fitness Acknowledgement Awards

✨ BEHIND THE BRAND ✨

Behind every award presented is a person with their own story.

Meet Ekaterina Osipova “Katya”, AUSactive Board Member and one of the incredible representatives who joined us at the HFAA Awards 2026.

After more than 30 years in professional services, including 20 years as a partner at a leading global accounting and advisory firm, Katya retired in 2024 and looked for new ways to use her experience to contribute to organisations making a positive difference.

Today, as an AUSactive Board Member, she is proud to support an industry helping Australians become healthier, more active, and more connected.

Being part of the HFAA Awards gave Katya the opportunity to meet the passionate people behind the industry and celebrate their achievements — reinforcing exactly why she loves being involved with AUSactive.

We’re incredibly grateful to Katya for representing AUSactive, presenting awards, and helping us celebrate the people who make our industry what it is. 💙🏆

Because behind every organisation, every award, and every logo are people who care.

✨ BEHIND THE BRAND ✨

When you hear AUSactive, you might think of professional registration, education, insurance, and industry standards.

But behind the organisation is a team of people working every day to strengthen Australia’s health and fitness industry — and in Western Australia, one of those people is Sarah du Plessis, General Manager WA at AUSactive.

Sarah brings extensive leadership experience across the sport and fitness sector, including senior roles with RugbyWA and Football West. Her career has been built around a passion for sport, physical activity, participation, and creating stronger connections across the industry.

In her role with AUSactive, Sarah works closely with fitness professionals, businesses, industry stakeholders, and government to help create a more connected and professional industry across WA.

But her work goes beyond policies, registrations, and professional standards.

It’s about the people behind the industry.

The trainers who show up every morning.
The instructors who inspire their communities.
The businesses creating spaces for people to move.
And the countless professionals helping Australians live healthier, more active lives.

Sarah is passionate about bringing these people together, growing participation, and championing active and preventative health across the community.

And that’s what Behind the Brand is all about.

Because behind every organisation is a person who cares deeply about the people and purpose behind it.

Behind AUSactive WA is Sarah du Plessis — working to strengthen our industry, create opportunities, build connections, and help shape a healthier and more active Western Australia.

As a valued Thrive Gala 2026 partner and award presenter, we’re incredibly grateful for Sarah and AUSactive’s support and their continued commitment to the professionals who make our industry what it is.

Thank you, Sarah, for the leadership, connection, and passion you continue to bring to the WA health and fitness community. 💙

✨ BEHIND THE BRAND ✨

When you hear Stadium Fitness Osborne Park, you might think of a 24/7 gym, state-of-the-art equipment, group training, personal coaching, and high-performance programming.

But behind the brand is something much more personal — the Ando family. Andrew Ando

Since taking over Stadium Fitness in 2022, their vision has been clear: to build something genuine. Something driven by purpose, shaped by experience, and grounded in community.

Under the leadership of the Ando family, Stadium Fitness has grown into far more than just a place to train. It has become a family — a community where beginners can train alongside elite athletes, where trainers know their members, and where people genuinely feel like they belong.

What makes Stadium Fitness special isn’t simply what you find inside the four walls. It’s how it feels when you walk through the doors.

It’s the connections.
It’s the encouragement.
It’s the friendships.
It’s the people celebrating each other’s wins.
It’s the feeling that you’re not just another membership number — you’re part of something.

The Ando family’s commitment to creating that culture has helped build a strong network of members, trainers, partners, and supporters who all play a role in shaping the Stadium Fitness community.

And that’s what Behind the Brand is all about.

Because behind the name Stadium Fitness isn’t just a business.

It’s a family who took a vision and turned it into a community.

As a valued Thrive Gala 2026 partner and award presenter, we’re incredibly proud to celebrate the Ando family and the impact they continue to have on Western Australia’s health and fitness industry.

Thank you to the Ando family and everyone at Stadium Fitness Osborne Park for creating a place where people don’t just come to train — they come to belong 💚

✨ BEHIND THE BRAND ✨

When you hear SoWell – The Social Wellness Society, you might think of movement, music, events, and wellness.

But behind the brand is Shane Sharma — a Perth community builder with a simple but powerful belief: we are better when we feel connected.

Shane founded SoWell to create spaces where people can come together, move, connect, and genuinely enjoy looking after their wellbeing.

Through initiatives like Day One Festival and Breakfast Club Beats, Shane is creating a different kind of wellness experience — one that doesn’t feel clinical or intimidating, but welcoming, energetic, social, and accessible to everyone.

At the heart of his work is a passion for tackling social isolation and creating opportunities for people to build authentic relationships. Because wellbeing isn’t only about what happens in the gym or what we do for our physical health. Sometimes, it’s about having somewhere to go, people to connect with, and a community where you feel like you belong.

Shane works alongside local businesses, wellness providers, creatives, and community organisations to bring these experiences to life — creating spaces where people can feel supported, included, and empowered to prioritise their wellbeing.

And that’s what Behind the Brand is all about.

Because behind every logo is a person.

Behind every event is a vision.

And behind SoWell is someone working to make Perth a little more connected, a little more active, and a little more supportive — one experience at a time.

As a valued Thrive Gala 2026 partner and award presenter, we’re incredibly grateful for Shane’s support and for the positive impact he continues to make across our community.

Thank you, Shane Sharma, for reminding us that wellness isn’t something we have to do alone. Sometimes, the most powerful part of wellbeing is simply finding your people. 💙

✨ BEHIND THE BRAND ✨

When you hear EFFAE, you might think of activewear, athleisure, and a brand built around confidence and style.

But behind the name are Wendy and Fabian Allen: a husband-and-wife team who have built EFFAE around something much bigger than clothing.

For Wendy, EFFAE is a creative outlet and a platform for connection. With her background in communications, social media, and storytelling, she has helped shape the identity of EFFAE and the community surrounding it. Her passion is creating a brand that empowers women to feel confident, supported, and strong in who they are.

Fabian brings his own strengths to the journey, drawing on his experience in leadership, operations, and people management to help guide the business, its growth, and its long-term vision.

Together, they have created something that reflects both of them, A brand built on authenticity, purpose, connection, and community.

But perhaps what makes their story even more meaningful is that their purpose doesn’t stop with EFFAE.

Wendy and Fabian are passionate advocates for social impact and, through EFFAE’s partnership with the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, they are helping raise awareness around trafficking and exploitation while supporting initiatives that create opportunities and a better future for vulnerable children across Southeast Asia.

That’s what Behind the Brand is all about.

Because behind every logo is a person.

Behind every business is a story.

And behind EFFAE are two people who are using their brand not only to make people feel confident, but to create meaningful impact beyond themselves.

As valued Thrive Gala 2026 partners and award presenters, we’re incredibly grateful for Wendy and Fabian’s support and for the purpose they continue to bring to our industry and community.

Thank you, Wendy and Fabian, for showing us that a brand can be built with both style and substance. 💙✨

✨ BEHIND THE BRAND ✨

When you hear WA Wellness, you might think of beautiful retreats, boutique stays, day spas, movement studios, and unique wellness experiences across Western Australia.

But behind the brand is Lisa Spencer — the founder of WA Wellness and someone passionate about making wellness more visible, accessible, and meaningful.

Lisa created WA Wellness to connect people with some of the incredible wellness experiences and practitioners that Western Australia has to offer. From restorative retreats and nature-based experiences to movement, holistic wellbeing, and everything in between, her platform brings together businesses that share a genuine passion for helping people feel their best.

But WA Wellness is about more than simply discovering somewhere to stay or booking an experience.

Lisa’s vision is about connection — connecting people with places, connecting conscious travellers with authentic experiences, and connecting incredible local businesses with the people who are looking for exactly what they offer.

With a strong belief in authenticity, quality, and the unique relationship Western Australia has with nature, culture, and wellbeing, Lisa is helping shine a light on the incredible wellness community right here in our own backyard.

And that’s what Behind the Brand is all about.

Because behind every platform, logo, and business name is a person with a vision.

For Lisa, that vision is to create a healthier, more connected, and thriving wellness community across Western Australia.

As a valued Thrive Gala 2026 partner and award presenter, we’re incredibly grateful for Lisa’s support and for the work she continues to do to connect people with the incredible wellness experiences our state has to offer.

Thank you, Lisa Spencer, for championing wellness, supporting local businesses, and helping people discover a different way to live, move, rest, and reconnect. 💚✨

✨ BEHIND THE BRAND ✨

When you hear Tailored Fitness, you might think of strength training, boxing, HYROX, conditioning, or reformer Pilates.

But behind the brand is Anita Catalano — Founder and Owner of Tailored Fitness, and someone who has dedicated more than 20 years of her life to the fitness industry.

For Anita, fitness has never simply been about exercise or physical results. It’s about helping people build strength, confidence, resilience, and a healthier life — whatever stage of their journey they may be in.

After nine years of running her own business, Anita has built Tailored Fitness around one simple belief: fitness should be tailored to the individual. Everyone has different goals, challenges, experiences, and needs, and Anita is passionate about creating an environment where people feel supported to become the strongest version of themselves.

One of her proudest achievements has been developing a Parkinson’s Boxing and Exercise Program, using movement not only to help participants improve strength and mobility, but also to build confidence, connection, and a genuine sense of community.

Anita is also a passionate advocate for women’s health, encouraging women to prioritise their own wellbeing and recognise the powerful role movement, education, and connection can play in their lives.

And that’s what makes the person behind the brand so special.

Because Tailored Fitness isn’t just about training. It’s about people.

It’s about meeting people where they are, helping them believe in what they’re capable of, and creating a community where everyone feels they belong.

As a valued Thrive Gala 2026 partner and award presenter, we’re incredibly grateful for Anita’s support and for everything she continues to contribute to Western Australia’s health and fitness community.

Behind every brand is a person.

And behind Tailored Fitness is someone who genuinely believes in helping people live stronger, healthier, and more confident lives.

Thank you, Anita Catalano, for everything you continue to do for our industry and our community. 💙

✨ Joseph Papworth - KINTA✨

When most people hear the name KINTA, they see one of Australia’s leading suppliers of premium commercial fitness equipment.

But behind the brand is Joseph Papworth—Director and Co-Owner of KINTA—a leader whose journey has been shaped by service, discipline, and a passion for building stronger communities.

Before entering the fitness industry, Joseph served 10 years in the Australian Defence Force, including six years in the elite Special Air Service Regiment (SASR). The leadership, resilience, and commitment to excellence forged during his military career continue to influence the way he leads KINTA today.

For Joseph, fitness has always been about more than equipment. It’s about creating environments where people can thrive, supporting businesses that change lives, and investing in an industry that inspires healthier communities.

Over the years, Joseph and the KINTA team have become trusted partners to gym owners, coaches, fitness professionals, athletes, and community organisations across Australia. Their commitment goes far beyond supplying equipment—they are helping shape the future of the health and fitness industry by supporting those who dedicate their lives to helping others.

As the Major Partner of Thrive Gala 2026, Joseph’s belief in recognising and celebrating excellence has played an important role in making this year’s event possible. His leadership, generosity, and unwavering support for the fitness community embody exactly what the Behind the Brand series is all about.

Because behind every great brand is a person with a story, a purpose, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Thank you, Joseph Papworth, for your service, your leadership, and your continued commitment to strengthening the Australian health and fitness industry.

✨ BEHIND THE BRAND SERIES ✨

Over the past few weeks, we’ve celebrated the incredible winners of Thrive Gala 2026.

Now it’s time to shine a light on another group of people who help shape our industry every single day.

Welcome to Behind the Brand.

When you see a logo, a business name, or a familiar face at an event, it’s easy to forget that behind every brand are real people. People who take risks, work long hours, solve problems, support communities, and dedicate themselves to making Western Australia’s health and fitness industry stronger.

This series isn’t about advertising businesses.

It’s about sharing the stories of the founders, owners, leaders, and teams behind them. Their journeys, their challenges, their passion, and the reasons they continue to show up every day to make a difference.

These are the people who invest in our industry, support fitness professionals, create opportunities, build communities, and help thousands of people live healthier lives.

They’re more than a logo.
They’re more than a business name.

They’re the people behind the brand.

We can’t wait to introduce you to the incredible individuals who partnered with Thrive Gala 2026 and helped make this year’s celebration possible.

Because every great brand has an even greater story.

💙 Stay tuned—Behind the Brand begins soon.