Awards Nominations Criteria

The AUSactive National Awards Program judging process is rigorous, transparent, and taken very seriously by the Independent Industry Judging Panel. The process is reviewed and refined each year to ensure annual procedures continue to align with the Awards’ values of integrity, equity and inclusiveness, while continuing to remain relevant within the evolving health and fitness industry.

General Eligibility for All Categories

  1. Entrants must be operating within the health and fitness industry in Australia.
  2. Businesses must have been operational for at least 12 months as of 3 March 2025.
  3. Submissions must adhere to the specific criteria outlined for the selected category.
  4. Note: Winners of the same category in 2024 are not eligible to enter this year but are welcome to participate in subsequent years.
 

Promotion

By entering you are providing permission to AUSactive to promote and publicise your responses and any images or video footage. As a result, AUSactive will have permission to display any finalist and winning entries on the AUSactive Awards website and in industry communications. Entrants will be given the opportunity to remove sensitive information before publication.

Judging Process

Business Categories Awards Criteria

  • All entrants must be current AUSactive business members.
  • Please see the category criteria and guidelines before submitting your entry to ensure you or the nominee business is eligible

CEC Provider of the Year

Eligibility:

  • Must be an AUSactive CEC-approved provider.
  • At least one course must have been active throughout 2024.

Criteria:

  1. Excellence in delivering Continuing Education Courses aligned with industry standards.
  2. Innovation in course content, delivery, or participant engagement.
  3. Participant feedback showcasing satisfaction and professional development.
  4. Impact on upskilling and knowledge enhancement across the fitness industry.
Franchise Group of the Year

Eligibility:

  • Must be current AUSactive business members.
  • Open to franchise groups with at least 5 locations operating in Australia.

Criteria:

  1. Consistent quality and innovation across franchise locations.
  2. Strong support systems for franchisees, including training and resources.
  3. Evidence of impactful community engagement and partnerships.
  4. Demonstrates sustainable and forward-thinking business practices.

Franchisee of the Year

Eligibility:

  • Must be current AUSactive business members.
  • Open to individual franchisees within a franchise group.

Criteria:

  1. Excellence in running a franchise location, showcasing business growth and client satisfaction.
  2. Evidence of community involvement and local impact.
  3. Innovative strategies to enhance operations and services.
  4. Alignment with the franchise group’s values and mission.

Independent Business of the Year

Eligibility:

  • Must be current AUSactive business members.
  • Open to independently owned and operated businesses (not part of a franchise or chain).

Criteria:

  1. Proven success in client satisfaction, retention, and business growth.
  2. Innovative business practices and exceptional service delivery.
  3. Strong community engagement and measurable impact.
  4. Financial sustainability and achievements over the past year.

Leisure Centre of The Year

Eligibility:

  • Must be current AUSactive business members.
  • Must operate as a publicly accessible leisure center offering multiple services.

Criteria:

  1. Commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and safety.
  2. A wide range of facilities and programs catering to diverse populations.
  3. Evidence of community partnerships and engagement initiatives.
  4. Adoption of sustainable and energy-efficient practices.

Multiservice Business of the Year

Eligibility:

  • Must be current AUSactive business members.
  • Must offer a minimum of three distinct services (e.g., gym, allied health, swimming, kids’ programs).

Criteria:

  1. Integration of services to deliver exceptional customer experiences.
  2. Strong staff training and development programs.
  3. Innovation and adaptability in business practices.
  4. Evidence of community involvement and engagement.

Pilates Business of the Year

Eligibility:

  • Must be current AUSactive business members.
  • Must be a dedicated Pilates studio or business.

Criteria:

  1. High-quality Pilates programs led by qualified instructors.
  2. Innovation in teaching methods and client engagement.
  3. Evidence of inclusivity and accessibility for diverse client groups.
  4. Strong client satisfaction and retention metrics.

Yoga Business of the Year

Eligibility:

  • Must be current AUSactive business members.
  • Must be a dedicated yoga studio or business.

Criteria:

  1. Delivery of high-quality yoga classes with accredited instructors.
  2. Commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
  3. Innovation in teaching approaches and community engagement.
  4. Evidence of positive impact on clients’ mental and physical well-being.
Submit your entry

Community Categories Awards Criteria

  • Recognising individuals, programs, and organisations creating measurable, positive change through inclusivity, innovation, and community engagement. 
  • Submissions should demonstrate impact, accessibility, and alignment with AUSactive’s mission to inspire healthier, more active communities.
 

Social Value & Community Impact Award of the Year

Eligibility:

  1. Open to individuals, businesses, or organisations in the health and fitness industry.
  2. Nominees must demonstrate programs, initiatives, or activities that have significantly benefited their local or broader community.

Criteria:

  1. Evidence of measurable community impact, including testimonials, participation rates, or outcomes.
  2. Initiatives that promote inclusivity, accessibility, and social well-being.
  3. Demonstrates commitment to addressing social challenges or contributing to societal needs.

Most Inclusive and Diverse Program Award of the Year

Eligibility:

  1. Open to programs, initiatives, or organizations that prioritise inclusivity and diversity.
  2. The program must have been actively running for at least 12 months by March 2025.

Criteria:

  1. Evidence of accessibility for participants of all abilities, ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels.
  2. Demonstrates innovative approaches to promoting inclusivity and breaking barriers in fitness participation.
  3. Positive outcomes supported by participant testimonials or measurable results.
  4. Actively champions diversity and fosters a sense of belonging within the community.

Mental Health Awareness Award of the Year

Eligibility:

  1. Open to individuals, programs, or organisations committed to mental health advocacy and support.
  2. Initiatives must address mental health awareness, education, or well-being in the context of fitness or community programs.

Criteria:

  1. Demonstrates a strong commitment to improving mental health outcomes through fitness initiatives.
  2. Evidence of innovative approaches to mental health education, awareness, or support.
  3. Positive impact supported by testimonials, participation rates, or measurable improvements.
  4. Clear focus on reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations about mental health.

Industry Innovation Award of the Year

Eligibility:

  1. Open to individuals, businesses, or organisations that have introduced innovative solutions, programs, or technologies within the fitness industry.
  2. Innovations must have been implemented and active for at least 6 months as of March 2025.

Criteria:

  1. Evidence of the innovation’s originality and relevance to the fitness industry.
  2. Demonstrates measurable success, adoption rates, or positive outcomes.
  3. Highlights how the innovation addresses challenges, improves efficiency, or enhances member experience.
  4. Demonstrates scalability or potential for broader industry application.s
Submit your entry

Individual Categories Awards Criteria

  • All entrants must be current AUSactive members and be qualified and registered as an exercise professional in the category they are applying for.
  • Please see the category criteria and guidelines before submitting your entry to ensure you or the nominee is eligible.

Aqua Professional of the Year

Eligibility:

  • Must be a current AUSactive exercise professional member.
  • Must be a qualified professional specialising in aqua-based fitness programs.

Criteria:

  1. Expertise in designing and delivering effective aqua fitness programs.
  2. Demonstrates innovation in aqua fitness techniques.
  3. Evidence of participant satisfaction and positive impact on their fitness and well-being.
  4. Promotes safety, accessibility, and inclusivity in water-based fitness programs.

Manager of the Year

Eligibility:

  • Must be a current AUSactive member.
  • Must be a manager of a fitness club, leisure center, or similar facility.

Criteria:

  1. Demonstrates excellence in club operations, including staff management and member engagement.
  2. Evidence of innovative initiatives to enhance member experience and satisfaction.
  3. Strong leadership and commitment to staff development.
  4. Achievements in financial performance, community engagement, and sustainability practices.

Educator of the Year

Eligibility:

  • Must be a qualified educator actively delivering education to active health and fitness professionals.

Criteria:

  1. Excellence in delivering high-quality, impactful education programs.
  2. Evidence of innovation in teaching techniques or curriculum development.
  3. Positive feedback from students and peers.
  4. Demonstrates leadership and influence in shaping the fitness education landscape.

Group Exercise Instructor or Leader of the Year

Eligibility:

  • Must be a current AUSactive exercise professional member.
  • Must be a qualified group exercise instructor/leader and actively teaching group fitness classes.

Criteria:

  1. Ability to create an engaging and motivating group environment.
  2. Demonstrates versatility in leading various class formats.
  3. Strong focus on inclusivity and adaptability for participants of all fitness levels.
  4. Evidence of member retention and class popularity.

Personal Trainer of the Year

Eligibility:

  • Must be a current AUSactive exercise professional member.
  • Must be a qualified personal trainer and actively working with clients in one-on-one or small group settings.

Criteria:

  1. Evidence of client success and satisfaction through testimonials or measurable results.
  2. Demonstrates innovative training techniques and methodologies.
  3. Commitment to professional development and continuous learning.
  4. Strong focus on client safety, inclusivity, and overall well-being.

Pilates Professional of the Year

Eligibility:

  • Must be a current AUSactive exercise professional member.
  • Must be a qualified Pilates instructor and actively teaching Pilates classes or sessions.

Criteria:

  1. High-quality delivery of Pilates classes with a focus on technique and participant safety.
  2. Evidence of client satisfaction and measurable progress.
  3. Demonstrates innovation in Pilates programming or instruction.
  4. Promotes inclusivity and accessibility within the Pilates community.


Student of the Year

Eligibility:

  • Must be a current AUSactive student member.
  • Must be currently enrolled in or have recently completed a fitness-related certification or program in 2024 – 2025.

Criteria:

  1. Demonstrates exceptional commitment and progress in their studies.
  2. Evidence of initiative and passion for the fitness industry.
  3. Actively engages in practical learning and development opportunities.
  4. Shows potential to make a positive impact in the fitness industry.


Yoga Professional of the Year

Eligibility:

  • Must be a current AUSactive exercise professional member.
  • Must be a qualified yoga instructor, actively teaching yoga classes or sessions.

Criteria:

  1. Demonstrates excellence in yoga instruction, focusing on technique and safety.
  2. Evidence of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
  3. Promotes mindfulness, well-being, and mental health benefits through yoga.
  4. Strong client satisfaction and retention.
Submit your entry

Industry Supplier Categories Awards Criteria

  • All entrants must be current AUSactive industry supplier members.
  • Recognising suppliers that demonstrate innovation, quality, user-centric design, and measurable impact while aligning with the industry’s values and promoting sustainability.

Innovator of the Year 

Awarded to the supplier that has introduced the most innovative product or service in the active health and fitness industry.

Eligibility:

  1. Open to suppliers operating in the fitness industry in Australia.
  2. The innovative product or service must have been launched within the past 12 months.
  3. Must be a current AUSactive member.

Criteria:

  1. Demonstrates a clear impact on improving fitness industry practices or user outcomes.
  2. Innovation addresses a specific challenge or fills a gap in the market.
  3. Evidence of adoption or positive feedback from users or industry stakeholders.

Best Equipment Supplier of the Year  

Recognising the supplier that has consistently provided high-quality, durable, and user-friendly equipment.

Eligibility:

  1. Open to suppliers that have provided fitness equipment to Australian businesses or individuals for at least 12 months.
  2. Must be a current AUSactive member.

Criteria:

  1. Evidence of product quality, durability, and reliability over time.
  2. Demonstrates exceptional customer support and service.
  3. Focus on user-friendly designs that cater to a wide range of fitness levels and abilities.
  4. Commitment to sustainability in materials or manufacturing processes.

Best Technology Integration of the Year  

Awarded to the supplier that has effectively integrated technology into their fitness products or services to enhance user experience and outcomes.

Eligibility:

  1. Open to suppliers offering fitness technology or integrated solutions in Australia.
  2. The technology must have been active and in use for at least six months prior to nomination.
  3. Must be a current AUSactive member.

Criteria:

  1. Demonstrates seamless integration of technology to enhance functionality or outcomes.
  2. Evidence of improved user experience and engagement through technology.
  3. Strong adoption rates and positive feedback from users or clients.
  4. Scalability and potential for broader industry application.
Submit your entry