Brumby Fitness

Earlier this year, five Australian men of Tongan heritage started up Brumby Fitness: Kalapu Kau Vaivai. The group’s Tongan name means ‘Club of the Weak or Elderly’ and emphasises the organisers’ goal of helping everyone become more fit, regardless of age or current ability. Gym sessions run six days a week, starting at 4am on weekdays, 5am on Saturdays.

Organisers don’t just focus on physical health. They share a strong desire to improve mental health as well by building a strong community and creating opportunities for social engagement – all things the pandemic has clarified the importance of. Today in the Assembly, I publicly thanked the leadership of Brumby Fitness for their efforts to serve Canberra’s Tongan community.

Click on the arrow button to read my speech.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. For many Canberrans, the best place to be at 4:00 on a cold winter’s morning in Canberra is snuggled deep under the doona. But Brumby Fitness: Kalapu Kau Vaivai are doing their best to change that. I rise today to thank this community group for all they are doing to help improve the physical and mental wellbeing of their members.

Brumby Fitness’s Tongan name means ‘Club of the Weak or Elderly’, and the group started earlier this year with just five men, one of whom, Toni Tu’ulakitau, was recovering from surgery following serious health issues. Determined not only to recover but to get stronger, Toni started training at the gym every morning with four mates.

As they saw improvement in their own lives, these five original members, all of them Australians of Tongan heritage, started thinking about their own families and their community. And as interest spread, Toni and his mates welcomed all-comers. They currently have over 50 active members. Over the past several weeks, it has been my privilege to join in as well. What a great experience for everyone involved!

Gym sessions run six days per week, still starting at 4am on weekdays, 5am on Saturdays. On Mondays, the focus in on weight training and PT. Tuesdays are for more weights and Boxfit. Cardio and Zumba sessions are held on Wednesdays, followed by weight training and yoga on Thursdays. Participants can enjoy more weight training plus step on Fridays, and Saturdays are considered fun exercise days.

Richard Taumoepeau, a third-year medical student, helps members track their progress by weighing and measuring them each week. He also provides basic health and nutrition advice.

Brumby Fitness, however, don’t just focus on physical health. They share a strong desire to improve mental health as well. They do this in part simply by building a strong community and giving people opportunities for social engagement. The pandemic has certainly highlighted for nearly all of us the central importance of belonging to a supportive community. And true to their Tongan name, Brumby Fitness welcome everyone, no matter the current fitness level. Parents have started bringing their children. Special attention is given to make the experience safe and inviting for women and seniors as well.

In the process, what started off as five mates keen to improve their health has grown into something that looks and feels more like a family. Everyone is welcome. Everyone is supported. And everyone ends up walking out into the cold Canberra morning feeling better physically, feeling better mentally, and more prepared for whatever the day holds.

Madam Speaker, I express my gratitude to the leadership of Brumby Fitness for seeing beyond themselves and their own needs to the needs of the broader community. Their enthusiasm is infectious! I wish them the very best as they continue to build a strong organisation that brings people together in such a positive way.

Thank you.