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Victoria’s Chief Health Officer repeats ‘misinformation’ that gyms are ‘high-risk’ infection environments

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer repeats ‘misinformation’ that gyms are ‘high-risk’ infection environments
June 9, 2021
About the author

Nigel Benton

Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management

Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.

With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.

Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.

In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.

He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).

In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.

As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.

Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.

His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.

His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well as caring for Stella the pug.

Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.

Read more from this author

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8th June 2021 - Highlighting safety of gym visits Vic Active says Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has ‘got it wrong’

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4th June 2021 - Fitness Australia asks why Victoria’s Chief Health Officer is again targeting gyms

3rd June 2021 - Victorian lockdown impacts the aquatic industry

2nd June 2021 - Melbourne’s stage three lockdown to be extended for another week while restrictions to ease in regional Victoria

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28th May 2021 - Fourth COVID lockdown ‘a monumental kick in the guts’ for Victorian fitness operators

27th May 2021 - Fitness Australia urges locked down Victorians not to forget the importance of physical activity

27th May 2021 - Victoria Government announces seven-day lockdown

23rd March 2021 - Fitness Australia says industry ‘continues to strengthen’ 12 months since COVID-19 shutdowns

24th February 2021 - Fitness Australia welcomes NSW Government’s lifting of gym class numbers to 50 people

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17th November 2020 - Fitness Australia Chief Executive questions why gyms must close but pubs can stay open

29th October 2020 - Fitness Australia advise that risk of infection in a gym is less than ‘one in a million’

16th October 2020 - Fitness Australia’s Barrie Elvish maintains calls for gyms to open in regional Victoria

12th October 2020 - Fitness Australia provides update on meeting with Victoria’s Deputy Chief Health Officer

8th October 2020 - Fitness Australia releases research showing impact of lockdown gym closures

25th September 2020 - Fitness Australia asserts there is no clear evidence gyms spread COVID-19

21st September 2020 - Fitness Australia’s Barrie Elvish to meet with Victoria’s Deputy Chief Health Officer to urge gym reopening

10th September 2020 - Fitness Australia confirms Melbourne gyms to reopen from 26th October

6th September 2020 - Fitness Australia challenges Victorian Chief Health Officer’s assertion that gyms ‘cause outbreaks’

30th August 2020 - Fitness Australia calls for Victorian Government to reclassify health and fitness facilities as an ‘essential service’ 

21st August 2020 - Fitness Australia secures support for exercise to be classed as an ‘essential service’ from Victorian shadow sport minister

13th August 2020 - Fitness Australia counters ‘misinformation’ that suggests gyms are a hotspot for COVID-19

15th June 2020 - Fitness Australia calls for national consistency in state government gym reopenings

29th May 2020 - Planet Fitness Australia founder calls on governments to ‘open our gyms’

9th September 2020 - 12RND Fitness’ Michael Jordan backs challenge to Victorian Chief Health Officer’s comments that gyms are ‘high risk’

19th October 2020 - Victorian Premier omits ‘high-risk’ gyms from state’s reopening plans


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