EXERCISE, health and wellbeing are at the epicentre of the community ethos at Mount Isa Irish Association.
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Mt Isa Irish Association Manager Bernard Gillic said the team constantly reinforces the message "fitness should come first" to the clubs 17,000 members.
"There's nothing more important to people than health and the health of their families," he said.
"It is important with us [in Mount Isa] being quite isolated and hot people can't get out like they do on the coast or in cooler climates and being able to come to an indoor airconditioned gym is very appealing.
"People wouldn't be able to exercise because of the heat if not for the gym because they don't cope with 45 degree days."
The gym kicked-off fitness classes including cross fit, spin and yoga classes in February.
Bernard said the Irish Association have been part of the community for more than 60 years sponsoring local music events and the Mount Isa Border Ride.
“The support the community has always shown for the club makes us a perfect match,” he said.
“When it commenced the Irish community were quite big at the time with Mount Isa paying boat fares for anyone who was wlilling to come out and work in the mines.
It’s range of services form hospitality and food, accommodation, a general store, a gym and a nightclub are frequently utilised and loved by local folk now considered a home away form home.
Bernard joined his work family more than 25 years ago.more than 25 years ago.
“I’ve felt a strong attachment with the Irish Club as it allows me to be involved in and supportive of the Mount Isa Community where I live,” he said.
The Mount Isa Irish Association has consistently reinvented itself and done something new and exciting.
“There will be upgrades to our accommodation services and our solar panel system then move onto the next project,” he said.
Mount Isa Irish Association membership costs $10 a year and $5 for an out of towner. The gym is open 24/7.