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Inspiring Women of PARC: Celebrating International Women’s Day 2020

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day focuses on accelerating gender parity and is all about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action. International Women’s Day has been occurring for well over a century – and continues to grow from strength to strength.

At PARC we are surrounded by amazing women. 76% of our staff are female, with 50% of Senior Managers being women.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re doing a series of stories on Inspiring Women of PARC in the lead up to Sunday, this year’s International Women’s Day.

Our Marketing Specialist Jess de Araugo caught up with one inspiring woman Melanie (Mel) Hartskeerl.

Mel wears many hats at PARC. She has been a Membership Sales Consultant since 2016, taking out the 2017 PARC Sales Consultant of the Year. Mel is also a Personal Trainer, and most recently was heading up the Group Exercise program while a colleague was on maternity leave. Mel is a qualified naturopath, and is passionate about sharing her knowledge with both colleagues and members. In fact, we are hosting a specific Women’s Health Seminar, that will shed light on how women’s hormones and cycle impacts energy levels, work outs and fitness goals. Learn more here. Let’s get to know this inspiring woman of PARC.

Meet Mel:

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Wow, where do I start? I am a single mum of 2 gorgeous children. They are 15 and 11 years old, both members of PARC, and both keep my on my toes.

I have a degree in Naturopathy, Nutrition and Western Herbal Medicine, and have my Certificate 4 in fitness so I divide my working time between these 2 passions. I work some of the time at PARC, as a Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor and in Memberships, and the rest of my week I work for myself as a Naturopath / Nutritionist from a private practice in Seaford.

When I’m not at work, you’ll find me staying fit and being outdoors – running, stand up paddle boarding, at the beach, or gardening.

What was your dream job as a child and why?

Archaeologist. I was obsessed as a child, I just love ancient history!

What do you love about your work?

Helping people be a better version of themselves.

What’s something about you that most people wouldn’t know?

Well, I have a few hidden skills. I used to be an apprentice chef. But to be honest, I hated it because I love being around people and I found I couldn’t socialise. I am also a qualified bookkeeper. I got my Cert 4 in Accounting when the kids were just babies. I guess I just love learning new stuff and being challenged. I’m ever evolving!

What is the best and worst decision you’ve ever made?

Best: Definitely to go back and study as a mature age student, as a mum. The kids were 6 and 10, and it’s set us up for our life now.

Worst: I don’t think you can have a worst decision, because you can always learn… You will always get something out of every experience.

What’s on your bucket list?

Hmmm, I’m all about experiences!

  • Walk the Kokoda Track
  • Explore Egypt (yes, I’m not an archaeologist, but I still love my ancient history!)
  • New York, New York baby!

How do you balance work and life responsibilities?

My kid will always come first. But balance and structure are so important to me. Whatever I am doing, I try to work smart, not hard. I optimise the time I have available, and make the most of every minute.

You also just have to be super organised. I know what I am doing on any given day, and I love my hard copy diary! Plus, I don’t commit to things that I can’t give 100% to. Why do things half baked?

The theme for international Women’s Day this year is #EachforEqual – What does that mean to you?

Everyone should be treated equally. We are all equal.

What woman inspires you and why?

One of Australia’s most inspirational women is Turia Pitt. She is an ultramarathon fire survivor and her story is amazing. Everything she has gone through and the way she has overcome this challenge in her life is something we can all admire and learn from. She never gave up!

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Have you registered for the Frankston Swim Classic yet? 🏊

Join PARC staff at the 2nd annual Frankston Swim Classic. Swim in the calm and clear waters off Frankston beach and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Waterfront festival.

Date: 8 February 
Events: 400m, 1.2km and 2.5km open water bay swims. and the NEW 700m kids beach run. Wetsuits are welcome but not compulsory.
Location: Frankston Yacht Club, Frankston Foreshore, Long Island Drive (via, Davey St), Frankston, Victoria, Australia

Don't miss out on this amazing event. Register via the Frankston Swim Classic website - Link in bio

We hope to see you there 😊

#PARCFrankston #Frankston #FrankstonSwimClassic #outdoorswimming
Frankston’s Iconic Waterfront Festival returns on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 February. 🎉
 
Enjoy two jam-packed days of entertainment for the entire family. 
 
- Live Music from Sneaky Sound System, Peirce Brothers and more 
- Rides and Amusements 
- Global Eats 
- Rotary Duck race 
- Basketball with Hoop city 
- Glitter Gypsy’s 
- Fireworks and more... 
 
The Peninsula Leisure and PARC team will be there with the Frankston Skate Park crew on Saturday 8 February from 12pm - 7pm, for free learn to skate sessions. Keep your eyes peeled for the Peninsula Leisure team! 
 
Learn more via link in bio

#PARCFrankston #WaterfrontFestival #Frankston #FamilyFun #LiveMusic
✨LAST CHANCE - DON'T MISS OUT ✨

Entries for the 2024 Rotary Peninsula 2.0's Birth Tree are closing midnight tomorrow! 🌳

Any child born in 2024 can join the birth tree, celebrating a lifelong connection in the Frankston community.

Entries close midnight 31st January 2025, for all babies born in 2024. 

You can purchase a place on the birth tree by heading to our website in the link below. Or for older children, you can add them to the Family Garden. Find out more via link in bio

#PARCFrankston #Rotarybirthtree #dontmissout #Frankstonconnected #community
ITS GIVEAWAY TIME 🙌 🏊

We have two complimentary entries into the Frankston Swim Classic on Saturday 8 February. Tell us why you want to join the Classic in the comments, and go into the draw to receive a one of these complimentary entries. 

Winners will be drawn Monday 3 February.

About the Frankston Swim Classic 
When: Saturday 8 February 2025
What: Three events - 400m, 1.2km and 2.5km swims

Registrations via the Frankston Swim Classic website - Link in bio

#PARCFrankston #FrankstonSwimClassic #Frankston #Giveaway #Prize #Openwaterswim
Bookings are open for PARC Fit Outdoor Term 1! 

Don't miss out on the ultimate outdoor fitness adventure 🏃☀️ 
 
PARC Fit Outdoor is back for 2025, offering a bootcamp-style program in the beautiful surrounds of Frankston. Join now and reserve your spot for 8 weeks of energising sessions with experienced trainers. 
 
Limited spots available – secure your spot today via the website, link in bio
 
#PARCFrankston #PARCFitOutdoor #SummerFitness #OutdoorWorkout #ParcFrankston
PARC Swim term 1 starts today 🎉

We hope you're ready to SNAP back into action after a relaxing yet fun holiday period. Our swimming teachers are ready to PUFF up your child's confidence, giving them the skills to FLY through the water 🏊

Its time to watch your TADpoles grow into swimming champions! We can't wait to see you all back in the pool for PARC Swim term 1. 

To learn more about our PARC Swim membership, speak to our friendly team in Centre or email membership.parc@peninsulaleisure.com.au 

#PARCFrankston #PARCSwim #Swimmingclassforkids #Learntoswim
Australia Day public holiday opening hours 
 
We're open Monday 27 January for the Australia Day public holiday. 
 
The Centre will be operating on reduced public holiday hours, 
 
PARC Centre Hours 7am – 7pm 
Waterslides open: 10am – 6pm 
Cafe hours: 8am – 5pm 
PARC Swim: No lessons on Monday 27 January but resume Tuesday 28 January 
Group exercise: reduced timetable, see the Customer Portal for class details and to book in. 
 
Don’t miss out, Sunday 26 January is the last day of our Summer Splash Island school holiday program, PARC will be open with it’s usual hours, 7am – 7pm. 
 
To see what services are open on the day, visit our Service Availability Report here via the link in bio

#PARCFrankston #AustraliaDay #Openinghours #PublicHoliday
Checking in is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Our new Kiosk check-in process has streamlined the group exercise check in process.

Step 1 - Scan your member band

Step 2 - Press the "Attend" button on the class/es you wish to attend

Step 3 - Press "Sign out" 

All done! time to enjoy your group exercise class 😊

Don't forget to download the Peninsula Leisure Xplor App, now available on Apple and Android today. For more information please visit our blog via the website link in bio

#PARCFranktson #CheckInKiosk #PeninsulaLeisureApp #Easy #Stepbystep

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