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Member Spotlight: Roberta Halstead – achieving strength and results at any age

At 72, Roberta (Robbie) Halstead, is proving that age is just a number when it comes to fitness and strength. Robbie recently switched up her workout routine by joining our Small Group Training membership with a goal to get stronger and she’s absolutely smashed all expectations by now being able to lift 90% of her body weight.

Dive into our QnA below to learn more about her journey and how Small Group Training sessions helped Robbie achieve her goals.

 

What made you want to start SGT?
I wanted to lose body fat and get stronger. For a couple of years, I was doing Powerzone 3-4 times a week and I decided to change what I was doing and focus on strength.

 

What do you love most about SGT?
I love the challenge of lifting heavy weights and proving to myself that I can do it. With the guidance of my PTs, Tracey and Celina, I feel confident in my abilities. Another thing I really appreciate is having a structured program through the PARC Fit App. It gives me a clear plan to follow, complete with videos, so I can confidently do two of my sessions on my own. The variety is great too—day 1 and day 2 have different routines, and I finish off my week training with my group and my trainer.

 

What is something you are most proud of/goal that you’ve reached?
I’m proud that, at 72, I can almost barbell squat my own body weight! Being able to confidently lift heavy weights and feeling stronger is such an accomplishment. Plus, I’ve gained extra stamina, which definitely comes in handy when I’m chasing after my grandkids!

 

What is your advice for anyone wanting to be more active but are not sure where to start?
If you’re new, I recommend starting with Powerzone. It’s only 30 minutes, including warm-ups, so it’s a quick workout, and most movements are pretty easy to follow. Jumping into a 60-minute class can be tough for beginners, but 30 minutes is much more manageable. Just go at your own pace and don’t worry about what anyone else is doing.

 

When I transitioned to weight training with SGT, I wanted guidance from a PT to learn proper technique and stay accountable. Working with a PT in SGT has been incredibly valuable for me.

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More People Can Swim summer programs are back - and it’s FREE! 

This summer, Peninsula Leisure and Frankston City Council are helping more people in Frankston learn to swim and stay safe around water. 

Our More People Can Swim initiative offers fully subsidised programs for teens, kids, and families this January, who would otherwise not have access to water safety education or swimming lessons. 

💦 Build confidence in and around the water 
💦 Learn vital life-saving water skills 
💦 Join a fun, supportive community who is safer for summer 

Simply complete an Expression of Interest form for your preferred program on our website here: https://peninsulaleisure.com.au/can-swim/ 

☀️ Expressions of Interest are open throughout November 2025, for programs running in January 2026. 

💙 For questions, contact our friendly Can Swim team at can.swim@peninsulaleisure.com.au 

 #pinesfrankston #parcfrankston #frankstoncity
PARC’s Annual Christmas Giving Tree is back 🎄❤️

We’re proud to once again partner with Community Support Frankston to help families in need this Christmas. Over the years, our community’s generosity has been amazing - and this year, it’s needed more than ever! 
 
How you can help: 
🎁 Donate: Gifts and non-perishable items. Brand new toys and festive foods! 
📍 Where: Donation box near PARC reception 
📆 When: Donations cut off on Friday 12 December to allow time to distribute. 

Let’s spread joy and make this Christmas brighter for everyone in our local community! 

#PARCFrankston #ChristmasGivingTree #Christmasgiftdonations #christmasappeal
New! Instantly suspend your membership online via the Customer Portal

We’ve made managing your membership easier! From today, Tuesday 11 November, Full Access, Aquatic Access, and Active Life members can now suspend your memberships instantly through your Customer Portal - no forms, no waiting!

☑️ Instantly suspend your membership online
☑️ Manage your own suspension dates
☑️ Start your suspension immediately – no three-day wait

Want to learn how it works? We’ve put together a blog with step-by-step instructions and FAQs to guide you through. Read the full guide here: https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/news/introducing-self-serve-suspensions/

We’re excited to bring you this new feature and hope it makes managing your membership even easier
VICSWIM Summer intensives are back for 2026 🏊

Give your kids a fun, intensive swim program this January at PARC or Pines! Perfect for ages 4–12, these lessons focus on swimming skills and water safety. 

🟢 PINES
Week 1:  1: 5–9 January, 8.00am - 3.00pm
Week 2: 12 - 16 January, 8.30am - 1.00pm

🔵 PARC
 Week 3: 19–23 January, 8:30am–1pm 
 
Cost: $43 per week (5 lessons included) 
Bookings open from 10am this Wednesday 12 November. These spots won’t last! 

Visit VICSWIM's website to secure your child's spot - www.vicswim.com.au 

#PARCfrankston #vicswim #swimminglessons #watersafetyskills #watersafety
Let’s talk about women’s health!

Join us for an evening of conversation, expert advice, and empowerment at our Women’s Health Seminar: Perimenopause & Menopause Wellbeing.

Wednesday 12 November, 7:30pm
Chisolm, next to PARC
Free for PARC members

Hear from Nutritionist Ali Tehan and GP Dr Shaminder Kaur, who’ll share practical insights on how to navigate perimenopause and menopause with confidence - from nutrition and energy to medical support and treatment options.

Whether you’re experiencing changes yourself or want to better understand and support the women in your life, this is a must-attend event. 

Seats are limited, so secure your spot today! Register and learn more in our blog: https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/womens-health-seminar-perimenopause-and-menopause-wellbeing-at-parc/

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Introducing Self-Serve Suspensions

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