COMMUNITY
Kerri’s departure creates waves For the past 15 years, Kerri Parkinson has been inspiring students at the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre. With up to 50 avid recruits in any one class, many of Kerri’s students been attending her unique style of aqua aerobics since she commenced teaching locally in 2002. So it’s hardly surprising that there is a great sense of sadness about the fact that Kerri is “You get one retiring at the end of May, brought about by a decision to relocate with her husband shot at life and you Miro to New Zealand. have to make the Kerri started in the fitness industry most of it by living as an aqua instructor some 32 years ago. every moment Dropping in at the new Lane Cove Aquatic Centre when it first opened, she asked to the best way speak to the manager about whether they you can.” offered aqua aerobics classes. “At the time, there was a small program which had about six students. I said that I could double and then triple the size of the group if they put me on.” Kerri Parkinson, resplendent at her Australia Day themed aqua class, is Kerri lived up to her promise and she now has a very loyal retiring after 15 years of teaching at Lane Cove Aquatic Centre group of students who come not only from the local area, but from the eastern suburbs and upper North Shore. “Kerri’s warm, caring Kerri describes herself as a ‘freestyler’, adapting each session “My wish is that they keep according to the class dynamic and the needs of her individual nature and generosity, as well going with their fitness and students. as her quirky sense of humour, that they’ve learnt enough “No class is the same. I throw myself 110% into each and sets her apart from most from me to continue their constantly change the routine so that people don’t get bored. teachers. She is an innovator journey.” “Every moment has to be special. Having fun in the pool like no other. She will not only After her final class on May takes you back to being a kid – it gives you a break from what’s be missed by the Lane Cove 31st, Kerri and her husband happening in the rest of your life.” aquatic community but by the are driving part way around With a background in theatre, Kerri loves to make people whole fitness industry.” Australia before flying out to laugh. Themed classes are a firm favourite, including Christmas Julia Kaars New Zealand in September. (elves and antlers), Australia Day (Oz Rock and flags), Anzac Day Then there’s plans for “We are so very fortunate to and Queen's Birthday (tiaras in the pool). buying some land, getting a have had Kerri and her unique When asked what makes her classes different, Kerri says that horse and becoming selfit’s her motivation skills. aqua classes. There is no one sufficient - quite a lifestyle “Through all my years and experience, I’ve picked up useful like her and her energy and change for a born and bred tools along the way and I share these with my students to drive motivates us to exercise city girl, and one which Kerri help them. better and stronger while is really looking forward to. “You can change a mood through exercise. I like to help having fun. Many enduring The odd visit back (and people when they’re not firing to shake it off. Being in the water friendships have been made perhaps even a class or to) releases endorphins. People get hooked on the feeling they get in the pool over the years and is not completely out of from doing a class.” we have a great community the question – some small In the past 17 years, Kerri has created a community that does within the larger Lane Cove consolation for the many more than just exercise together. Many of the students have community.” students who will sorely formed strong friendships, socialising together outside of class. Dianne Galofaro miss Kerri and the classes Kerri was recognised for her contribution to the Lane Cove which have become such an “Kerri has dedicated community when she was awarded a Citizenship Award in 2012. important part of their lives. “I was both humbled and honoured as it recognised how I pull years of expertise, loyalty the community together in a unique way.” and healthy outcomes to Kerri’s professionalism and contribution to the progress of thousands of residents of the fitness and aqua aerobics industry was also acknowledged all ages. Injuries have been “Never settle for a in 2010, when she received the Australian Fitness Networks healed, bodies have been ripple when you Lifetime Achievement Award. strengthened and friendships can make a wave.” For Kerri, it’s going to be hard leaving her students. But she is have been made.” very hopeful that they will continue their aqua classes. Helen Matthews 22 I THE VILLAGE OBSERVER I NO. 262 I MAY 2017
