News

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!

Share this article

Your intentions set your Pace in 2025 💪

What word best describes your health and fitness goals or intention for 2025? It can be whatever you want! Your word sets your Pace. 

Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Balance: Mental and emotional health through physical well-being. 
- Community: Finding friends who support and motive my health 
- Me! A happier, healthier me 

Your Pace at PARC is about your health and wellbeing on your terms, and we believe that your journey is as individual as you are. Create your Pace Phrase and kickstart your journey at PARC with a wide variety of options to match your health and fitness needs.

#parcfrankston #atyourpace #healthandwellbeing #healthgoal #wellbeinggoals #frankston
Happy Valentine’s Day PARC Fam! 💕 You’re our forever Valentine. 

#parcfrankston #valentinesday2025 #frankstoncity #frankstongym #healthandfitnessmotivation
We’re excited to welcome Exercise Physiologist Jesse Murphy and his team, Compass Allied Health, to PARC! 
 
Compass Allied Health offers:
✅ Exercise Physiology
✅ Physiotherapy
✅ Therapy assistance (AHA) 
✅ Support workers (NDIS)
 
Jesse has proudly brought his expertise in exercise prescription to Frankston and surrounds for over 8 years. He is passionate about supporting people achieve their goals through exercise intervention. Jesse has extensive experience in screening/assessments and prescribing personalised exercise programs for all ages and various needs including athletes, injury and post-operative rehabilitation, chronic diseases, and a range of physical and neurological conditions both within private practice and under the NDIS. 

What’s available? 
Services are available for both Private and NDIS: 
Private health insurance rebates available
GP referral NOT required.

·  Gym based - 1:1, Group/buddy training, Programs
·  Specialised groups - ACL Rehab
·  Hydrotherapy
·  Home visits
·  Online Telehealth via zoom 

Other/Compensable: 
(GP referral required) 

·  Medicare - EPC 
·  WorkCover 
·  TAC
·  DVA

Introductory offer: (T&C’s apply) 

Discounts for multiple services are available to both CURRENT and NON members for:

- Kickstart Packs 
- Initial Assessments 
- Running assessments 
- Lower back pain assessments + stability program
- Maximal strength testing 
- Program modification 

Head over to @compass.alliedhealth socials on Instagram to find out more! 

#parcfrankston #alliedhealth #exercisephysiology #exercisephysiologist
Our popular Small Group Training Come & Try session is back! 🏋️‍♀️

Join us for a fun, complimentary Saturday morning workout where you can experience a Small Group Training session. Meet the team, workout with a group of like minded people and learn how our Small Group Training can help you meet your health and wellbeing goals at your pace. 

These sessions are open to our Full Access members, and can be booked via our Customer Portal - link in bio. 

📅 When: Saturday 22 February 
🕘 Time: 8.00m and 9.00am 

Want to learn more about Small Group Training membership? Visit our website or chat to one of our trainers! 

#PARCfrankston #smallgrouptraining #smallgrouptrainingsessions #personaltraining #personaltrainingsession #frankstoncity #trainingbuddies
Skate Park Leagues is coming to Frankston Skate Park on 22 Febraury!

Locals will battle it out to claim the crown and gain points towards the Victorian Melbourne Metro Series League Ladders. Skate, scoot or BMX - there are heat times for each category. 🛴🛹🚲

Everyone is welcome to compete, so come on down and enjoy the show! We hope to see you there.

Visit Skate Park Leagues website for more info: https://peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/2025-skate-park-leagues-at-frankston-skate-park/

#FrankstonSkatepark #PARCFrankston #SkateLeagues #Competition #SkateScootBMX

Join our community for news

Recent articles