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Member Success Story – Martin Brett

running success

Running Success Story

G’day my name is Martin Brett; my dream has always been to participate in the Melbourne Marathon by the time I was 40. When I was at school running was something I enjoyed and I was part of the cross-country running team. I started working full-time and running was no longer a priority, however, the dream of completing the Marathon was still alive.   Although running wasn’t a priority I did continue playing footy until, on June 3rd 1995, my life completely changed. I was driving on a country road when a car came over a hill in the middle of the road hitting me head- on, with the driver’s side taking all the impact. I ended up in hospital for 2 weeks and unable to walk. I was married in September that same year,  still needing crutches however. During my time in rehabilitation my surgeon informed me – at the age of 27 – I was no longer able to participate in sport which included footy, golf and running. I was even advised to take extra care when walking on uneven ground.   Since my rehabilitation I have had 4 more operations, with the last being in 2015 which finally left me feeling pain free. The surgeon said the best form of rehab is to walk and swim so I joined PARC for the hot pool and swimming. Going to the pool regularly and building up my walking distance, I started to then get that competitive feeling back. In October 2016 I went to a friend’s house at about 4pm to her lying on the couch so I asked, “what’s wrong with you?” and her response was “I did the Melbourne Marathon today”. It was at that point I decided, I am going to do that next year!   I was told by a friend about ‘Parkrun’ and completed by first 5k event in 40 minutes, walking the whole distance. I have since completed an additional 50 events. Unfortunately I was unable to do the 2017 Marathon as I was still not fit enough. My physio told me the only way I would truly have a chance to participate is by joining the gym and build up my strength. In 2018, I upgraded my PARC membership to a complete membership and started my weight training.   Whilst going to the gym I discovered the PARC Fit run club. My fitness has improved so much that I can now complete the 5k in 23 minutes. On October 14th, 2018 – 11 years later than I had hoped – I completed the Melbourne Marathon.   Having achieved my dream of completing the Melbourne Marathon, I want to do it again and hopefully some other marathons around Australia. I want to keep running, whether it be 5k at Parkrun, PARC Fit running club or even a triathlon. Having come so far, I just want to stay active.
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ANZAC Day is an important day for our nation as we pause and reflect on the service men and women who have fought to protect our country. 🇦🇺🇳🇿🌹

PARC will be open with reduced hours on Saturday 25 April, with the Centre opening at 1pm.

Centre Hours: 1pm – 7pm
Waterslides: 1pm – 6pm
Cafe: 1:30pm – 5:30pm
PARC Swim: No Classes
Group Exercise Classes: No classes. Book a virtual or on demand class via the Customer Portal or Peninsula Leisure Xplor app.

#PARCFrankston #ANZACDay2026 #Lestweforget #CentreUpdate

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ANZAC Day is an important day for our nation as we pause and reflect on the service men and women who have fought to protect our country. 🇦🇺🇳🇿🌹 PARC will be open with reduced hours on Saturday 25 April, with the Centre opening at 1pm. Centre Hours: 1pm – 7pm Waterslides: 1pm - 6pm Cafe: 1:30pm - 5:30pm PARC Swim: No Classes Group Exercise Classes: No classes. Book a virtual or on demand class via the Customer Portal or Peninsula Leisure Xplor app. #PARCFrankston #ANZACDay2026 #Lestweforget #CentreUpdate

It`s the last day of Splash Island! 😱

Don’t end the school holidays with FOMO – book into one our final Splash Island sessions today!

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It's the last day of Splash Island! 😱 Don’t end the school holidays with FOMO - book into one our final Splash Island sessions today!

Are you coming to @frankston_skatepark`s 20th Anniversary this Saturday? 🎂🛹

Expect live music from Fresh Frankston, skate and BMX action, community games, giveaways and yes… cake (because you don’t turn 20 every day). We’re also bringing the memories to life with a community photo wall, packed with moments from the past 20 years. You might just spot yourself – or someone you know.

🎉 When: Saturday 18 April 2026, 12pm – 4pm
🛴 Where: Frankston Skate Park
🎈 Cost: Free. The event is open to everyone, with no bookings required.

Whether you’ve grown up at the park or are just keen to soak up the atmosphere, bring your board, scooter or bike and be part of the celebration.

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Are you coming to @frankston_skatepark's 20th Anniversary this Saturday? 🎂🛹 Expect live music from Fresh Frankston, skate and BMX action, community games, giveaways and yes… cake (because you don’t turn 20 every day). We’re also bringing the memories to life with a community photo wall, packed with moments from the past 20 years. You might just spot yourself - or someone you know. 🎉 When: Saturday 18 April 2026, 12pm – 4pm 🛴 Where: Frankston Skate Park 🎈 Cost: Free. The event is open to everyone, with no bookings required. Whether you’ve grown up at the park or are just keen to soak up the atmosphere, bring your board, scooter or bike and be part of the celebration.

2 Minutes. Big impact. Have your say on PARC Swim.

We’ve been working hard to improve the PARC Swim experience – and now we’d love to know how we’re going. To help us track our progress, we’re launching a short PARC Swim Pulse Survey.

The details:
🕐 Takes just 2–3 minutes
📆 Open until 26 April
💬 Responses are confidential
🎁 Go in the draw to win 1 of 3 x $100 Rebel Sport vouchers.

Complete the PARC Swim Pulse Survey via the link in our bio.

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2 Minutes. Big impact. Have your say on PARC Swim. We’ve been working hard to improve the PARC Swim experience - and now we’d love to know how we’re going. To help us track our progress, we’re launching a short PARC Swim Pulse Survey. The details: 🕐 Takes just 2–3 minutes 📆 Open until 26 April 💬 Responses are confidential 🎁 Go in the draw to win 1 of 3 x $100 Rebel Sport vouchers. Complete the PARC Swim Pulse Survey via the link in our bio.

It`s the last week of school holidays! 🍂

Make sure you come and visit us before they end! Book a session on Splash Island for a day of family fun, check out our raft waterslides, aquatic playground and more!

We can`t wait to see you at PARC! 🤩

#splashisland #PARC #PARCFrankston #melbourneschoolholidays #frankston #schoolholidays

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It's the last week of school holidays! 🍂 Make sure you come and visit us before they end! Book a session on Splash Island for a day of family fun, check out our raft waterslides, aquatic playground and more! We can't wait to see you at PARC! 🤩 #splashisland #PARC #PARCFrankston #melbourneschoolholidays #frankston #schoolholidays

Survey: What do you gain from attending our facilities?

At Peninsula Leisure, we know our facilities are more than places to swim, workout, take a class or recover. They’re spaces where people build healthy lifestyles, confidence and connection.

This year, we’re inviting you to take part in a new kind of survey, one that goes beyond facilities and timetables. We want to understand how attending PARC:

💪 Impacts your physical health and mental wellbeing
💙 Helps you feel connected to community
⭐️ Adds value to you or your family’s life

Your answers will help us measure the value to our community and the real-world impact of our programs and spaces. We want to hear from everyone – Peninsula Leisure is a child-friendly organisation, and we’re especially keen to hear from young people.

The survey is open until 26 April 2026 and will take around 10 minutes. Participants can go in the draw to win 1 of 3 x $100 Rebel Sport vouchers! Complete the survey via the link in our bio.

Thank you for helping us build an even stronger, healthier community 💙

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Survey: What do you gain from attending our facilities? At Peninsula Leisure, we know our facilities are more than places to swim, workout, take a class or recover. They’re spaces where people build healthy lifestyles, confidence and connection. This year, we’re inviting you to take part in a new kind of survey, one that goes beyond facilities and timetables. We want to understand how attending PARC: 💪 Impacts your physical health and mental wellbeing 💙 Helps you feel connected to community ⭐️ Adds value to you or your family’s life Your answers will help us measure the value to our community and the real-world impact of our programs and spaces. We want to hear from everyone - Peninsula Leisure is a child-friendly organisation, and we’re especially keen to hear from young people. The survey is open until 26 April 2026 and will take around 10 minutes. Participants can go in the draw to win 1 of 3 x $100 Rebel Sport vouchers! Complete the survey via the link in our bio. Thank you for helping us build an even stronger, healthier community 💙

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