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ABOUT THE ACADEMY
 MISSION STATEMENT
The Lawnton Academy provides a quality service to the community through the implementation of challenging, safe & enjoyable programs that inspire all participants of all levels & abilities to reach their full potential in the sport of Artistic Gymnastics.
MOTTO
"EXCELLENCE THROUGH EFFORT"
GOALS
 To provide a program that caters for the whole range of artistic gymnastic performance for males & females from Tiny Twister-Gym and Recreational programs to competitive, State, National and International performance.
- To provide a staff of dedicated professionals with great expertise & enthusiasm to assist all gymnasts in their care to reach they're full potential in their chosen program at the Academy.
- To create an environment in the Academy which will develop a child's physical, social, emotional and intellectual abilities and therefore assist to lay the foundation for learning about life & self.
- To provide a correct foundation in the learning of gymnastic skills in every Academy program available.
- To produce competitive gymnasts with very high standards in their chosen sport.
- To conduct Academy activities in such a way as to provide an environment which, so far as practicable, protects the health, safety and welfare of ALL persons at the Academy and actively encourages safe working practices.
- To foster & encourage gymnasts to become future Coaches, Judges & Administrators in the sport by providing a gym leader & apprenticeship program of the highest standard.
- To provide an administration system that focuses on excellence in customer service, communication and good management practices.
- To provide gymnasts and their parents with a challenge and also a lot of enjoyment by participating in the Academy's extra activities.
BUSINESS PROFILE
 The Lawnton Academy is a registered small business owned and operated by the Principal of the Academy, Louise Cross. The Academy is affiliated with Gymnastics Qld (GQ) and Gymnastics Australia (GA) and a member of the Australian Sports Commission Club Development Provider Network.
The Academy commenced operation in October 1982 in a small leased shed in Paisley Drive. In 1987 Louise Cross was successful in her application for a loan to build the current facility that we now work in. Being a private business, the Academy receives no Government Grants. All costs for building loan, leases, rentals, equipment, staff wages, maintaining the facility etc. come from the gymnast's fees.
Over the years, the Academy has produced many Regional, State, National and International representatives. Our 'Honour Board' is testament to this. The Academy has been the best Overall Club in Qld for Girls for 9 consecutive years (1994 - 2002) and best Boys Club in Qld for 5 consecutive years (1999 - 2003) and also in 2007.
The Academy is the "Home Club" for registered members: -
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LISA SKINNER -
Australian Team Member for 3 World Championships, 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta, & Dual Gold Medallist in the 1998 Commonwealth Games. Lisa was the first Australian gymnast to reach an apparatus final at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The 2004 Athens Olympic Games marks the close to Lisa's Competitive Career. Lisa finishes her career as the only Australian Female to participate in 3 Olympic Games.
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DANIELLE KELLY -
One of Australia’s impressive Senior International competitors. Danielle represented Australia at The Goodwill Games, Brisbane in 2001 and 2003 World Championships where the Australian team place 3rd in the world. She was also a member of the Australian Team for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. She retired in 2004.
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DAMIAN ISTRIA -
One of Australia’s top Senior International competitors who retired in 2006. Damian competed in many major international competitions including, the 1999 World Championships, the 2001 Goodwill Games, 2003 Commonwealth Games where he was a silver medallist, and the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The highlight of his career was qualifying into the apparatus finals on High Bar at the 2005 World Championships in Melbourne where he placed 7th.
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SAM SIMPSON -
Currently one of Australia’s highest ranked Senior International competitors. Sam has represented Australia at a senior level in many international events and was an Australian team member for the 2003, 2006 & 2007 World Championships. The highlight of Sam’s career to date is qualifying as Australia’s sole MAG representative to the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
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MICHAEL DONNET -
Currently one of Australia’s up & coming Senior International competitors. Michael has represented Qld & Australia at many International standard events.
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NAOMI RUSSELL -
Currently one of Australia up & coming Senior International competitors. Naomi’s career has been hampered by injuries however the highlight for Naomi was being a member of the 2006 Commonwealth Games Australian Team where she received the Bronze medal on Vault and was a member of the Australian Team that placed 1 st Overall. She has also been a Queensland and Australian Representative at many gymnastics international events. |
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CHANTELLE TURNBULL -
Currently an International Level 10 competitor who has achieved many honours at both a State & National level in the International program. Chantelle dreams of following in the footsteps of Lisa & Danielle and has enormous potential.
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In 1991 the Academy was given the honour of being named the first 'Satellite Club' for the Q.G.A.I. W.A.G. High Performance Program. In 1993 the Academy's Boy's Program was recognised and we became a Support Club for the MAG High Performance Program. In March of '99 at the 50th Anniversary of QGA Inc, the Academy was honoured by being named QGA and AGF Club of the Year for 1998.
ACADEMY STAFF
 The Academy program (directed by the Principal), has in place both full-time salaried staff and casual staff whose dedication & coaching ability has been instrumental in the Academy being recognised as providing one of the most successful gymnastics programs in Qld and Australia.
There are 2 area’s of operation at the Academy:-
- Program & Coaching Operations
- Support & Resources(Administration)
The Coaching Operation area is managed by four (4) Program Supervisors – Boys Program, Girls Competitive Program, Girls Recreational Program & Tiny Twister Program. These persons are supported by a large group of Recreational & Competitive program coaches. Apprentice Coaches & Gym Leaders are also in training and under the supervision of our Program Supervisors.
The Support & Resources operations employs several administration staff working in the area’s of Customer service, Facility Management, Event Management, Workplace Health & Safety, Maintenance, Marketing & Finance.
All Academy Coaching Staff are N.C.A.S. (National Coaching Accreditation Scheme) accredited and hold First Aid qualifications. Most were former high-level competitors in the sport. The National Body insists on yearly updating courses so all its coaches are well versed in their field. Some of our staff also hold Judging Qualifications.
All persons involved in instruction, management or coaching of any Academy student must have undergone a “Working with Children Check” and have attended a “Safe – Active – Kids – Child Protection workshop” as required by the Commission for Children & Young People Act 2000 (Qld). Resumes are located on the notice board in the front office.
 Click Here to download our Staff resumes.
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