Geelong Boxing Club Annual Review 2024

As the director and owner of Geelong Boxing Club, I am proud to present our 2024 Annual Review, highlighting our business offerings and their impact on the community. This year has been transformative, and we are grateful for the unwavering support from our members and the wider public.

Our Offerings

At Geelong Boxing Club, we provide a range of programs tailored to various fitness levels and goals:

• Strength & Conditioning: Our resistance training and cardio conditioning sessions cater to all fitness levels. Each class offers a variety of functional movements, ensuring no two sessions are the same. Our passionate coaches and welcoming community support members throughout their fitness journey.

• Boxing: Led by Two-Time World Champion Steve "Stone Cold" Moxon, our boxing classes focus on correct techniques and skills, providing a dynamic and high-intensity workout suitable for all fitness levels.

• Personal Training: We offer one-on-one sessions in boxing, Muay Thai kickboxing, weight training, and cardio. Our coaches provide quality programming and genuine support to help members reach their goals and enhance their wellbeing.

Community Impact

This year, we focused on initiatives that promote physical, social, and emotional well-being:

• Bridging the Gap for Teens in Corio and North Geelong: We introduced programs aimed at engaging teenagers, providing them with a positive outlet and fostering a sense of community.

• Scholarship Program: In 2024, we were able to provide four scholarships to local teens, allowing them to access training free of charge throughout the year. These scholarships helped deserving young people build resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging through our boxing programs.

Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to expand this offering to eight scholarships, with two students each term. This initiative is part of our collaboration with North Geelong Secondary College and will be awarded to students in grades 9 and 10. This effort underscores our commitment to supporting young people during a pivotal stage of their development, offering them tools for self-discipline, confidence, and empowerment.

• Addressing the Diabetes Epidemic: Our regular boxing sessions have been instrumental in helping regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes among participants.

• Supporting Youth Emotional Regulation: For children aged 9-12, our boxing programs have been designed to aid in emotional regulation, offering a constructive way to channel energy and emotions.

Trauma-Informed Approach

Understanding the diverse backgrounds of our members, we have adopted a trauma-informed approach in all our programs. Our coaches are trained to create a safe and supportive environment, ensuring that each individual feels respected and empowered throughout their fitness journey.

Prioritising Inclusion in 2025

One of our primary focuses for the coming year is prioritising inclusion. We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the All Geelong All Abilities Sports Club to extend our offerings through targeted and customised sessions designed to meet the needs of their members. This collaboration aligns with our mission to ensure fitness and community connection are accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities or circumstances.

Upholding Our Values

At the heart of Geelong Boxing Club is our commitment to being community-focused. We strive to make exercise sustainable and enjoyable, supporting the physical, social, and emotional well-being of our members. Our acknowledgment of the Traditional Owners of the land, the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation, reflects our respect for the community's heritage and culture.

Our Partnership with Barwon Community Legal Service

In 2024, we were privileged to strengthen our partnership with Barwon Community Legal Service (BCLS), working together to reduce the stigma around accessing legal support and creating pathways for community members to connect with vital resources.

Through this partnership, Geelong Boxing Club has become more than a place for physical training; it has evolved into a hub for community advocacy and connection. Here are the key ways we collaborated this year:

• Reducing Stigma Around Legal Support: We recognise that many people, particularly youth and marginalised groups, often feel hesitant or intimidated about seeking legal help. By incorporating discussions about BCLS’s services into our programs and community events, we’ve worked to normalize the idea of seeking legal support as a proactive and empowering step.

• Creating Pathways for Access: Geelong Boxing Club has served as a bridge, connecting our members and the wider community to the support offered by BCLS. Whether through direct referrals or by hosting information sessions, we’ve ensured that our community knows where to turn for guidance on matters like housing, family law, and consumer rights.

• Advocacy and Awareness: This year, we hosted several events and workshops where representatives from BCLS shared valuable insights with our members and visitors. These sessions highlighted how legal support can protect and empower individuals and families, breaking down misconceptions about legal services being inaccessible or adversarial.

• Innovative Collaboration: We’ve embraced unique opportunities to amplify BCLS’s reach, including co-hosting community days and integrating their messaging into our trauma-informed programs. By combining boxing’s emphasis on discipline and resilience with BCLS’s focus on empowerment through knowledge, we’ve demonstrated how diverse services can align to foster holistic well-being.
  
  

The Power of Partnership

Our collaboration with Barwon Community Legal Service reflects our shared commitment to community-focused initiatives that go beyond traditional service delivery. By working together, we’ve not only expanded access to essential resources but also reinforced the message that support, whether physical, mental, or legal, is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to continue exploring innovative ways to deepen this partnership. Together, we aim to further break down barriers, empower individuals, and build a stronger, more connected community.

Professional Development and Community Engagement

Lena Moxon, our co-director, has demonstrated exceptional dedication to enhancing the support we provide to young people:

• Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health: Lena returned to university to complete this certification, strengthening the evidence-based foundation of our programs, including the Beyond Boxing initiative for kids and teens.

• Certified Practitioner of the Resilience Doughnut: Lena became a certified practitioner of this esteemed, evidence-based framework. The Resilience Doughnut's engagement and support resources are now embedded in our offerings, promoting resilience among our youth participants.

• Session Design and Delivery: As the Session Design Coordinator, Lena is present in all our kids' sessions at the gym and in programs conducted in schools, youth centres, and residential care facilities. In 2025, we aim to have her physically present in teen sessions, providing direct access to the support she offers.

• One-on-One Support: Lena works individually with teens in the gym, ensuring all aspects of our offerings are trauma-informed and evidence-based.

• Community Involvement: Lena contributed to the Geelong City Council's Wellbeing Panel, assisting in the planning of wellbeing initiatives for our region in 2025 and beyond.
  
  

Looking Ahead

As we move into 2025, we remain dedicated to enhancing our offerings and deepening our community impact. With our expanded scholarship program, trauma-informed practices, inclusive initiatives, and Lena's expertise, we will continue to empower individuals and foster connection.

Thank you for being an integral part of Geelong Boxing Club's success in 2024. We look forward to achieving greater heights together in the coming year.