PRESS RELEASE

20 years, $20,000: Gymnastics Direct gives back to Tasmanian Gymnastics Clubs.

Hunter Valley-based family business Gymnastics Direct is marking 20 years in business with a $20,000 investment into Tasmanian gymnastics clubs, in partnership with Gymnastics Tasmania.

Representing $1,000 for every year of Gymnastics Direct's journey, the initiative will see 13 Tasmanian gymnastics clubs receive new equipment, with each club given the opportunity to select products that best support the needs of its athletes and programs.

More than an equipment donation, the initiative aims to recognise and celebrate the clubs, coaches, volunteers and communities that continue to keep gymnastics thriving across Tasmania.

Gymnastics Direct Managing Director Grant Dodd said the initiative was an opportunity to mark the company's milestone while continuing its commitment to supporting the growth of gymnastics across Australia.

"In our twentieth year at Gymnastics Direct, we're proud and excited to partner with Gymnastics Tasmania to advance our mission of growing and supporting the sport of gymnastics across Australia," Mr Dodd said.

"We have a long history of engagement with gymnastics in Tasmania, both at club and school levels. When Gymnastics Tasmania board member Sam Brittlebank came to us with this idea, we were only too pleased to jump on board and continue that involvement."

The initiative builds on an established relationship between Gymnastics Direct and Gymnastics Tasmania. In 2024, the organisations worked together to provide gymnastics equipment to isolated Tasmanian schools, helping create greater opportunities for young people to experience the sport in regional communities.

This latest collaboration continues that commitment at club level, supporting the people working behind the scenes to create opportunities for gymnasts within their local communities.

Gymnastics Tasmania's Member Engagement Coordinator, Pip Hedley, said the initiative would provide both practical support for clubs and recognition for the communities behind them. 

"Gymnastics Tasmania is extremely grateful for this partnership and the generosity shown in supporting our clubs. This initiative represents a fantastic investment in our gymnastics community, providing much-needed equipment while recognising the coaches, volunteers, and local communities whose dedication helps gymnastics thrive across Tasmania every day," Ms Hedley said.

"We are confident that clubs across the state will benefit greatly from this opportunity, just as our schools did in 2024, creating lasting positive outcomes for participants and communities alike."

The enthusiastic response from Tasmania's clubs has reinforced for Gymnastics Direct the importance of continuing to support grassroots organisations and the communities behind them.

"As a company that began its journey in a suburban garage, we understand the sustainability challenges that small businesses face better than most. The response from clubs in Tasmania has been enthusiastic and has underlined for us that this gesture is both much needed and appreciated," Mr Dodd said. 

Throughout the initiative, Gymnastics Direct and Gymnastics Tasmania will also share the stories of participating clubs, shining a spotlight on their achievements, their communities, and the people who continue to make gymnastics possible across the state.

For Gymnastics Direct, the initiative reflects what its 20-year milestone is ultimately about: recognising the communities that have supported the family-owned business throughout its journey and continuing to invest in the future of Australian gymnastics.

"We look forward to our continued involvement in this amazing sport, both in Tasmania and at a national level," Mr Dodd said.