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| Matt Johnstone and Yane Milanov at the Goodna Gym which is about to reopen after the 2011 floods. |
WORKING in the fitness industry, Matt Johnstone knows the rewards that can come from hard work and determination.
That's why the 32-year-old wasn't prepared to give up when his business went underwater during last year's flood.
Fourteen months later, his perseverance has almost paid off.
After a long road to recovery, Mr Johnstone was proud to announce the near completion of theJust Sport 'n' Fitness centre at Goodna.
Floodwaters rose above the centre's roof level last year, and caused considerable damage.
Equipment alone cost almost $400,000 to replace.
"When we heard the floodwaters were rising, we moved all the equipment to the building's next level," Mr Johnstone, the centre manager, said.
"Unfortunately, we underestimated just how high the waters would rise."
Club manager Yane Milanov said seeing the damage done to the centre was devastating.
"All the hard work we put into building the club was literally washed away in the flood," Mr Milanov said.
Mr Milanov said the re-opening of the facility would create a real boost for the community.
"The centre hosted indoor sports, cheerleading, karate and other community activities," he said.
"It's important for people in the area to have a place where they can, through exercise, improve their health and get rid of stress."
Mr Johnstone said the recovery journey had been made extra difficult with the centre not being covered by insurance.
"But now we are looking forward to having the centre back open and looking better than ever."
Just Sport 'n' Fitness centre in Goodna is expected to open this month. For more information contact 3288 4661.
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