Group Fitness Instructor - Northern Sydney

Catholic Healthcare, a not-for-profit employer with more than 6,000 staff and over 30 years of service, is seeking a Group Fitness Instructor to support clients in Waitara and the surrounding suburbs. The role is on site and the listing notes a casual arrangement with a minimum of three days per week, while the header also lists full-time. The salary is shown as 82,000 NZD per year, and the casual pay note states 41.80 NZD per hour plus superannuation and casual loading charges.

Reporting to the Business Manager of the Health and Wellness team, the instructor will help develop and implement exercise programs that enrich the lives of clients. Following Catholic Healthcare Community Services Health & Wellness Program guidelines, you’ll lead engaging classes that mix light cardio, strengthening, flexibility, coordination and balance training. The role calls for respect, trust and empathy, and asks you to communicate effectively and motivate older adults to lead a healthier, more active life.

If you’re drawn to working with older people and want to make a meaningful difference in a supportive, values-led organization, this could be the right fit.

A day in the life of a group fitness instructor

In practice, you’ll help plan and deliver sessions that meet participants where they are, coordinating with the Health and Wellness team to tailor programs. You’ll run classes that blend cardio, resistance work, mobility and balance training, adjusting the intensity and options for varying abilities. You’ll monitor participants during sessions and adapt the program as needed, and you’ll know when to refer someone to other Catholic Healthcare supports such as physiotherapy or falls prevention programs.

You’ll create a positive, safe and fun exercise environment by educating, supporting and encouraging participants to stay engaged and to live an active lifestyle.

What you’ll bring to the class

Here's what the team is looking for, reworded from the posted requirements:

• A genuine care for older adults and a real passion for delivering high-quality care.
• A valid driver’s license and a registered, insured vehicle.
• Experience running seniors’ exercise programs, including water-based sessions.
• Experience planning, coordinating and evaluating fitness programs.
• Flexibility to adjust exercises to suit each participant’s abilities and goals.
• Knowledge of falls prevention exercise principles for seniors.
• Ability to observe participants in classes and modify the program when necessary.
• Ability to educate, support and create a meaningful, enjoyable exercise environment.
• Understanding of different forms of exercise suitable for seniors and the ability to teach them safely in sessions.
• Awareness of when to refer participants to other supports such as Catholic Healthcare services, physiotherapy, falls programs or doctors.
• A strong work ethic paired with a sense of fun.
• Understanding of workplace health and safety.
• A Certificate 3 in Fitness (or equivalent) and a current First Aid certificate, or willingness to obtain them.
• Willingness to apply for a Police Check.

Extras that help you shine

• Not-for-profit tax advantages so you pay less tax.
• Fitness Passport discounted gym benefits.
• Paid parental leave.
• Long service leave after five years.
• Additional week of leave for Enterprise Agreement shift workers.
• Opportunity to work across 40+ locations across NSW and QLD if you choose to move.
• A values-based organisation that welcomes applicants from all faiths and backgrounds.

Pay, perks and practicalities

The role carries a salary of 82,000 NZD per year. The casual pay note also mentions $41.80 per hour plus superannuation and casual loading charges. The not-for-profit status brings tax benefits, and employees can access Fitness Passport discounted gym benefits. Other benefits include paid parental leave and long service leave after five years, plus an extra week of leave for Enterprise Agreement shift workers. There are 40+ locations across NSW and Queensland if you ever decide to move. The employer emphasises a values-based culture and welcomes applicants from diverse faiths and backgrounds.

Location is Waitara and surrounding suburbs, and the role is onsite. A current Certificate 3 in Fitness (or equivalent) and a First Aid certificate are expected, or willingness to obtain them. A Police Check is also required.

Tips to stand out for this role

Lead with your fitness credentials, place your Certificate 3 in Fitness and First Aid up front on your resume, and mention any recent refreshers so the panel sees you’re current.

Show evidence you’ve run seniors’ exercise programs, especially water-based classes, with concrete examples of how you planned, coordinated and evaluated those programs and the outcomes you achieved.

Be ready to talk through falls prevention principles for seniors and share a simple, safe way you’ve adapted a session to accommodate a range of abilities in one class.

Prepare to confirm your willingness to obtain a Police Check and your ability to travel to clients in Waitara and nearby areas if needed, supported by a valid driver’s license and an insured vehicle.