The Valleys Lifestyle Centre is growing, and the community is showing up!

Something is shifting at The Valleys Lifestyle Centre; membership has passed 600, participation is up, and the centre is becoming a genuine hub for the local community, not just a place to exercise.

Since YMCA South Australia took on management in 2017, The Valleys has been on a steady growth trajectory, with new programs, stronger community partnerships, and a clearer focus on what Clare and the surrounding mid-north community actually need from a regional facility. The latest milestone reflects that ongoing momentum.

The introduction of personalised health consultations has played a meaningful role. New members no longer arrive and figure it out on their own. They sit down with a staff member, talk through their goals, and leave with a clear starting point. It is a small but significant shift, turning what can be an overwhelming experience into one that feels supportive from day one.

The addition of the sauna has added another dimension to what the centre offers. Recovery is increasingly recognised as part of effective fitness routine, and members are noticing the difference. It keeps people motivated beyond the workout itself, and that consistency matters.

24/7 access has meant members can work out when it works for them. For many people, the barrier to regular exercise is not motivation but time. Early starts, late finishes, shift work, and family commitments can be factors that get in the way to planned workouts. Round-the-clock access removes that barrier, and members are taking advantage of the new availability.

Community connection data points are also rising, highlighting the beneficial health outcomes for locals. Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a widely used measure of customer loyalty, asking how likely members are to recommend a service to others. The Valleys currently holds an NPS of 73, the highest of any YMCA South Australia centre, and ahead of global benchmarks like Amazon (69) and Apple (65). It is a strong signal that members are not just turning up, they are recommending the centre to others.

Craig Hortin, Head of Sport and Recreation at YMCA South Australia, has been watching the centre's progress closely.

"The introduction of quality leadership, systems, programs, and confidence from the community, drives participation as a place of connection. The development of 24/7 gym access and introduction of the sauna is starting to pay dividends."

The results speak to something broader than fitness trends. The Valleys Lifestyle Centre is demonstrating what happens when a community facility is well-run and genuinely responsive to local needs - people come back, they bring others, and participation grows.