Geelong fitness trainer and lifeguard Jack McAllister loves his food, chicken friend Alice, and working at the Waterworld Leisure Centre. Having just turned 60 last week, he talks to Jena Carr about what living in Geelong means to him.
What is your connection to Geelong?
When I was a wee boy, I lived in Geelong in Noble Street. My Grandparents lived here when my grandfather, Jack Cecil McAllister, was a foreman for the Geelong Harbour Trust, working on several of the Geelong Piers in the 50’s and early 60’s. In the mid 60’s we lived in Noble St, Newtown though it was then Chilwell. I can still remember at the age of three my brother threw me over the train lines on Kilgour Street, cutting my head open on the tracks. It was at this age I realised I was not Superman.
After many years moving around, including living in Canada, I decided to move back to Geelong in 1991, after living in Sydney for four years. Mainly to be closer to my grandmother and brother Rod, and also I needed a change from the Sydney rat race. I seriously never thought I would settle in Geelong, but here I am 32 years later.
What do you like about where you live?
Sometimes you do not realise just how lucky we are. Geelong is an amazing place to live. I have to say, I love the sense of community here. Walking down the street and strangers say hi to each other and smiling. It’s amazing the power of one smile. It can change someone’s day. Also, I love how multicultural Geelong has become. A melting pot were we can all learn from each other for a better and stronger community.
Geelong and the surrounding area have so much to offer and so much potential. I love to run so I am spoiled for choice and don’t get me started on the amazing wineries we have on our doorstep.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
This is a tough one. I think the main thing I would like to see is the revitalisation of the city centre, particularly Moorabool Street. Also, I would love to see more community vegetable gardens throughout our community, I believe this will bring people together.
What is something people may not know about you?
During lock down, I decided to research my family tree. I never new my father so it was going to be interesting. I was excited and surprised to find out my grandmother’s heritage was Tasmanian Aboriginal (Palawa). I am planning a trip to Tasmania to do more research and to see their country. Also last year I decided to follow my dream and started doing acting lessons. In December last year I was an extra for a film, seriously so much fun. So folks, its never to late to follow your dreams.
Where do you spend most of your time?
I try to get to the gym three times a week with a mix of weights and cardio. It’s amazing how good you feel after a solid workout, which is important as I have mentioned I am a bit of a foodie. I love trying out new cafes, but two of my favourite places are the Box Office in West Geelong (always great food), Cellar Door in Little Malop Street – the grande platter is to die for, and 18th Amendment is an amazing place. We need more places like Little Malop Street.
What drew you to working with Waterworld Leisure Centre?
Seriously I feel so blessed to work for such an amazing place. I always called myself the accidental Gym Instructor. I spent most of my 20’s to early 40’s weighing in over 115kgs. Years of no activity and a very bad diet took its toll.
In my early 40’s I was nursing my grandmother (not that successfully… she died). I ended up having to spend a night in hospital with a heart scare. The doctor made it clear I needed to lose weight. The challenge was on. I changed my diet, and just started walking. Starting at 30 minutes a day then to an hour.
I love my job more now as when I started. Working for Waterworld Swim Sport and Leisure is a dream job for me. I work in several areas within the centre as well as taking some Motivate30 classes. They are always fun to take and I don’t care what anyone says, you can do a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) class to ABBA.
Our patrons and members are amazing. I love hearing the stories of where they start and their progression whether it’s with the gym, group exercise, or swimming. Every day I am inspired by someone’s story and journey.
