As Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre celebrates its five-year anniversary, we’re reflecting on the members who have been part of the journey since the very beginning.

Carolyn and Maria are two of those familiar faces - both joining in 2021 when the centre first opened, and both still walking through the doors week after week.

Their stories are different, but they share a common thread: recovery, resilience and a deep love for the Gunyama community.

Carolyn’s journey began with a knee problem. “I had a knee problem and had seen my knee surgeon,” she explains. “He said before they could operate I’d need to strengthen my legs.”

She didn’t wait. “I went straight from the surgeon down to Gunyama, signed up, and that was probably the first week that Gunyama opened. And I’ve been coming ever since.”

What started as pre-surgery preparation quickly became part of her routine - both before and after her knee operation. Aqua classes proved to be the perfect way to rebuild strength safely.

“I just started doing aqua classes because it exercises everything and at least I feel I’ve done something.”

She had previously tried mat Pilates and reformer Pilates, but at the time her knees were too painful. Since having them operated on, she’s regained confidence and is looking ahead. “I’m hoping I can try out some more other classes soon as well as aqua.”

For Maria, the excitement began even before opening day. “When I heard they were building an aquatic centre in Zetland, it was like a dream come true,” she says.

She had known aqua instructor Rob for many years, and he encouraged her to try aqua classes to help her hip and leg. “Rob kept pestering me and saying it will be good for your hip and it’s good exercise.”

There was just one problem - she hates hot water.

Still, she gave it a chance. “I decided to do a couple of classes, and now I’m hooked on it.”

After a fall and hip replacement, Maria struggled with stiffness and discomfort, often relying on painkillers. Now, swimming and regular workouts are what keep her moving.

I get up very, very stiff in the mornings, but as soon as I come and do a workout and a swim, I feel like a bionic woman.

Five years on, both women credit consistency as the key to their recovery and wellbeing.

Since retiring, Carolyn comes down three or four times a week. “When you’re retired it’s a very long day,” she says. “So coming here gives me an incentive to get out of bed and walk down here, which is part of the exercise.”

Even simply being in the space makes a difference.

Sometimes I just sit down here for a while because it’s a nice environment. Then at least even if I don’t do anything else in the day, at least I’ve done that.

She feels the impact if she misses it. “I feel if I don’t do it, I get really stiff and you can feel it in your body.”

Maria is there every single day. “I just can’t function without coming for either a swim or the gym. It’s just a part of my routine and life.” She’s mindful in the gym due to her hip replacement - “I have to be very careful of what I do at the gym and the only class I do is Spin” - but she knows what works for her. “I’m very strong in my upper body because of my fall and hip replacement.”

Beyond physical recovery, it’s the people that keep them coming back.

Carolyn often finishes her aqua class with coffee at the café. “I’ve made some really nice friends here.”

Maria agrees. “The people are very friendly…"

I feel like when I come here I’m at ease. Everyone is so helpful and it’s like a family. This is my second home.

Over the years, Maria has even earned a few nicknames. “The first one was Smiley, then it was Queen of Gunyama because everyone sort of knows me and I know them. And then the latest is Miss Have a Chat.”

At 53, she’s frequently complimented on her energy. “Even today a woman came up to me and said, ‘I have to give you a compliment - you look amazing, it’s giving me inspiration.’ I don’t know if they’re telling the truth or not, but I’ll go along with it,” she laughs.

As Gunyama celebrates five years since opening its doors in 2021, Carolyn and Maria’s stories reflect exactly what the centre was built for: a place to move, recover, connect and feel at home.

Five years on, they’re still here. Still swimming. Still strengthening. Still chatting.

And still proving that recovery doesn’t just restore you, it can make you stronger than ever.

Explore our social media channels to watch more interviews with our 5-year members, and stay tuned to both our socials and website for upcoming videos and stories celebrating our members, our team and Gunyama’s 5th anniversary.