Our History

Willows Squash and Fitness Centre first opened in August 1976; essentially a besser block building consisting of 10 squash courts, indoor cricket practice wickets and a small gymnasium with sauna, Willows provided many Toowoomba residents with a venue to play competition or casual squash for many years. A Toowoomba Chronicle report about the opening described it as “one of the most modern and sophisticated facilities of its type in the state”. The name “Willows” was chosen because of the location opposite the willow trees in East Creek and the cricketing associations of the then owners, brothers Keith, Noel and Bernir Ziebell and Pat Smythe. Keith was a former Sheffield Shield representative.

In the late 1990s, the facility was bought by Ron and Sue Crossley, who maintained the centre as a squash/racquetball venue and gym until it was bought by Troy and Susan Morgan, together with Dan and Renee Jauncey, in 2008. Since then, the venue has been renamed Willows Health & Lifestyle Centre, which reflects extensive renovations to upgrade the facility and to incorporate Allied Health partners.

 

Dan Jauncey, Ron Crossley, and Troy Morgan discuss original Willows opening document from 1976

Troy, an exercise physiologist, enacted a vision to build a cohesive business and facility that is the complete health and lifestyle centre. Willows now incorporates a traditional fitness centre, including gymnasium, squash courts and pool, as well as housing an Allied Health centre, including Exercise Physiologists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Dietitian, Massage Therapist Services, with access to a Psychologists and Podiatrist also available onsite.

In 2010, the centre was awarded Fitness Australia’s Queensland Fitness Business of the Year.