Update
A NSW TAFE spokesman said TAFE NSW was an education and training provider, and delivering a first-class quality education to students was always its top priority.
"Recent updates to our fitness course delivery have expanded practical training requirements, significantly increasing the amount of time required to assess students in a practical environment," he said.
"This year, a range of student-run fitness classes and personalised training programs will be open to members of the public. These include personal training sessions by appointment, as well as regular seniors exercise and community group fitness classes, free of charge.
"This student-focused model is designed to deliver improved student outcomes and practical experience, while continuing to offer subsided fitness programs to members of the community.
"TAFE NSW is committed to supporting members of the public, including former gym members, to access these free programs."
Earlier
The fight is over to save a low-cost gym at TAFE NSW Loftus campus, with community memberships ending on December 20.
Members, students and staff had been fighting to keep Futures Fitness Centre open to members of the public ever since TAFE NSW announced it would cancel public memberships.
Members were given a slight reprieve, after NSW TAFE agreed to extend the original November 25 closing date by several weeks to allow negotiations.
However, members were unable to agree to terms with TAFE NSW amid claims the organisation "continually moved the goalposts" and made changes to a proposed new membership model without consultation.
Futures Fitness Centre was open to TAFE students undertaking fitness-related studies and members of the public who received discounted gym memberships.
Members were advised in writing in November that the membership system would be replaced with a "more student-focused model" under which gym memberships would cease but the public could join group exercise sessions or personal training programs with students, free of charge, with sessions advertised on Facebook and TAFE noticeboards.
A TAFE spokesman said the changes were necessary to ensure students' needs came first.
Member Angie Wilcock said talks with NSW TAFE broke down after a modified agreement was delivered to gym members via email.
"We felt we had reached an agreement on December 12 that was not perfect, but would still suit those members who desperately wanted the gym to remain open to the community," she said.
"Members were notified on Friday, December 13, of a proposal to continue operations for 2020, with a significantly increased membership fee, but severely reduced hours.
"Members were given until Tuesday, December 16 to accept or reject the offer, however the model agreed to by the member working group and TAFE NSW on Thursday, December 12 was not the same model circulated by TAFE NSW to members on [the] Friday.
"That agreement was undermined by TAFE NSW's decision to 'tweak' the model without consultation, and members were not confident TAFE was serious about keeping the gym open."
She said members refused to accept the new terms, paving the way for NSW TAFE to close the gym.
"At the end of the day, TAFE NSW held all the cards. We had to pressure TAFE to consult and negotiate with us initially and we worked on this for five weeks," she said.
"It's very sad, because we have had a unique facility operating here for almost 20 years."
Despite telling the Leader on a number of occasions that the changes to membership would only affect 48 paying members, members said TAFE NSW told them a minimum of 100 members needed to accept the offer to keep the gym open.
Karina Shrestha, who is completing a Fitness Certificate III at TAFE NSW Loftus, had been fighting to save the gym ever since the changes were announced.
She said the gym memberships not only gave community members and students access to an affordable gym, but allowed students to "practice teaching and training the members", something not available at other gyms.
Ms Shrestha said members fought hard to save the gym, which was like a second home to many.
"The students and I are at a complete loss. We will gravely miss the experience and helpfulness of the members who so generously volunteered their time," she said.
"This loved community of students and members is something we cannot get back.
"The depth of our learning experience at TAFE will just not be the same without these members."
Numerous community members contacted the Leader in an effort to save the gym. All said the gym served a double purpose - offering an affordable gym membership to members, many of whom were ageing and unable to afford more expensive gyms. This kept them healthy, leading to less strain on the health industry.
They also pointed to the role training real clients provided to fitness students, some of whom chose to study at Loftus TAFE because of the hands-on training opportunities it provided.
Members who have contacted the Leader since the closure have spoken of their disappointment and criticised TAFE NSW for its handling of the matter.
The Leader has approached NSW TAFE for a comment.
