The Importance of Receiving Feedback
The following is from an email we recently received from Gail Cresswell-Dawson.
The Value of References from our clients
Receiving feedback from clients or gym members is essential for our personal growth. References provide valuable insights into how others perceive our teaching methods and approach to delivering knowledge. They serve as reminders of the areas where we are performing well and highlight the positive impact we make, as recognised by those we work with.
A Meaningful Reference Experience
Recently, I received a reference that I am particularly proud to include on my fitness registration profile. This reference came from Helen Narayan, an accomplished paramedic who has worked with Ambulance Victoria for 35 years. By coincidence, I happened to assist Helen with some advice the day before she was featured in a newspaper article (see below). At the time, I was unaware that Helen had spent the past 29 years training students in paramedicine with Ambulance Victoria. This experience underscored the significance and far-reaching impact of our roles as fitness professionals. I feel privileged to have helped Helen.
Providing a Reference to FITREC
Having reflected on the value of receiving references, I believe it is now time to provide FITREC with a reference of my own.
My Experience with FITREC
FITREC remains up to date with the latest developments in the fitness industry and continually seeks to improve. They consistently raise the standard within the field, reflected in the name of their magazine, ‘Raising The Bar.’ After becoming a registered member, I was inspired to submit an article to this magazine. The FITREC staff have always been supportive, often going the extra mile to assist me. As a member, I have always felt valued, special, and important—qualities that were emphasised during my studies for my Certificate III and IV in Fitness. This is the same approach we are encouraged to take with our own clients, and it is evident in the way FITREC treats fitness professionals.
Recognition of Experience and Continuous Learning
FITREC values experience not only within the fitness industry but also in other areas. While formal courses are important for learning, FITREC recognises that fitness professionals also gain knowledge and skills outside of official courses. The Industry is constantly evolving, and I acknowledge that learning is an ongoing process for all of us.
Helen Narayan reflects on the impactful changes within Ambulance Victoria over the years.
In 1990, Wangaratta paramedic Helen Narayan was part of the second-ever cohort of women to join the Victorian ambulance service. Now, three-and-a-half decades on, she continues to inspire the next generation of Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedics.
Throughout her 35 years on the road, Helen has helped pave the way for emerging female paramedics, taking others under her wing and sharing what she’s learnt.
While her career has had many highlights, including appearing on Blue Heelers, being featured on the front page of The Age and Herald Sun for a snow rescue, and assisting celebrities in their time of need, overall what stands out the most is the impact she’s had on her colleagues.
“One of the things I’m most proud of is my work training students for 29 years,” Helen said. “A lot of students have gone on to do the Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedic program, and it’s been very satisfying to see them do so well.
“It’s also incredibly rewarding to show up at a branch these days and see the majority of the paramedics are women. “It feels like I helped pave the way for them.”
While these days a large portion of AV paramedics are women, it was a different story when Helen first began her paramedicine career. Helen was working as an orderly in the casualty department at Western General Hospital when she met one of the first female paramedics in the state.
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