At AUSactive, we're proud to celebrate the businesses and organisations helping create healthier, more active communities. This month, we're shining the spotlight on Murdoch Active, an AUSactive Business Member with a strong focus on connection, inclusion and wellbeing.
Led by Mark Howell, Murdoch Active has created more than a place to exercise. As a university-based facility, its focus is on people and creating a welcoming environment where everyone can feel at home.
A Passion for Community and Movement
For Mark, a career in the exercise and active health industry has been shaped by the people he meets and the communities he works with.
His experience across public and private fitness environments showed him the positive impact exercise can have on both physical and mental wellbeing. He also values the variety of the industry and the opportunity to work with people at every stage of their fitness journey.
From someone taking their first steps into a gym to an elite athlete training for high-level performance, Mark believes there is something powerful about helping people work towards meaningful goals.
“The sense of connection, purpose and impact is what continues to inspire me every day.”
— Mark Howell
More Than Just a Gym
What makes Murdoch Active different is its focus on people.
As a university-based facility, the organisation's goal is not driven by profit. Instead, it aims to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone on campus.
Murdoch Active brings together fitness, sport, health and wellbeing in one community. Its facilities include a 24/7 gym, group fitness classes, personal training, accessible spaces, indoor and outdoor courts, a sports precinct and Western Australia's only university-based esports hub.
The team also works to remove barriers to participation. Students and staff can access free casual gym sessions, while competitive membership rates make regular exercise more accessible.
Murdoch Active also offers free personal training sessions delivered by third-year Exercise Science students. This gives students valuable practical experience while helping members work towards their health and fitness goals.
Building Connection Through Exercise
For Murdoch Active, exercise is about more than achieving a physical goal.
Mark believes the strongest impact comes from the connections that develop through movement. Whether it happens in a group fitness class, personal training session or sporting environment, shared experiences can help people feel supported and connected.
This philosophy is also reflected in Murdoch Active's community initiatives.
Each year, the team runs free gym challenges designed around connection, motivation and celebration rather than competition. One example is the Lift for Life challenge, which encouraged people of different abilities and experience levels to set personal goals and celebrate their progress.
Turning One Million Moves Into a Community Movement
Murdoch Active's impact was particularly visible during the Million Moves challenge.
The national initiative encouraged Australians to collectively complete one million moves over 21 days. Murdoch Active took the idea further by setting its own goal: the “Murdoch Million”.
The team opened the gym with free access and introduced inclusive activities such as walking clubs and circuit sessions. They also encouraged students, staff and the wider community to take part.
By the end of the challenge, more than 250 participants had completed over 550,000 moves.
Although the university community did not reach the one-million target, the campaign achieved something equally important. It brought people together, created momentum and encouraged participants to celebrate progress as a community.
Murdoch Active is now aiming to reach the Murdoch Million in 2026, continuing to build a stronger culture of health, wellbeing and belonging across campus.
Creating a Place Where Everyone Belongs
Inclusivity sits at the heart of Murdoch Active's approach.
The team wants everyone to have an opportunity to participate, regardless of their ability, background or stage of life. Its programs and facilities are designed to give people different ways to move, connect and become part of the community.
For Mark, this sense of belonging is one of the most rewarding parts of working in the industry.
He sees the positive impact exercise can have on confidence, mental wellbeing and a person's overall sense of balance. Most importantly, he values the relationships that grow when people support one another.
Proud to Be an AUSactive Business Member
Being part of AUSactive is an important part of Murdoch Active's commitment to professional standards.
Mark says AUSactive membership gives him confidence that he is delivering a high standard of service and creating a safe, positive experience for the people he works with.
It also provides a framework for maintaining professionalism, current knowledge and a client-first approach.
Whether supporting someone taking their first steps into fitness or helping an experienced lifter improve their performance, Mark believes professional standards help exercise professionals make a meaningful difference to people's health, confidence and wellbeing.
Looking Ahead
Murdoch Active's focus remains clear: create more opportunities for people to move, connect and feel part of something bigger.
The success of the Murdoch Million has shown what can happen when a community comes together around a shared goal. Now, the team is looking ahead to 2026 and another opportunity to encourage the university community to get moving.
For Murdoch Active, every move counts.
And every person who feels welcomed, supported and connected is part of the bigger picture.
About Murdoch Active
Murdoch Active is a university-based health, fitness and sport facility focused on creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for the Murdoch University community. Its offerings include a 24/7 gym, group fitness, personal training, sports facilities, accessible movement spaces and community initiatives designed to support health, wellbeing and connection.
