Management at Logans Beach Spa and Fitness are pursuing avenues to make it a "women-only" facility.
A WARRNAMBOOL health business’ bid to create a women-only gym and bathhouse continues after a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) hearing.
The application from Logans Beach Spa and Fitness seeking exemption from the Equal Opportunity Act was heard on Wednesday and adjourned for a telephone conference in a fortnight.
Logans Beach Spa and Fitness manager Katie Stafford said a date was yet to be confirmed for the conference.
She said the business was forging ahead and Wednesday’s hearing was a step in the process. In August an open discussion forum was held to explain the proposal.
At the time, in a letter to members, business owners Paul and Betty Stafford, manager Ms Stafford and gym manager Karen Lewis said they wanted to work with other health organisations to deliver greater emphasis on women’s health.
“We are undertaking a process to become a gym and bathhouse that services the needs of women only where they can exercise, feel comfortable, learn about themselves and feel a part of a community that is safe and nurturing,” they said.
“We have in no way had any concerns with our past or current male members. Our primary focus is to develop and enhance the services offered to the women of Warrnambool and surrounding regions.”
The day spa and massage facilities, a naturopath and other private contractors consulting from the premises will still be available to male clientele.
According to operators, the Logans Beach Road fitness-gym and bathhouse facilities had increasingly attracted more women than men in the 12 years of its operation with more than 90 per cent of membership female.