High Performance Staff
Lara Bester
High Performance Manager
Lara Bester
Qualifications: Doctor of Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Science (Anatomy/Physiology), ASCA Level 2 Strength and Conditioning Coach, Certificate IV in Pilates, CPR, First-Aid
Fun Fact: I have travelled to 30 countries! My favourite place is Japan.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: It's one of the most unique (and challenging) sports where power, strength, flexibility and artistry are all combined! No other sport truly requires as much athleticism in so many different areas as gymnastics!
Favourite Apparatus: Floor
Competitive Coaching Staff
John Hart
Head Coach
John Hart
Yusuf Topari
Yusuf Topari
Gymnastics History: A New Zealand National team member until 2005. Became GNSW High Performance Manager from 2013 - January 2023. An Australian Team Coach for numerous International events including World Cups, World Championships and Commonwealth Games.
Accreditation: High Performance Accreditation (MAG and WAG)
Extra Qualifications: First Aid Certificate. Business Management. Certificate 3 and 4 Personal Training. Elite Athlete Development.
Fun Fact: I hate olives.
Coaching Philosophy: Work as a team to create a motivating and positive environment whilst always aiming for excellence.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: It's merging of art and sport
Favourite Coaching Moment: Every time one of my gymnasts learns a new skill
Favourite Apparatus: Beam and Bars
Natalie Bray
Natalie Bray
Victoria Whitehead
Victoria Whitehead
Jessica Haintz
Jessica Haintz
Gymnastics History: Trained and competed at Ballarat
Accreditation: FIG 3
Extra Qualifications: FIG 2 Judging, First Aid & CPR, Bachelor of Laws (honours), Bachelor of Forensic Science (honours).
Fun Fact: My two favourite places are the beach and the snow
Coaching Philosophy: To provide a safe and positive athlete-centred environment that empowers athletes to develop life skills through the sport of gymnastics.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: It challenges you to push yourself out of your comfort zone
Favourite Coaching Moment: Seeing the girls achieve their goals
Favourite Apparatus: Vault
Belinda Kay
Belinda Kay
Gymnastics History: I was a State Stream Gymnast for 11 years and started coaching when I was 16. I have coached at various clubs and schools along the way; Brighton Rec Centre, Victorian High Performacne Centre, CYC and Waverley.
Accreditation: WAG Advanced Silver & MAG Intermediate Qualification
Extra Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science (Sports Coaching and Administration), Senior First Aid qualified
Fun Fact: When I was younger I was a Swimmer, Diver, Netballer and a Gymnast and I have coached all of those sports at some point in time as an adult.
Coaching Philosophy: My coaching philosophy is about empowering young athletes to achieve their goals and reach their greatest potential. I am passionate about inspiring athletes and building their confidence, not only in sport but giving them skills that they can use in everyday life. I get a lot of satisfaction and reward from helping to bring out the best in every athlete she trains.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: It never gets boring because there are so many diffenent drills and ways to teach every skill.
Favourite Coaching Moment: Seeing an athlete overcome injury
Favourite Apparatus: To watch: Bars. To do as a gymnast: Floor. To Coach: Beam and Bars
Nick Silagy
Nick Silagy
Tenielle Love
Tenielle Love
Lisa Grant
Lisa Grant
Gymnastics History: Was national level 9 gymnast at BTYC and then went on to coaching. Have been coaching for 20 years.
Accreditation: WAG Advanced
Extra Qualifications: First aid, CPR qualified. Diploma of Early Childhood studies
Fun Fact: I have 2 English Staffies
Coaching Philosophy: To give every child the opportunity to reach their full potential while having fun learning gymnastics
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: That it teaches children not only gymnastics skills but also life skills outside of the gym.
Favourite Coaching Moment: Seeing gymnasts achieve goals they didn't think were possible.
Favourite Apparatus: Floor
Stacey Bull
Stacey Bull
Gymnastics History: I begun gymnastics when I was 5 and fell in love with the sport instantly. I then begun coaching when I was 15 and have been coaching competitive gymnastics for the last 10 years. I have coached in many programs at different gyms.
Accreditation: Advanced
Extra Qualifications: First aid, Bachelor of Education
Fun Fact: I used to be a volunteer firefighter
Coaching Philosophy: I believe that as coaches we are here to not only help children develop the skills needed for gymnastics but to teach them life skills that they will be able to use beyond gymnastics.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The thing I love most about gymnastics is seeing each and every kid grow to achieve their goals. It doesn’t matter what how big or small their goal is I love seeing the moment they are able to achieve it and how proud they feel.
Favourite Coaching Moment: There is so many to choose from as I love any moment I see a child achieve their goals, but a stand out is when a level 4 team I was coaching won Victorian Championships for their age group and division.
Favourite Apparatus: Bars
Nicole De Sensi
Nicole De Sensi
Gymnastics History: Started gymnastics at Frankston City Gymnast ics in 1988. National Level 8 Victorian State Team 1993, National Level 9 and 10 ACT State Team 1994-1997. Started tumbling at WGC in 1999. 17+ National Champion in 2002. Started coaching at Canberra City Gymnastics Club in 1996. Moved to WGC in 1999. Was Victorian Level 7 Team Coach in 2003. Had a break from gymnastics from 2014 and returned to Waverley in 2021.
Accreditation: Advanced
Extra Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement), Bachelor of Applied Science (Nutrition and Dietetics).
Fun Fact: I love chocolate!
Coaching Philosophy: You get out what you put in. Hard work, quality and consistency.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The incredible life long bonds made between team mates when you work so hard and spend so many hours together.
Favourite Coaching Moment: Seeing any gymnast get their first kip.
Favourite Apparatus: Floor
Qinghua Yang
Qinghua Yang
Britt Henry
Britt Henry
Gymnastics History: I was a gymnast as a child and have been coaching now for 15 years!
Accreditation: Advanced WAG Coach
Extra Qualifications: Advanced WAG Judge
Fun Fact: I have a two year old daughter name Millie who loves gymnastics too!
Coaching Philosophy: I aim to help every gymnast love the sport as much as I do!
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Seeing hard work pay off!
Favourite Coaching Moment: I have a new one every day!
Favourite Apparatus: Bars
Grace Yang
Grace Yang
Support Services and Sports Medicine Team
Jenni Candler
(Lead Physiotherapist)
Jenni Candler
Brett Robertson
(Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach)
Brett Robertson
Fiona Jacobs
(Physiotherapist)
Fiona Jacobs
Marlize Wessels
(Strength and Conditioning Coach)
Marlize Wessels
Rebecca Gleeson
(Physiotherapist)
Rebecca Gleeson
Helen Duong
(Sports Dietitian)