World Class Program
Empowering every gymnast to reach their full potential.
Waverley Gymnastics Centre (WGC) is recognised as Australia’s leading WAG International program, renowned for consistently developing exceptional gymnasts who succeed on the world stage. Since 2006, WGC athletes have represented Australia at eleven World Championships, four Commonwealth Games, and five consecutive Olympic Games - a record unmatched by any other WAG High Performance Program in the country.
Our success is driven by an exceptional coaching team - honoured multiple times as the best High Performance Coaching Team in both Victoria and Australia and led by some of the best technical minds in Australia.
With one of the finest gymnastics facilities in the world, WGC continues to set the standard for excellence, innovation, and athlete development in women’s artistic gymnastics.
State of the Art Facilities
High performance training in a world-class, purpose-built gym.
In 2021, Waverley Gymnastics Centre opened its new 7.4 million, custom-built home at Oakleigh Recreation Centre, thanks to significant government funding and club fundraising.
More than double the size of our previous venue, our facility features state-of-the-art equipment, dedicated recovery, treatment and wellness spaces, family-friendly amenities including locker rooms, kitchenette, permanent spectator seating, and hands down one of the best competitive training environments in Australia.
Our facility includes 16 beams, 4 vaults, 2 full FIG floors, 15 bars, 6 in-ground trampolines, multiple foam and resi pits, extensive ballet area, 5 video replay systems, 10 bungees and the world’s longest Tumble Trak—ensuring our gymnasts train with the very latest in gymnastics innovation.
Inspiring Gymnasts
Turning determination into progress and dreams into reality.
At Waverley Gymnastics Centre, our gymnasts are the heart of everything we do. From Junior levels to Olympians, they train with passion, resilience, and determination, pushing boundaries and chasing their goals every day.
Since 2000, WGC athletes have earned over 420 State Championship titles and 109 Australian Championship titles. Since 2006, they have proudly represented Australia at 12 World Championships, 4 Commonwealth Games, and 5 consecutive Olympic Games, a remarkable record that reflects their dedication and our shared pursuit of excellence.
As our gymnasts reach the higher levels, we offer WGC scholarship opportunities to financially support them in their training as well as access to our ‘WGC International Travel Fund’ that financially assists gymnasts attending competitions overseas.
Every day, our gymnasts inspire us to keep evolving, innovating, and providing the best possible support to help them achieve their dreams.
Child Wellbeing & Parent Partnerships
Wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do.
At Waverley Gymnastics Centre, we believe happy, healthy, and high-performing gymnasts thrive through strong and respectful partnerships between athletes, parents, coaches, and staff. When these partnerships are built on mutual trust, open communication, and a shared vision, athletes are best supported to reach their full potential.
Guided by an athlete-centred philosophy, we place wellbeing at the heart of every decision and are committed to providing an inclusive, safe, and enjoyable environment where every gymnast can flourish. Our goal is to empower each athlete to achieve their personal best - whether that means representing WGC at State Championships, Victoria at Nationals, or Australia on the world stage - whilst gaining lifelong skills, confidence, and a genuine love for the sport.
Enquire to Join our High Performance Program
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High Performance Leadership Team
Jessica Mason
High Performance Manager
jessica@wgc.org.au
Jessica Mason
Jessica Mason has coached since 1998 and holds FIG Level 3 and GA High Performance accreditation. She’s guided athletes to Australian teams at the Commonwealth Games and World Championships, earning medals and finals. A multi-award-winning coach, Jessica focuses on nurturing athletes and building strong, well-rounded women, while promoting resilience, teamwork, and a lifelong love of gymnastics.
John Hart
Head Coach
john@wgc.org.au
John Hart
John Hart holds the rare FIG Honorary Coaches Diploma and FIG Level 3 Brevet accreditation. He has coached gymnasts to represent Australia at 5 Olympic Games, 11 World Championships, and medal at 4 Commonwealth Games. He was also the Australian Team Coach for both the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics. John is a multi-award-winning coach dedicated to empowering gymnasts to reach their potential in a positive and supportive environment.
Yusuf Topari
Senior Coach
yusuf@wgc.org.au
Yusuf Topari
Yusuf is a FIG Level 3 coach with High Performance accreditation in both MAG and WAG. A former NZ national team member, he has coached athletes to Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and World Cups, including 2022 medallist Breanna Scott. Named team coach for 2022 Worlds, 2022 Commonwealth Games, and 2024 Olympic campaigns, Yusuf empowers athletes through hard work and positivity.
Jessica Haintz
Senior Coach
jessicah@wgc.org.au
Jessica Haintz
Jessica Haintz has coached since 2003 and holds FIG Level 3 accreditation. She’s guided athletes to medals at national events, on Australian team selection for European tours and at the 2025 Junior World Championships. Jess is a respected FIG Category 2 Judge, Jessica has judged at World Cups, Pacific Rim, Oceania Championships, and the Commonwealth Games, while mentoring future coaches.
Candice Visser
Senior Coach
candice@wgc.org.au
Candice Visser
Candice Lee Visser, a former elite gymnast and Commonwealth Games silver medallist, has coached since 2009 and holds FIG Level 3 accreditation. She’s coached at World Cups and World Championships, with over a decade in high-performance coaching and national team roles. A qualified judge, Candice focuses on athlete safety, strong basics, and instilling values for success while fostering confidence and resilience.
Qinghua Yang
Senior Coach
membership@wgc.org.au
Qinghua Yang
Qinghua Yang is a world-renowned coach with over 25 years’ experience, including 10 years at the Australian Institute of Sport. He coached athletes to both the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, multiple World Championships (including bronze medal winning 2003 Australian team), and both 1998 and 2002 gold medal winning Commonwealth Games teams. Qinghua brings his expertise and unparalleled experience to our Level 8–10 gymnasts.
Proudly Awarded:
Gymnastics Victoria 'Club of the Year'
100% compliance of the National Child Safe Standards
Gymnastics Australia Hall of Fame Inductee 'John Hart'
