THE Bonny Hills Physical Culture Club has returned from recent Zone Championships in Coffs Harbour with outstanding results.

Competing as part of the BJP Physie association, thirteen individual members of the Bonny Hills club placed at the Far North Coast Zone Championships and will progress through to national finals in Sydney.

A further nine members will take part in National Repechage and Masters events held at Sydney Olympic Park.

In the teams event, the Bonny Hills 11 and 12 years team was named Zone Champion, and the Open Ladies teams took out second and third places.

Bonny Hills Physical Culture Club is a bustling and active group of 80 girls and women, totally run by volunteers.

Founded in 2001 by Head Associate Ann Drury and ably assisted by Head Teacher Ashley Sargeson, the club welcomes preschoolers as young as two years old.

An inclusive performance space, the club is also home to women over 70.

Ashley, with five other teachers, runs classes twice a week in the Bonny Hills Community Hall.

Ann Drury told NOTA the aim of the club is to provide women and girls with “fun, fitness and friendship through dance”.

“[We aim to] empower them with life skills to increase confidence, self-esteem and foster positive mindsets.

“Physical culture is a multigenerational sport that provides a wonderful environment of friendly competition and mentoring, where girls can focus and learn a sport for life.”

By Bill HARROW