Pictures: Courtesy of AUSactive
Larni Mailer, who runs two women-only gyms in Moreton Bay, says she is “still in shock’ after winning one of the industry’s biggest awards.
The owner of Fernwood Morayfield and Fernwood North Lakes has been named the 2026 AUSactive Franchisee of the Year.
Larni received her award at the sell-out AUSactive National Awards in Sydney on Friday, run by Australia’s peak body for the exercise and active health sector.
Australia’s largest membership organisation in this sector covers everything from gyms to yoga, pilates and functional fitness studios.
“I am incredibly honoured and still in shock,” Larni said, “Franchisee of the Year is one of the biggest wins available in this space.
“It’s peer and industry recognition at the top level. I tell my team being nominated as a national finalist among so many incredible professionals is celebration enough.
“I have celebrated in the last two years in this category, taking it home in my third year is an incredible reflection on the teams I am blessed to work with and our growth in this industry.”
Judges said in their citation that Larni “clearly demonstrated the dedication, passion and professionalism she brings to her community, with a strong personal ethos of creating a supportive environment and a genuine sense of belonging”.
They were impressed by Larni’s “growth and transformation” across Morayfield and North Lakes, while “maintaining a strong focus on her members, developing her team and giving back to the wider community”.
“Her submission was supported by strong evidence of business success and meaningful community impact, making Larni a very deserving recipient of the Franchisee of the Year Award,” the judges said.
Larni bought her first Fernwood Fitness club in 2023 with nine staff and 540 members. By 2025 she had Fernwood North Lakes and Morayfield, more than 50 staff and 2200 members.
Fernwood North Lakes took the 2024 AUSactive People’s Choice Medium-Sized Business Award and in 2025 Larni was a Franchisee of the Year finalist.
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