Fitness Cartel’s long-awaited Mackay launch drew a huge crowd last week, transforming an ordinary Thursday into a high-octane community celebration. Mayor Greg Williamson cut the ceremonial rope as hundreds of locals cheered, ushering in what many are already calling Mackay’s most impressive fitness and wellness hub.
The atmosphere buzzed with food trucks, live beats, and eager new members pouring through the doors the moment they opened. Founder and CEO Nathan James praised the overwhelming response, noting the club’s scale, premium design, and standout Wellness Centre as major drawcards.
Purpose-built for everyone, from first-timers to seasoned athletes, the centre blends world-class training zones with cutting-edge recovery options, quickly establishing itself as a new social and lifestyle destination. With thousands joining before opening day and crowds still rolling in, Mackay appears ready to embrace a new era of health, connection, and community.
Fitness Cartel officially opened its doors last Thursday, and the launch was nothing short of epic. As the final seconds of the countdown echoed through the crowd, Mayor Greg Williamson stepped forward and cut the rope, marking the official opening of Mackay’s newest, most luxurious fitness destination.
Hundreds of locals gathered to witness the moment, creating an atmosphere that felt more like a festival than a gym opening. Food trucks lined the entrance, a live DJ kept the energy high with crowd-pleasing hits, and eager gym-goers wasted no time diving straight into training the moment the doors swung open.
The excitement was shared by Founder and CEO of Fitness Cartel Health Clubs, Nathan James, who not only celebrated the grand opening of what he described as one of the group’s most impressive clubs, but also marked his birthday right here in Mackay.
“Today is very special. This is probably one of the most successful clubs out of the 18 Fitness Cartels in our group.”
The Mackay facility had been highly anticipated in the lead-up to launch, receiving attention for its sheer scale, premium finishes, and one-of-a-kind Wellness Centre, an addition Nathan said had resonated strongly with locals.
The club was designed to provide every member, from beginners, to athletes, families, and working professionals, with a space that encouraged growth, progress, and connection. From the spacious heavy-lifting zone and high-intensity training areas to reformer Pilates rooms, cycle studios, kids’ facilities, and the comfort zone for newcomers, the layout was intentionally crafted to make fitness feel accessible and inspiring for everyone.
But the heart of the facility, Nathan said, is community.
“I feel like we’ve nailed the offering, and people really deserve something like this. It’s truly cool to see so many people coming to use it.”
He added that the club had quickly become a social hub, as much as a fitness one.
“This is a really comfortable place where people can come - husbands, wives, families. A lot of people even meet their future partners here because it’s become a new social space.”
The Wellness Centre, opening the morning after launch, introduced Mackay to premium recovery options rarely seen in regional areas – ice baths, cold plunge pools, hot rock saunas, compression therapy, red light therapy, and hot spas set at staggered temperatures. Together with the basketball court, pickleball court and expansive functional zones, the space delivered what many in the community had been waiting for.
“That’s why we made it so big, with the pickleball court, basketball court, and all the cool features.”
The turnout exceeded expectations, something Nathan didn’t take lightly.
“The turnout has been sensational. We knew the area was missing something, and now it’s paid off.”
“We’re very lucky and very grateful for the support from the community.”
“Thank you to Mackay, and to the Mayor for coming to support us. It’s so great to see everyone here.”
Mackay Co-Franchisee Cliff Forster said the response from the public had been extremely positive, with an excellent number of members already signed up before the doors even opened.
"We've had a tremendous pre-sale period with a strong number of foundation memberships already signed up before the doors even opened."
With its world-class equipment, dedicated recovery facilities, group fitness offerings, childcare, café, and inclusive community atmosphere, Fitness Cartel has set a new standard for health and wellness in the region.
The highly anticipated centre promised a fitness revolution, and judging by opening day, Mackay has embraced it wholeheartedly!
Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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