LIFE MEMBERS
Life Members
Our Life Members represent the heart and history of Manly Warringah Gymnastics Club. Each has made extraordinary contributions — through vision, leadership, and service — ensuring the club not only survived challenges but grew into one of Australia’s strongest community sporting organisations.

NEVILLE MARSH
Founder
In 1978, Neville Marsh, together with his family, their coach, and five other families, established the Warringah Artistic Gymnastic Club as a not-for-profit organisation. As the inaugural President, Neville guided the club from its earliest days until the early 2000s.
During his leadership, the club relocated multiple times — from Frenchs Forest High School, to the Allambie Community Centre, and later to Allambie Heights at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance in 1999. Under his stewardship, MWGC grew from just 8 members to more than 680 members, establishing a strong foundation for future generations.
Neville remained active in the club well beyond his children’s involvement in the sport, continuing to share his passion for gymnastics and community sport.

SUE MARSH
Founder
Alongside her husband Neville, Sue Marsh was instrumental in founding the Warringah Artistic Gymnastic Club in 1978. She served as the inaugural Secretary, a role she held until the early 2000s.
In the mid-1990s, Sue became the club’s first paid administrative staff member, a position she held until 2008. She also served as a judge for MWGC from the early 1980s through to the late 2000s, supporting competitions and mentoring young gymnasts.
Sue’s dedication extended far beyond her children’s participation in gymnastics. Her commitment, organisational leadership, and love for the club helped shape MWGC into the thriving community it is today.

BRIAN FERGUSON
Founder
Further information coming soon.

MERILYN CULLEN
Founder
Further information coming soon

ALISON WATSON
Further information coming soon

MARTIN SHIELDS
Martin began coaching at MWGC in 2005 before becoming Head Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Coach. His leadership and expertise helped grow the MAG program into one of the strongest in the country.
As General Manager and Head of Coaching from 2010, Martin played a pivotal role in professionalising the club: recruiting elite coaches, overseeing multiple NSW Club of the Year awards, and growing membership past 2,500. His strategic direction and drive for excellence built the foundations of today’s high-performance programs. Even after formally stepping away, Martin’s influence is embedded in the culture and standards of MWGC.

IAN HARDY
Ian’s journey with MWGC began as a parent volunteer on the Committee. He went on to serve as President and later as CEO, guiding the club through some of its most challenging and transformative years.
Under Ian’s leadership, the club rebuilt after the devastating fire at Allambie Heights, secured $10.3 million in Government funding for the Centre of Excellence, and obtained both a 30-year lease and DA approval for the new facility. His vision and persistence ensured MWGC not only survived but was positioned for long-term growth and stability.

DONALDA BROWN
Further information coing soon.
We thank our Life Members for their lasting contributions — their vision continues to inspire the future of Manly Warringah Gymnastics Club.