Meet Gwenda Lucas who has become a legend in her own lifetime. 

The resident at Uniting AgeWell Kalkee Community Murray, who was made a Member of the Order of Australia for her services to Calisthenics in Australia a few years ago, now has a Victorian trophy named in her honour. 

Calisthenics Victoria has announced its annual 18 Years Graceful Open trophy has been renamed the Gwenda Lucas Trophy to honour the stalwart who has tirelessly contributed as a competitor, coach, administrator and committee chair at Club, State and National levels for many decades.   

Calisthenics Victoria says Gwenda’s volunteer work often equalled the hours of a full-time job, driven purely by her deep love for Calisthenics and commitment to its growth.  

The trophy serves as a lasting tribute to a woman whose legacy continues to inspire and whose contributions have helped shape the Calisthenics community into what it is today.  

The awe in which she is held was mirrored on the faces of a group of students from the Geelong Calisthenics College who put on a fabulous performance for the residents at Kalkee Murray recently. 

Throughout the group and solo performances, the eyes of the 9-and 10-year olds were largely on their 84-year-old hero, Gwenda.  Everyone loved it so much the group is coming back for another performance in September. 

Gwenda embraced the show with her usual enthusiasm.  That’s how she rolls.  With exuberance and a great zest for life.  She joined Kalkee Murray earlier this year and says “One of the best things about being here is the friendliness of the staff and the residents. “ She also enjoys the food.   

She’s very active in all the seated dance and exercise classes at the home, loves cards and crafts, is a whiz at trivia quizzes and enjoys going on bus trip outings.  Morning melodies and Happy Hour are among her firm favourites.  Gwenda is also in a leadership position as the Chair of the Residents and Relatives Meetings.  

Gwenda’s influence is woven through every layer of the Calisthenics community.  She is a Life Member of Regent Calisthenics College, the Victorian Calisthenics Coaches Association, Calisthenics Victoria, and the Australian Calisthenics Federation.  

Gwenda competed at Regent Calisthenic College until the late 1960s and remained as Secretary for 40 years.  During that time, Gwenda was Competition Convenor for Calisthenics Victoria and excelled in this area, supporting all performers, committees and clubs throughout Victoria.  She also contributed countless years of service to the VCCA Committee.  This was a huge undertaking that required outstanding qualities and a significant amount of time and dedication.