Gym stays in “the fight”

Smithy’s TGW Gym turns to coffee and mental health

Brendon Smith has converted the front of his boxing gym into a coffee booth to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and promote mental health.

BOXING : Brendon Smith's first "gym" was a boxing bag hanging from a tree.

His second a makeshift shed on the same lot in Charlton.

Now he owns one of Toowoomba's premier boxing facilities.

Along the way he has trained Australian and world champions, helped junior athletes find purpose and played a part in the fitness journeys of countless other people.

Over the course of 30 years he has "fought" his way through the ranks and he's ready to go another round.

This time is different though. This time he will "fight" with a coffee in hand and a smile on his face.

"What the world is going through (the COVID-19 pandemic) is heartbreaking," Smith said.

"There's a lot of people struggling mentally and physically.

"Right here in Toowoomba a man died because of it - my heart goes out to his family and loved ones."

Government restrictions forced Smithy's Gym to close its doors last week, but like any good boxer or coach Smith launched a swift counter attack.

"Coffee has always been a part of the gym," he said.

"We've always had the machine and a lot of members like to hang around after a session.

"There's a really strong aspect to everything we do in the gym, everyone is like family.

"The minute I knew we had to close the doors I was on the phone to a tradie mate.

"There's always been a window out the front, the gym was Toowoomba's original movie theatre, but I don't think it (the window) has been opened in about 70 years.

"We turned the window into a coffee booth."

The booth isn't about coffee though - it's about mateship and support.

"The minute we closed the doors all our memberships were suspended," Smith said.

"The booth isn't all about selling coffee.

"It's about support and helping others.

"We're all facing some pretty difficult times right - lots of people are struggling.

"If I can help someone out with a good coffee, a smile and a friendly word as they pass through that's great.

"I want to do what I can to help my members and the community get through this.

"I have to admit it's helped me a lot personally as well.

"We'll work with whatever regulations are in place to stay with the health and safety of everyone the first priority.

"We're still in this fight and we'll help everyone stay in it alongside us."

Check the Smithy's TGW Gym Facebook for up-to-date coffee booth operating times. The gym is located at 65 Anzac Ave, Toowoomba.

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