About PIT

Passionate About Inspiring Others

PIT Gymnastics was one of the first permanently set up, multi use gymnastic facilities in Australia.

The club was established in 1979 by John Dorrington and has been at the forefront of gymnastic development in Victoria since its inception.

PIT Gymnastics has been associated with a wide range of gymnastic sports & activities and has been acknowledged as an industry leader.

There are a wide range of gymnastic personnel that are presently prominent in the  gymnastics world who started with and developed their passion for gymnastics at PIT Gymnastic

Highlights from over 40 years

There have been many highlights and awards over our 40 year history that include:

A love for gymnastics

A love of gymnastics has been the driving force for PIT Gymnastics Development. It has attracted like minded people to work together in an area of endeavour to which they are passionate about.

We have played an important part in developing gymnasts, coaches, judges and administrators that are involved in the gymnastics community throughout Victoria.

We are particularly proud of a number of our gymnasts and coaches that have been inspired to move on and set up their own clubs and play key roles in other clubs. A couple of wonderful examples are David and Alison Hill with Eclipse Gymnastics and Melissa and Steve Santo Flip for Fun.

PIT Gymnastics has always had a ‘Professional Approach’ to all its operations and endeavours.

It prides itself on being able to meet the continuing and changing needs and demands of the gymnastic community.

History of the Club

PIT Gymnastics was started in 1979 in Bundoora at the Preston Institute of Technology P.I.T., now known as RMIT Bundoora by John Dorrington & the late Wendy O’Donahue. Annette Dorrington joined the team in 1981 and was a Director of the Club through to 2004.

Annette’s enthusiasm, innovative and professional approach to gymnastics encouraged many aspiring coaches and administrators during the 25 years of her involvement with the Club.

In 1985, the Club was incorporated and moved from its recreational “hobby” type classes, to a full time professionally run business, catering for all levels of gymnasts. Today, PIT Gymnastics has a membership of approximately 750 gymnasts and a staff of 30 coaches and assistant coaches.

From 1985, the club expanded and operated many “satellite” centres at various schools, such as Eltham East, Thomastown West, St. Helena Secondary College, Whittlesea Secondary College, Coburg, Craigieburn, Hurstbridge, Diamond Creek, and Reservoir. The main club was housed at Phillip Institute (Preston Institute of Technology changed its name to Phillip before it became RMIT) and expanded into a small factory on High St, Epping from 1989–1995.

Two bigger fully set up gyms – one at Research and one at Mill Park, were built in 1994 and 1995 respectively to house yet an expanded club. In 2000, the Research Club was sold, and now operates as a separate Club.

In 2018, John’s son Anthony Dorrington joined the team as a Director and drove the club’s re-brand prior to the Covid 19 Melbourne lockdowns. Along with the re-brand, a new club motto was devised: Ignite The Passion – for movement and the thrill of gymnastics.