South Pacific Division

Australian Wellness Centre of Influence Honored with Local Hero Award

Downer Corporation recognizes Adventist-operated weExplore Wellness Centre for advancing holistic health and mental wellbeing in Melbourne communities.

Australia

Johnny Wong, Adventist Record
Peter Bertus with Johnny Wong.

Peter Bertus with Johnny Wong.

Photo: Adventist Record

One of Australia’s largest logistics and transport infrastructure companies, Downer Corporation, with more than 33,000 employees, has recognized weExplore Wellness Centre with its Local Hero Award and a financial donation on July 4, 2025.

Based in Melbourne and operated by Gateway Adventist Centre, weExplore Wellness Centre is a growing community hub championing holistic health and mental wellbeing.

The award ceremony, held at the centre, was attended by representatives from Downer, including Peter Bertus, general manager of finance and business performance, who presented the cheque to weExplore president Johnny Wong.

“Downer recognises that weExplore Wellness promotes holistic health and mental wellbeing through inclusive workshops and support programs,” Bertus said. “We appreciate how the centre empowers individuals to lead purpose-driven lives, offering tools and encouragement in a nurturing, community-focused environment.”

The ceremonial cheque

Photo: Adventist Record

The weExplore team members with Downer Corporation representatives and the cheque.

Photo: Adventist Record

The space can be used for teaching.

Photo: Adventist Record

During the cheque presentation ceremony, Downer staff were introduced to the centre’s health message and learned why Seventh-day Adventist are considered a “blue zone people”—known for their longevity and lifestyle principles.

Leanne Tilson, vice president of weExplore, expressed her gratitude: “We’ve been running for five years, and it’s awesome to be recognized by other organizations. Praise God for this!”

The centre offers a range of services, including mental health courses, counseling, and health coaching.

“In our recent eight-week Mental Resilience Workshop, we saw remarkable improvements among participants,” said Tina Wong, one of the centre’s dedicated counselors.

The original article was published on the South Pacific Division's news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.

Johnny Wong, Adventist Record

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