PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
With more than 20 years in the Australian fitness industry, Lee Brabin has built a career centred on one simple belief: education should create opportunities, and people have the power to change lives. His experience spans fitness education, business ownership, marketing, leadership, and coaching, including more than 16 years helping grow one of Australia’s largest fitness Registered Training Organisations, where he launched campuses, developed high-performing teams, and supported hundreds of aspiring fitness professionals at the beginning of their careers.
Alongside his education experience, Lee has owned and operated five fitness clubs and currently co-owns UBX Buderim on the Sunshine Coast. Remaining actively involved in coaching and club operations keeps him closely connected to the evolving needs of both fitness businesses and the next generation of industry professionals. Originally graduating with qualifications in Marketing and Sports Science, Lee’s career has also taken him around the world as a Cruise Director, strengthening his passion for leadership, communication, and creating meaningful experiences.
Current Role at NHFA
As National Industry Engagement Manager, Lee is responsible for building meaningful partnerships between NHFA, students, graduates, and the wider fitness industry. Working alongside fitness clubs, franchise groups, boutique studios, and industry leaders, he creates opportunities that extend well beyond graduation.
Lee leads the development of Student Connect, NHFA’s industry engagement initiative designed to strengthen the connection between education and employment. His focus is on helping students transition confidently into rewarding careers while supporting employers in connecting with talented, industry-ready graduates.
Collaboration & Impact
Lee works closely with NHFA’s leadership team, coaches, employers, and industry partners to strengthen career pathways for students across Australia. He believes that successful careers are built through genuine relationships, practical opportunities, and the confidence that comes from having the right people believe in you.
Passionate about bringing education and industry closer together, Lee is committed to ensuring every NHFA student graduates not only with a qualification, but with meaningful connections, practical experience, and the confidence to succeed. His philosophy is simple: education is only the beginning—careers are the outcome.
Personal Touch
Outside of NHFA, Lee enjoys coaching on the gym floor, spending quality time with his two children, and challenging himself through boxing, strength training, and running. One of his proudest life experiences was travelling around Australia with his wife and two children for 13 months, an adventure that reinforced his belief that life’s greatest achievements come from shared experiences, meaningful relationships, and embracing new challenges. Whether at work or at home, Lee strives to leave people better than he found them.
