The organiser of a free Brisbane exercise class has been reassured her event can continue running in New Farm Park, after council staff raised questions about whether it could be classified as non-commercial.
Up to 500 participants attend Keisha Love’s Pil Lattes in the inner-city park on Sunday mornings every fortnight.
One event was cancelled last week, with organiser and instructor Love breaking the news to her followers via Instagram.
“Brisbane City Council is currently reviewing the initiative and how it is classified … There are now questions around whether the sessions fall under ‘commercial activity’,” Love wrote in the post.
“My priority has always been to keep Pil Lattes accessible, community-focused and inclusive for everyone.
“I’m doing everything I can to work through this process and hopefully we can continue as normal.”
Love, whose day job is teaching Pilates and other exercise classes at Total Fusion Platinum in Newstead, said a classification change would require her to pay additional permits and fees.
Following enquiries from this masthead, the council called Love on Wednesday to tell her the free event would still be able to run – if changes were made.
“At this stage I won’t be able to collaborate with businesses or sell our own merch as there’s a fee involved in that,” she said.
Previously the event has collaborated with vendors selling matcha, pilates socks, flowers, meal prep kits and other wellness products, which are available for purchase after the class.
Activewear brand LSKD, Sip Coco coconut water and Fitness Cartel Health Clubs are among the brands who have appeared at the park events.
Love has also sold branded Pil Lattes merchandise, including hats and jumpers, which she said did not make much money but helped keep the event running.
“I’m yet to hear more details about the business collaboration, like what does that mean for our partnership and association with Mary Mae’s and LSKD who have supported us from the beginning,” she said.
Love said she is trying to get in contact with council’s grants department to help with the possible fees involved if she wants to continue collaborating with businesses.
“There are always costs with running regular events and communities, so I guess it’s more of a personal concern for me to find other ways to help fund it.”
She said the next event, scheduled for May 31, would proceed as planned.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the free Pilates classes were a fantastic initiative.
“We are one of Australia’s earliest rising cities and I want to ensure there is a sensible pathway forward for events that create even more to see and do for early risers,” he said.
“I’m pleased we’ve been able to work through this issue so residents can continue enjoying free classes in New Farm.”
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