Long before exercise became a growth industry, Bjelke-Petersen Physical Culture was keeping Australians fit and healthy. In fact, it’s been established in Australia for 131 years! Of course, what is done now is not the same as what was done back then. It’s now as contemporary as the music we exercise to and there is a strong dance element.

BjPhistory

But the principles of the exercise are still the same: building aerobic fitness, muscle strength and tone, good posture, and increasing flexibility, balance and co-ordination.


Bjelke-Petersen Bros. began in 1892 as a medical gymnasium in Hobart started by Christian Bjelke-Petersen, born in Denmark. (Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen, former Premier of Queensland, was his nephew but he never had any association with the company.) The success of the gymnasium spread to Sydney and Melbourne and in the early 1900’s the group instruction method of physical culture was developed and taught in many leading colleges in Sydney to boys and girls.

BjP-History-2In 1923 the company moved to Castlereagh Street, Sydney and was based there for the next 59 years. From the early 1920’s Bjelke-Petersen was responsible for the physical education of children in some 200 private schools and classes began for young women in many business houses such as David Jones. Competitions began in the late 1920’s and junior classes commenced in the early 1940’s.

As the number of clubs increased, zone competitions were introduced, with State Finals held at the Grace Brothers Auditorium. When the Sydney Opera House opened in 1973, the Senior Finals were immediately booked to be held there and have been a sell-out performance every year since.

In 2011, the company became a non-profit company and changed its name to Bjelke-Petersen School of Physical Culture Ltd.

See the list of Teachers who have received the 30 year Gold Service Medal.

Physie TV

Physie TV

Some of the best selection of videos highlights on Physie TV

Hall of Champions

Hall of Champions

Congratulations to all our Grand Champions of 2022.

Performing Art Gallery

Performing Art Gallery

See our Physical Culture image gallery

 

Senior Grand Champions

Senior Grand Champions

The Senior Champion Girl Finals have been held annually at the Sydney Opera House since 1974.

 

What people say

“I am so lucky to share this wonderful sport with my two sisters and daughter. I get to enjoy watching my daughter’s passion for Physie grow, just as mine did, and I love that we have such a special connection through Physie.”

Renee

“I’m so glad that a friend convinced me to take my daughter to her first Physie lesson. It gets her moving, off her devices and it improves her posture, confidence & flexibility.

Tania

“Ten years ago, I went looking for a fun and affordable dance sport for my 4 year old daughter. We found Physie and have never looked back!”

Nicole,

Physie is an elegant way of developing fitness, grace and strength in girls and women. At BJP, we are proud of how Physie weaves its way throughout the lives of Australian families. Generations of women have discovered a true sense of community and a sport for life.”

Jackie Rawlings, BJP Director

“My daughter absolutely LOVES Physie and so do I! Above all else, Physie has allowed us to join a beautiful network of amazing women.” 

Michelle,

“I began Physie at the age of three and have loved it ever since. Physie has taught me to be creative and confident but the best part is the lifelong friendships which I treasure!”

Rebecca
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