Body and mind healing and wellbeing.
Originally established in 1985 our centre has treated over 40,000 clients with more than 75,000 hours of therapy over three decades. With many of the same clients returning to the same address for more than 30 years, we pride ourselves on being part of the Bondi Junction community – although some of clients visit from as far as Adelaide and Newcastle.
Decades later, under different ownership, our ethos remains the same – body and mind healing and wellbeing. In recent months, under new management, we also have a heightened focus on recovery, and optimising body and mind performance. Our specialised treatments include, but are not limited to floating, remedial massage, sports massage, reflexology, pregnancy massage, and more.
With varied needs, our clients are diverse, of all ages, and span different life stages. Our scope of specialised treatments together with our trading hours support clients’ busy and unique lives – we’re open 7 days, 9am to 9pm.
Our specialised therapists have over 100 years of combined experience, all with specific areas of expertise, but all also trained in remedial and deep tissue massage therapy, and most have training in sports massage. Some of our therapists have been with our centre for 10 years or more.
What began as The Float Centre in the 1980s, established by Michael Armamedes (a guru in those days), the centre became Floating Free in 1993 when Carol Stuart bought the business. In 2000, to incorporate float tanks, Carol renamed the business Massage & Float Centre. At this point, the business went full-steam to 7 days, 9am to 9pm.
Fast forward 20 years, ready to retire, the stars aligned for Carol when two energetic, sporty Irish blokes knocked on her centre’s door. Literally. Jake Mehmet and Gerald Carroll were exploring a business opportunity downstairs from Carol’s centre in Bondi Junction, and their path led them to Massage & Float Centre’s door.
And the rest is history.
Since the change of ownership in November 2020, it’s been a smooth and seamless transition – because the centre’s original culture has remained true. It’s the same convenient location, the same dedicated staff, and the same passionate approach. Although the couch has changed.
Jake explains: “We’re in the process of refurbishing and refreshing the centre. And putting in new float rooms. Also some new décor.” But on a more serious note, he adds: “Carol built such an incredible business over so many years of hard work. Then we came along. We feel like we’re working to keep her dream alive. We want her to know she’s leaving it in good hands.”
Our float tanks definitely have a strong appeal to a lot of clients, and the fact that we offer float and massage as a combined therapy. This progressive slant, together with our other more traditional and specialised treatments means we’re servicing specific and changing client needs. We’re also welcoming and warm, with decades of experience in restoring, healing and treating clients’ wellbeing.
We have loyal, dedicated and highly specialised staff, who have all remained with us through the change of ownership because of our similar approach, principles and work ethic. Besides all our amazing therapists, Karen Moore, who is also a fully qualified therapist, has been with the centre for 14 years, having worked under Carol’s leadership. Today Karen is our Wellness Centre Manager.
Jake Mehmet and Gerald Carroll were both born and raised in Cork City, Ireland – the Rebel County – but only met in Sydney around 2013. Today they’re business partners and good friends, with the same drive, determination and passion.
Jake has played a range of sports all his life, and also has a strong interest in sports science.
Gerald comes from a big rugby union background; rugby remains an important part of his life.
“We’re also passionate about sports massage and treatments. Our strong interest in sports led us to sponsoring a local eastern suburbs soccer team – Phoenix Football Club – based in Randwick,” explains Jake.
Gerald adds: “We see this as only the start of our journey, to open other centres to help people recover. That’s our goal. We eventually want to revolutionise the way people recover, not just through their body, but through body and mind.”
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