Icing to Impact: Michelle Walter’s Recipe for RSGK in Gippsland

If you had told Michelle Walter a few years ago that she would trade in her high-end cake decorating tools and 1am retail management finishes for bats, balls and a flock of "animal math" chickens, she might have laughed. But today, Michelle is the heart and soul of Ready Steady Go Kids in Gippsland, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Her story is the ultimate example of how a kids activity franchise can completely redefine what it means to have a career. It isn't just about business; it’s about community, family, and finding that elusive work-life balance that so many of us spend years chasing.

The Casual Start and the Sisterly Nudge

Michelle’s journey into the world of franchising didn’t start with formal presentations or a complex business plan. It started where many great adventures do: as a stay-at-home mum (SAHM) looking for a way back into the workforce that didn’t involve sacrificing her time with her children.

She began working as a casual coach for the previous owner of the Gippsland territory. It was the perfect fit. She could handle the kindergarten runs, enjoy the school holidays off, and get her "adult time" back without the crushing stress of a traditional 9-to-5. She loved the kids, she loved the program, and she loved the energy.

However, the idea of actually owning the business hadn’t even crossed her mind. When the local franchise came up for sale, Michelle actually sent the listing to her sister! She thought her sister would be a perfect fit for the role. Her sister’s reply changed everything: "You absolutely love that job, why don't you do it!"

That was the "lightbulb" moment. Sometimes, we need someone else to point out what is right in front of us. With that nudge, Michelle took the leap, transitioning from coach to franchise owner, and she hasn't looked back since.

Trading the 1am Finish for the Veggie Garden

Before finding her feet at Ready Steady Go Kids, Michelle spent nearly 20 years in the high-pressure world of retail management. For anyone who has worked in retail, you know the drill: late nights, weekend shifts, and the constant hum of "business as usual" while the world around you sleeps.

"No one wants to finish at 1am and be up early with the kids ready to do it all again," Michelle reflects. It’s a sentiment many parents can relate to. The grind was real, and it left very little room for the things that truly matter.

Since taking over the Gippsland territory, her life has undergone a total transformation. Owning a kids franchise has allowed her to reclaim her schedule. She is now present for every school assembly, every after-school sports practice, and every family milestone.

But it’s not just about the kids’ schedules, it’s about hers, too. Michelle is a self-proclaimed lover of the "simpler life." When she isn't on the court, you’ll find her tending to her thriving veggie garden or preserving the food she grows. She jokes that she was "born in the wrong era," finding her happy place in the kitchen or outdoors. This level of work-life balance simply wasn't possible in her previous career.

The "Coach Michelle" Factor in Gippsland

Gippsland is a close-knit community, and Michelle has become a bit of a local celebrity. In a regional territory, your reputation is everything, and Michelle has built hers on heart, energy, and genuine connection.

"There's nothing more special than watching that child that was too shy to even join in for their first class to running into them in the supermarket and having their face light up when they see you," she says.

It’s not just the kids who recognise her. Grandmas often approach her in the community to tell her that "Coach Michelle" is the main topic of conversation at the dinner table. It is this deep-rooted connection that makes her region so successful.

Highlighting Michelle’s success, Ready Steady Go Kids Franchisor Danie O’Connor says:

"Michelle has an incredible connection with her community, and it shows in everything she does. Michelle has done such a brilliant job growing her franchise, earning a well-deserved spot as a 2025 Coach of the Year finalist. Best of all, Michelle brings a whole lot of heart to the Gippsland area."

Why the RSGK Model Wins

Michelle isn't just a business owner; she is a parent who has "been there, done that" with other programs. Her own experiences shaped her appreciation for what makes Ready Steady Go Kids different from any other kids franchise.

One of the biggest wins for her is the multi-sport factor. She recalls enrolling her son in a season of Auskick, only to realise halfway through that he simply didn't like football. At RSGK, children are exposed to ten different sports, ensuring they find something they actually enjoy without the pressure of a full-season commitment to just one activity.

Another major draw was the inclusivity of the program. Michelle remembers her time with other weekly programs where siblings were not allowed to attend. As a (then) mum of two, this created a massive hurdle. "I didn't always have a babysitter," she explains. At RSGK, there is always room on the sidelines for siblings and family members, making it a truly family-friendly environment.

Seeing the Change: Post-Covid Development

Michelle took over her region towards the end of the Covid lockdowns, a time when many children had missed out on crucial social and physical milestones. She witnessed firsthand the impact that isolation had on gross motor development.

"To see them barely able to hold a T-ball bat to absolutely smashing it towards the end of their journey will never get old," she says.

The growth in confidence, coordination, and social skills is what keeps her motivated. Whether it's helping a child prepare for school or giving them the foundation to join a local netball or football club, the impact is lasting. Michelle is even convinced that in the years to come, she’ll be turning on the TV to see one of her Gippsland graduates playing in the AFL!

Animal Math and Cake Artistry

Outside of her role as a franchise owner, Michelle’s life is just as vibrant. She’s a kitchen wiz who once ran a successful cake decorating business, even supplying allergy-friendly biscuits to local cafes after navigating her own child's anaphylaxis. Her creativity and "give anything a go" attitude are the same traits that make her such an engaging coach.

And then there is the "animal math." If you know, you know! Especially when it comes to her chickens, Michelle understands that one chicken quickly leads to five, and five quickly leads to... well, a lot more. This warmth and sense of humour are what endear her to the families in her classes.

Would Michelle recommend joining the RSGK family?

When asked what she would say to someone considering their own journey into franchising, Michelle’s advice is grounded and practical. While she encourages everyone to take the leap into this rewarding career, she also emphasises the importance of due diligence.

"Do your homework," she advises. She believes in the importance of understanding the business and the community you’re serving. After a 20-year career in retail and a stint in childcare, she is firm in her belief that being a RSGK franchisee is the most fulfilling job she has ever had.

The support from the national network ensures that even if you are "self-sufficient" in a regional area like Gippsland, you are never truly alone.

Final Thoughts

Michelle Walter’s journey from cake decorating to coaching is a testament to the power of saying "yes" to a new opportunity. She has proven that you don’t have to choose between a successful career and a happy, present home life.

By bringing high-quality sports programming to regional Victoria, she is shaping the next generation of athletes and community leaders: all while making sure she has enough time to harvest her veggies and count her chickens.

If you are looking for a way to change your life while making a difference in the lives of children, a kids activity franchise might just be the "animal math" you’ve been looking for.