A message from the PAA President, Robyn Rix
As we begin a new year, I want to thank every member of the Pilates Association Australia for the commitment, professionalism and collective energy you bring to our community. The year ahead promises to be one of the most significant in our organisation’s history — not just in ambition, but in tangible outcomes for our profession.
In December 2025, the leadership team held a dedicated strategy session to identify and prioritise revenue growth opportunities for PAA. It is critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Association and our ability to continue investing in advocacy, professional standards, member services, education and public awareness that we build a strong and reliable income stream. You will see the outcomes of this work progressively translated into practical initiatives throughout the year.
After sustained advocacy and collaboration across government, regulators and industry stakeholders, we are now moving into the implementation phase of improved recognition and access for Pilates within the private health system. With the removal of restrictions on paying health fund rebates on Pilates from 1 July 2025, our focus shifts from policy change to execution: ensuring health funds clearly understand PAA standards, practitioner competencies, and the safeguards that protect consumers and strengthen confidence in Pilates as a health intervention.
Another important initiative is involvement with the Office of the Statistical Commissioner of Australia (OSCA) and the new Pilates occupation code. This process presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen formal recognition of the Pilates profession. PAA will be actively engaging in this process and advocating for accurate representation of professional Pilates practice. There will also be opportunities for member involvement and input as this work progresses.
This work does not happen in isolation. It relies on consistent messaging, strong evidence, and a united professional voice. Throughout the year, PAA will continue engaging with health funds, supporting members to navigate evolving requirements, and advocating for fair, transparent and sustainable rebate frameworks that reflect real-world practice.
Alongside advocacy, strengthening the profession remains a core priority. We will continue refining our competency frameworks, supporting high-quality education pathways, and expanding professional development opportunities that are genuinely relevant to today’s instructors and studio owners. Our goal is not simply growth — it is sustainable growth built on excellence, ethics and clarity of scope.
You will also see further progress in how we communicate the value of Pilates to the public. Clearer messaging around safety, evidence, appropriate clinical applications and professional standards helps differentiate qualified practitioners and builds trust with consumers, referrers and insurers alike. This aligns directly with our Code of Conduct and our commitment to transparency and integrity.
Importantly, members can expect specific updates across our major areas of focus, including:
- Health fund rebates and implementation progress
- Mentoring programs and professional development pathways
- Special Interest Groups and member engagement opportunities
- The revamped PAA website and digital platforms
- Public education initiatives to strengthen community understanding of Pilates
From a member perspective, we are also focused on improving value and engagement — including the continued development of studio membership pathways, events, resources and digital services that make it easier for you to connect, learn and contribute to the profession.
None of this is possible without your involvement. PAA is strongest when members participate: sharing feedback, contributing expertise, supporting initiatives, and championing professional standards in your own studios and communities. Together, we are shaping not just the year ahead, but the long-term standing of Pilates in Australia.
Thank you for your continued trust and leadership within our profession. I look forward to working alongside you in another impactful year for PAA.
Robyn Rix
PAA President
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