Leadership Transition at the Pilates Association Australia
The Pilates Association Australia (PAA) is pleased to announce a planned leadership transition, marking the next phase in the continued growth and development of the Association and the profession.
Following a recent Board meeting, the following appointments will take effect from early May:
- Kimberley Garlick has been appointed President
- Jen Guest has been appointed Vice-President
- Robyn Rix has been appointed Treasurer
- Susie Bond is stepping down as Vice President and will remain on the Committee as an Ordinary Member. She will continue to chair the Therapeutic Pilates Special Interest Group
- Cheryl Burgess is stepping down as Treasurer and leaving the Committee
These appointments form part of a considered succession process designed to provide continuity of leadership while supporting the next stage of the Association’s strategic priorities.
Kimberley brings extensive experience within the Pilates profession, strong relationships across the training provider sector, and a deep commitment to the future of the industry. She also brings a valuable perspective on the needs of emerging instructors and the next generation of practitioners. The Board is confident she will provide strong leadership as the profession enters an exciting new phase.
Jen returns to the PAA committee as Vice-President with a strong understanding of the Association’s governance and strategic direction, and will be an important support to Kimberley and the Board.
Robyn will continue to support the Association as Treasurer, with a particular focus on financial stewardship and the implementation of private health fund rebate pathways.
A Note from Outgoing President Robyn Rix
It has been a privilege to serve as President of the Pilates Association Australia during a period of significant progress for both the Association and the profession.
When I stepped into the role, I had several clear objectives: to strengthen the governance foundations of the Association, to support the profession through a period of change, to help unify the sector under one national voice, and to work toward the return of private health fund rebates for Pilates services.
Over recent years, we have achieved a great deal together. This has included the successful amalgamation with APMA to create a stronger unified national body, the transition from Pilates Alliance Australasia to the Pilates Association Australia, implementation of a modern membership management system, stronger engagement with government and sector stakeholders through the Natural Therapies Review process, and the re-establishment of pathways for health fund rebates.
With these key objectives now largely achieved, I believe this is the right time for a planned and controlled leadership transition rather than waiting until the final year of my constitutional term. Strong organisations benefit from succession that is intentional, orderly and forward-looking.
Kimberley is well placed to lead the Association into its next phase. She brings enthusiasm, fresh perspective, and strong connections across the profession, particularly with training providers and the next generation of instructors. I am very confident the Association is in excellent hands.
I am pleased to continue serving the Association as Treasurer, where I will remain closely involved in financial governance and the important work still underway regarding health fund rebate implementation.
I would also like to sincerely thank our staff team and every member of the Committee, past and present, for their dedication, professionalism and support throughout my presidency.
I would especially like to acknowledge:
- Cheryl Burgess for your insightful contributions as Treasurer. Your financial expertise and thoughtful input were greatly valued. We only wish your time with us could have been longer.
- Susie Bond for all of your support as Vice-President. Your warmth and common-sense approach were invaluable as we welcomed APMA members into the Association, and beyond.
- Sharan Simmons for your tireless commitment to the PAA and your wise counsel over many years.
- Kerry Haywood for keeping me grounded in the practical whenever I was at risk of floating off on fanciful journeys.
- Natalie Ryan for transforming our social media presence and helping strengthen the Association’s voice and visibility.
Everyone I have worked with has contributed in their own way — bringing fresh perspectives, valuable advice, and generously giving their time. Everything achieved over this period has been the result of collective effort and a shared commitment to the profession.
I also thank Kimberley Garlick and Jen Guest for their willingness to step forward and guide the Association into its next phase. The Pilates profession is well placed for the future, and I look forward to continuing to support the next phase of this important work.
— Robyn Rix
From the New President - Kimberley Garlick
I am truly honoured and thrilled to be appointed President of the Pilates Association Australia (PAA), representing the collective voice of our industry.
First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge the extraordinary contribution of our former President, Robyn Rix. Robyn is an exceptionally passionate, highly educated, and deeply skilled leader who has brought profound expertise to the role, drawing on her extensive academic background, including actuarial and finance qualifications. As a second-generation Pilates practitioner who studied under Lolita San Miguel, she has demonstrated unwavering dedication to our profession.
Robyn has been incredibly supportive during my time on the Board, and her commitment to the industry has been evident from day one. I am very pleased that she will continue serving as Treasurer and will be there to support me as I step into this role.
One of Robyn’s most significant contributions has been her leadership in advancing recognition of Pilates within the allied health sector, particularly through the achievement of health fund rebates. This milestone marks an exciting and important transition for our industry, and Robyn will continue to play a key role as we build on this progress and further develop the skills and frameworks needed to support client wellbeing.
If you are reading this, you are likely someone, like myself, who has fallen in love with the Pilates profession. My hope is to foster a vision of unity and open dialogue that strengthens our collective identity and reinforces the merit of Pilates as a profession in its own right.
We are committed to building a strong, unified identity, one that establishes a clear framework for Pilates to be recognised as a profession. As Helen Hislop so eloquently said:
“Shared experiences give the profession its tone, fibre, moral style, its determination to exist, and its capacity to endure.”
I aim to create an inclusive umbrella of support for all who wish to be part of the Pilates professional community, one that honours our lineage while building a continuum for generations to come. With such strong foundations already in place, my role is to serve as your voice, offering support, guidance, and advocacy, alongside the exceptional minds on our Board and within our industry.
I want to create meaningful momentum through a thoughtful and considered lens. As Kerry Haywood, our Systems Officer reminds us, “PAA is about standing for something more than yourself.”
Together, let’s continue to build a culture we are proud of and shape a Pilates climate where we make things happen.
My request to each of you is simple: stand up for the greatness of your profession. We have something truly worth fighting for.
Thank you.
Kimberley Garlick
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