Experiencing: -6.8° in Canberra on the 1st of September at 8am when the first of the equipment sessions was to commence with one of our PAA members and a Principle Trainer of an Educational Body, was not uncommon for me, but proved to be somewhat confronting for the number of interstate visitors who were here for the annual general meeting of the association and to experience the associated events during the da y . The beautiful blue skies and unique setting proved to be enough to overcome such a “crisp” start to the day. For me, the day was a metaphor for the last 12 months – rather trying however incredibly involved, exciting and satisfying!
So much has occurred and will continue to shape our association for the next decade. At the AGM, attendees were given the first opportunity to view: the PAA’s new branding; an insight into the new administrative overhaul that will enable greater online facilitation of membership requirements; the outline of the 2013 PAA Professional Development event – that has now changed its name from the “Mind Your Body” to the “Pilates Alliance International Conference”. In addition, there was a detailed discussion of the changes to the professional development requirements of members, new members of the future and Educational Bodies. Finally, the updating of the PAA “Rules” of association to the 2012 “Constitution” of the PAA was discussed, agreed on with one variance that will be actioned prior to lodgement.
The points above are all discussed in this newsletter with short articles by the sub-committee leaders, whose drive, passion and focus are driving your association towards a more effective association to represent Australian Pilates Professionals for the next decade.
References to the changes to the educational requirements and professional development requirements were also discussed in our previous newsletter in July. I would suggest that you read all these reports fully, and also view the PAA Facebook page for further reference to the new PAA branding.
At the September 1st meeting, Stephen Jones formally stepped down from his office as Treasurer, and having served in the role for 5 years, he provided wonderful comic relief in his financial roundup for the Alliance in his final financial report. Our thanks go to you Stephen (and family) for your work for the PAA throughout this period.
Consequently, at the meeting three committee positions were available and with three nominations they were able to step into the roles without a formal vote. We welcome the new PAA main Committee members: Rachel Reed as Treasurer, Felicia Darbyshire-Pirie as Ordinary Councillor and Sharan Simmons (officially) as Educational Officer. Wonderfully, all have offered a brief outline of their background and interest in the PAA for you in this newsletter. The current members of the committee offer you their support and knowledge to help you become part of such a strong group and thank you for having the confidence to offer your time, experience and support to keep progressing the industry that we all love.
Particularly at this time I would like to acknowledge and thank Olga Tamara as Vice President for her commitment to managing the new branding, which has required countless hours of facilitating the committee and the consultants.
To Malcolm Boulter for his focus and drive to co-ordinate the “back-end” administrative requirements to enable us to build on our effectiveness in managing the association. Thanks must go to Mary Mc Arthur in becoming obsessively involved in updating the Constitution and Jen Guest for being the ever present calming note-taker for all our meetings. Sharan Simmons stepped into the caretaker role as Education Officer in February; only to be thrust into the most radical changes to our foundation and post graduate education since inception, and has managed to do so with skill and intelligence. We now welcome back Suzanne as our social media “expert”, after maternity leave where our sub- committee member for media and marketing: Fran Cahill had substituted to look after the Facebook page and website for approximately 5 months. Also, I must thank Carolyn Antony for being such a wonderful central point for all our communications. Finally many thanks must go to Sally Anderson who has given up many hours for free to continue to assist with very the important projects associated with government on behalf of the association.
Before I finish, I would also like to comment on the terrific number on Professional Development PILA TES presentations that have taken place this year and are continuing to be offered to members by our Educational Bodies. Thank you for bringing to PAA members such a wonder range of National and International presenters who offer expertise in their field and approach to the method. I would urge our members to continue to learn further about Pilates and investigating the perspectives of these experienced Pilates professionals.
I invite you to read the events that were described at the AGM through this newsletter and our social media sites, and to contact us if you feel that you could contribute in any way to continuing the path for a more professional Pilates Industry in Australia now and in the future.
Keep up the self mastery
Lanette Gavran
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