2025 In Review
Delivering the foundations for the future of calisthenics
2025 was a year of significant delivery for the Australian Calisthenic Federation — focused on strengthening foundations, improving systems, and positioning the sport for long-term sustainability.
Guided by the Elevate 28! Strategic Plan, the ACF spent the year progressing a substantial body of work across governance, competitions, digital systems, participation and stakeholder engagement. Much of this work occurred behind the scenes, but its impact will shape how calisthenics is supported and delivered nationally in the years ahead.
Strengthening the Foundations
A key focus for 2025 was embedding Elevate 28! as a living strategy — not just a document.
Across the year:
A structured Elevate 28! action plan was implemented and aligned to Board portfolios and operational delivery.
Clear planning, monitoring and accountability processes were strengthened to support consistent delivery against strategic priorities
Governance, risk management and financial planning processes were strengthened to align with national sport governance expectations and Australian Sports Commission benchmarks.
This work ensures the ACF is better positioned to operate sustainably and to support its Member States with clarity and consistency.
National Competitions & Events
2025 also delivered important milestones in national competition and event delivery.
The ACF successfully delivered:
AusCaliCarnivale 2025, providing a national platform for club teams and piloting improved operational frameworks.
Participation in the Australian Masters Games, a biannual, rotating national multi-sport event, providing an additional competitive opportunity for Masters athletes and broadening ACF’s experience across different national event delivery models.
In parallel, the ACF completed an independent review of the National Competition & Events Framework. This review, supported by consultation, informed the development of a new four-cornerstone national competition model — establishing clearer purpose, pathways and structure for future national events.
Digital Systems & Infrastructure
Significant progress was also made in strengthening the digital and operational backbone of the organisation.
Key achievements included:
A major SharePoint restructure, improving document management, accessibility and succession planning.
Repositioning the ACF website as a central source of information, with clearer news, updates and resources.
Launch of the ACF database in December 2025, laying the groundwork for improved data, reporting and member engagement.
Securing the RevSport platform, with structured rollout and Member State consultation planned for 2026.
These initiatives are critical enablers — supporting better communication, improved efficiency and more consistent support across the sport.
Participation, Workforce & Capability
2025 also focused on people and participation.
The ACF Participation Growth Strategy was completed, aligned with the Australian Sports Commission’s Play Well framework and positively received.
Workforce needs were reviewed, marking the first full year of operating with a dedicated National Operations Manager, improving separation between governance and operations.
Annual stakeholder surveys, including Board and management evaluations, were conducted to support continuous improvement and transparency.
Looking Ahead
While 2025 was a year of delivery, much of its value lies in what it enables.
The systems, frameworks and foundations established during the year now support a transition into delivery-focused implementation in 2026 — across national events, Member State support, education, and participation growth.
The ACF thanks all volunteers, officials, committees, Member States and partners who contributed to this work throughout 2025. Together, these efforts are shaping a stronger, more sustainable future for calisthenics across Australia.
Want to see what’s coming next?
👉 Explore what’s ahead for calisthenics in 2026 here