The aim of the Australian Calisthenic Federation (ACF) is to develop, promote, administer and co-ordinate in a professional and efficient manner, the unique Australian sport of Calisthenics at a National level, for the enjoyment and benefit of all.
Kerry Sargent brings a wealth of experience to her role as Chair of the ACF Board. Her background includes serving as a performer, coach, adjudicator, Cali mum, and club founder, as well as holding positions on club and state boards, as well as the ACF Council.
Professionally, Kerry holds a Bachelor and PhD in Psychology. As a Research Fellow and Senior Lecturer in the university sector she has focused on promoting functional and adaptive health across the lifespan, with a special interest in young women’s physical and mental well-being.
She currently also serves as Deputy Chair on the Board of Fearless Women, an NGO outreach and support service offering long-term mentoring support and education, aimed at improving wellbeing to girls and young women.
Her experience has shaped her to be a strategic and critical thinker with a strong commitment to leadership and mentorship. Calisthenics has played a major role in her life, and she is passionate about giving back to the sport. Kerry is honoured with her appointment to the ACF Board and excited by the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the future of calisthenics in Australia.
Having been involved in calisthenics since she was three, Jess has a deep passion for our wonderfully unique sport. As a competitor and coach, Jess was fortunate enough to participate in many of the major competitive events around Australia including our much loved nationals competition.
Upon relocating to Auckland in 2014, Jess undertook the remarkable task of establishing the first and only international calisthenics club outside of Australia, single-handedly. Her efforts resulted in the growth of the club to over 70 registered participants, showcasing her adeptness in building robust club structures and driving significant growth and retention.
One of her notable achievements includes organising the inaugural 2019 New Zealand Calisthenics Solo, Duo and graceful Girl competition, the first international calisthenics event that was incredibly successful and left a lasting impact on the sports history. Her international exposure has provided a fresh preceptive on calisthenics, enabling her to identify opportunities for growth and improvement within the sport. Jess brings a unique combination of profound passion for our sport and astute business acumen to the ACF, offering a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience.
Beyond her achievements in calisthenics, Jess has been actively involved in expanding her property and finance ventures alongside her husband. She also fulfills the role of a dedicated mother to three young girls—Evie, Olivia, and Molly.
Tony has joined the Australian Calisthenic Federation Board to ensure his passion for ensuring every state or territory no matter the size has a representation in our sport nationally. Tony is not new to Calisthenics, with two daughters who are still heavily involved in the sport as participant and coaches. Tony has been involved in all levels of the sport from club, state and national perspective holding numerous roles President, Treasurer, State Team Manager, Director of IT and many more.
Tony has a passion for the National Championships and has been involved in every National Championships since 2010. You will often see him back stage as part of the “Men in Black” building or transporting props, driving buses, or just ensuring the needs of the participants, coaches and volunteers are met. Through his involvement in so many National Championships he has built a strong rapport with the community from all states and territories, and is looking forward to bring this experience to the ACF.
Outside of Calisthenics, Tony has over 20 years Cybersecurity experience as a technical executive. He also has a passion for Jet skiing and fishing as a means to rest and relax.
With over 20 years of experience in Calisthenics, Josephine brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the Australian Calisthenic Federation. As the daughter of a flourishing club’s founder, a second generation participant and soon to be Cali mum, she has a deep-rooted passion for the sport. Notably, she was the first and currently only NSW Skills Medallist and the first NSW participant to perform all solo items at a national competition.
Her journey in Calisthenics spans from competitor to cadet, coach, state delegate, and Nationals committee member, showcasing her comprehensive understanding and commitment to the sport.
Professionally, Josephine holds a Bachelor in Political Science and a Master of Human Rights Law. Currently working within State Government, focusing on policy and legislative reform in the human rights sector. Her expertise in critical policy analysis, stakeholder management, and strategic political change drive her efforts to enhance social, cultural, and economic outcomes. She is committed to utilising these skills and passion to ensure Calisthenics flourishes for future generation to experience.
Michaela has a strong background in calisthenics, coaching and participating at club, state, and national level. She has been a member of club committees, and is current Treasurer of the Calisthenics SA Coaching Association (CalSAC).
Professionally, Michaela has extensive experience in Marketing, Communications, and Social Media. She has a Master Degree in Communications, and works as a Social Media Coordinator for a national Australian brand. Michaela was also appointed as the Marketing and Communications Officer for the Australian Calisthenic Federation, and assisted in the marketing and communications plan for the 2023 National Competition.
Michaela is excited to be a part of the evolution and growth of calisthenics in Australia and beyond, and is looking forward to utilising her skills to develop the sport for all participants of calisthenics.
Natalie is an experienced energy executive, delivering strategic solutions and executing transformational change through the rapidly evolving energy landscape. Natalie works with industry stakeholders, politicians, bureaucrats and regulators to achieve outcomes.
With an engineering background and a Masters of Business, Marketing, she bring to the Australian Calisthenics Federation board a love of working with others to problem solve and deliver improvements that will future proof the activities of the ACF.
Natalie loves the offering Calisthenics makes in our communities – both the participation and growth opportunities for all children through the dancesport, and the leadership and connection it provides all of our members.
Karen’s calisthenics career started at the tender age of 2, progressing to representing her state on 10 occasions. From there, she shifted her focus to coaching, where she had a very successful 30-year career, coaching many participants, as well as seven state teams that won six aggregate championships.
In 1989, she was invited to join the Australian Society of Calisthenic Adjudicators, and since then, she has adjudicated at Nationals, Ballarat, Interstate, Regional, and Metropolitan competitions.
In 2005, she received a certificate for outstanding voluntary service to calisthenics from the SA State Government. She was granted Life Membership in the Calisthenic Association of South Australia in 2006, and in 2016, she was awarded the ACF Official of the Year. She also received Life Membership in the Australian Society of Calisthenic Adjudicators in 2022.
As an Advanced Level 2 Adjudicator, she has been a member of the Adjudicators Advisory Board, reporting to the ACF for many years. Karen has seen many initiatives related to the advancement of adjudicating throughout this time and now looks forward to the challenges ahead as she moves into the role of Head of Adjudicating.
Karen loves this sport with a passion, and her focus is on seeing it continue to develop, so every child can experience the sport as she has.
“Calisthenics has had a significant impact in my life and my association with our wonderful sport has been developed over many years”.
Diane has been involved in Calisthenics since the age of 4 making the natural progression to coaching and then examining and adjudicating. She is an Advanced Level 2 Adjudicator and has extensive adjudicating experience both solo and team, officiating at all levels at many metropolitan and regional competitions in South Australia and interstate.
As a Gold Medal Examiner and a level 2 coach Diane has had the opportunity to view Calisthenics from several perspectives all of which complement her ongoing commitment to and love of our sport.
She has been awarded Life Membership of Australian Calisthenic Federation, Calisthenic Association of SA , Coaches Association of SA and the Australian Society of Calisthenic Adjudicators. In 2018 Diane was named CASA (SA) Official of the Year, 2007 ACF Official of the Year and in 2000 was a recipient of the Australian Sports Medal for her contribution to Calisthenics.
Diane has held the position of the ACF Director of Skills and Convenor of the Examiners Advisor and is currently ACF Head of Skills.
Professionally Diane is a school Principal.
Jessica began Calisthenics in Victoria as a Sub-Junior at the age of 7 where she instantly fell in love with the sport. Fast forward 30 odd years and Jess is now the Director & Principal coach, alongside Lorinda Webster-Brooking of River City Cali Dance Studio based in Brisbane.
Jessica is passionate about giving back and providing opportunities for all participants & coaches in our sport to grow and develop and inspire the next generation to love the sport as much she did at 7 years of age.
Jess has been a delegate of the Calisthenics Association of Queensland, Inc. for the past 9 years, and is excited to embark on the new opportunity as the ACF Head of Coaching to work alongside the CAB to deliver innovative, inclusive, and accessible development opportunities for our coaching community.
Where performance art and sport unite on a national stage.
ACF acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we each live, come together and perform.
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