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.
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.
Dino Cercarelli is a senior healthcare executive and clinical trials leader with more than 15 years’ experience across hospital systems, national research organisations, and the biotechnology sector. He is currently employed as Chief Operating Officer of the Australian Clinical Trials Alliance (ACTA), where he leads organisational strategy, operational performance, and stakeholder engagement to support investigator-initiated clinical trials across Australia.
Dino brings extensive expertise in governance, financial stewardship, and building high-performing teams within complex environments. He has a strong track record of strengthening organisational systems, improving transparency, and fostering collaborative partnerships with clinicians, government, and industry to deliver impactful outcomes. Prior to ACTA, he held a senior leadership role at St John of God Health Care, where he led a large clinical trials program and established a comprehensive research governance framework.
In addition to his executive career, Dino has served on a number of boards and committees across the health and research sectors. His appointment to the Australian Calisthenics Federation Board reflects his commitment to strong governance, strategic growth, and supporting community-based organisations to thrive and deliver positive outcomes for their members.
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.
Since being introduced to Calisthenics in 2018 when her then 8-year old daughter took
up the sport, Amanda has been involved in Cali in both the ACT and NT as a Cali mum,
volunteer, wardrobe manager, announcer, club and state chaperone, club committee
member and Executive. She is a strong advocate for Calisthenics and is passionate
about ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sport through contemporary
practices, increased awareness, participation and member satisfaction.
Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts Communications Science degree, a post-graduate in
Business Management and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company
Directors. Throughout her varied career in both the Government and private sector,
Amanda has showcased a track record of achieving outstanding results leading and
delivering key national projects – some of which have been recognised through local
and international marketing and communications awards.
Amanda is excited for the opportunity to contribute to the ACF Board and leverage her
knowledge and experience in marketing, communications, stakeholder engagement,
strategy development and implementation, and risk and governance to ensure the ACFis on-brand, on-mission and on-track to achieve its strategic objectives and priorities, while meeting its legal and compliance obligations.
Teresa has been a resolute calisthenic supporter over the last 15 years, living vicariously through her daughter who continues to participate and coach in the sport today. She brings a strong background in working with not-for-profit boards and a deep commitment to the Association’s cause. She is enthusiastic about calisthenics and is eager to contribute to the Australian Calisthenic Federation’s continued success.
Currently working as a People & Relationships Manager for a private legal firm, Teresa is a member of the management team, and her work focuses on areas including navigating operational plans, organising events, managing people, and cultivating relationships.
As a commerce graduate, Teresa has a diverse background, commencing in accounting and finance and has used that experience, coupled with her interest in relationship management to work in sectors such as not-for-profits, small business, franchise and large corporate. Her career includes time spent on various sporting committees, financial services, and not-for-profit boards.
The President of Imperial Calisthenic College in WA, for the last 8 years and previously occupying other roles in the committee, Teresa has had a close account of the nuances in the sport of calisthenics and would like to bring that experience to a national platform to assist with growing this fabulous sport.
With a strong background in business administration, Melanie brings a practical solutions-focused approach to helping organisations operate efficiently and sustainably. She values clear processes and enjoys working closely with leadership teams to achieve meaningful outcomes. Melaine has been an active volunteer across calisthenics and other community organisations for many years, including leadership roles at both club and state levels. This breadth of experience provides a well-rounded understanding of the sport and will support the ACF Board in delivering the Elevate 28! strategy.
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.
Kerry Sargent PhD brings more than three decades of leadership across national, state, and club-level calisthenics to her role as National Competition & Event Framework (NCEF) Lead. Her connection to the sport spans many levels including — as a performer, coach, adjudicator, club founder, and calisthenics parent — giving her a deep and practical understanding of the sport and its community.
Kerry’s calisthenics governance experience is extensive. Most recently as Chair of the ACF Board (2024–2026), she led national governance reform, committee development, and the ACF’s strategic and competition agenda. As ACF National Rules Convenor (2012–2022), she chaired national forums and guided consensus-based decision-making across Member States. As Cali ACT Director of Competitions, she reformed competition systems, introduced new formats and grading frameworks, and led significant digital transformation.
Professionally, Kerry has worked as a Senior Lecturer and Research Fellow. She currently serves as Deputy Chair of Fearless Women, an NGO supporting girls and young women. Kerry’s collaborative leadership style, strategic thinking, and passion for calisthenics underpin her commitment to a framework that delivers clarity, consistency, and a strong national direction for the sport.
