Deanne Calisthenics Club Today
Each year, Deanne Calisthenics Club participates in three local competitions, offering exciting and valuable performance opportunities for all our members. For our Sub-Juniors through to Senior age groups, the year culminates with a final competition held in Ballarat — an eagerly anticipated event that serves as a highlight for both participants and families alike. We conclude the season in November with our annual concert and presentation evening, celebrating the achievements of all our performers.
All routines are expertly choreographed by our talented coaching team. Each group performs a range of core routines, including Aesthetics, Clubs, Rods, Free Exercise, and March. Additionally, special items are performed on a rotational basis, which may include Folk/Character Dance, Song and Dance/Action, Revue, Calisthenics Spectacular, and Dance Arrangement. At Deanne, we deeply respect and value our coaches, whose dedication and commitment ensure our athletes compete at the highest level.
On stage, participants wear beautifully designed costumes tailored to each routine. Hair and make-up are professionally coordinated and completed by the team management. Calisthenics is a competitive team sport that requires commitment from all participants. It is essential for families to understand that all team members are expected to compete in every scheduled competition throughout the year.
Deanne History
Deanne Calisthenics Club was proudly established in 1975 by Mrs Pam Slavin, Mrs Chris Schmid (then Keane), and Mrs Val Sutton. The Club’s name, Deanne, was inspired by Mrs Slavin’s daughter, Dianne. In its early years, the Club colours were brown, orange, and white.
From the very beginning, the Club was built on passion, dedication, and community spirit. Mrs Slavin handmade all the costumes, while Dianne served as the inaugural Head Coach, leading the Babies, Sub-Juniors, and Juniors. Mrs Erica Batt (then Lockwood) coached the Intermediates and Seniors. Mrs Didier provided musical accompaniment as the Club’s first pianist, and Mrs Keane took on the role of Foundation President.
Today, Deanne Calisthenics Club Incorporated operates as a not-for-profit organisation, proudly run by volunteers. We are immensely proud of our rich history and many achievements over the years — and we look forward to continuing this legacy for many years to come.
Committee
• Get Involved
We rely on the support of our Club community to fill committee roles that become available each year. New members are elected annually at our Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in February. The Club operates under the Deanne Calisthenics Club Constitution, which outlines our governance structure and responsibilities. For details see the Deanne constitution.
We warmly welcome parents and caregivers to get involved — your time and effort make a meaningful difference, and every contribution is genuinely appreciated. A description of each committee role can be found in the Roles of the Committee document.
• Nominate for a Position
Interested in joining the Committee? Simply download and complete a nomination form ahead of our next AGM. It’s a great way to support the Club and be part of its continued success.
• Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) Requirements
To hold a Committee position or assist within a calisthenics team, all volunteers aged 16 and over must hold a valid WWVP card. To register complete your details here Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP). This card is free for volunteers. Deanne maintains a register of all volunteers, and you may be asked to present your WWVP card at any time.
Executive Team
Volunteers
As a non-profit organisation, Deanne Calisthenics Club relies on the support of volunteers to ensure the smooth operation of the Club. Family members are required to assist with various tasks, including helping at competitions and fundraising events, as assigned to your child's team. Additionally, each family is expected to contribute to costuming efforts, which may involve activities such as sewing, sequinning, or prop construction.
We are always seeking volunteers throughout the calisthenics season and encourage you to register for your Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) Card with the Committee. The card is free for volunteers and can be easily applied for online through Access Canberra.
Fundraising
As a non-profit organisation, Deanne Calisthenics Club relies on fundraising to cover expenses not met by membership fees. Throughout the year, we organise a variety of events and activities to raise essential funds for the Club and its teams.
We invite you to support these efforts by:
- Participating in our annual Trivia Night or assisting with the major raffle.
- Contributing by performing duties at the Deanne Physicals Team Competition and ACT Competitions.
- Helping with the creation and maintenance of costumes and stage props, and
- Volunteering at fundraising events, such as BBQs, including team-specific or Club-wide BBQs.
Code of Conduct
In line with the values of our sport, Deanne Calisthenics Club upholds a Code of Conduct for parents, family members, coaches, and participants. The Australian Calisthenic Federation (ACF) has endorsed the Member Protection Policy, which outlines a framework for appropriate and ethical behaviour. All members are expected to adhere to these principles.
These guidelines have been adopted by Calisthenics ACT, with additional information regarding social media use and general conduct available on the Cali ACT website. Our member protection guidelines are developed in alignment with Sport Integrity Australia’s National Integrity Framework to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in our club. Download Our Member Protection Policy.