Collaroy Plateau Physical Culture Club, affiliated with the Edith Parsons School of Physical Culture, has been part of the Northern Beaches community for over 50 years.
Throughout the club's early years, there were several different teachers before coming under the instruction of Kristen Munro, who began teaching at Collaroy Plateau in 1983. Kristen was herself a student at the Narrabeen Physical Culture Club and continued her participation there for many years while also teaching at Collaroy Plateau. Kristen was a much-loved, highly respected and dedicated instructress and enjoyed great success with her students during her 18 years of teaching before retiring at the end of 2001. Although difficult to replace, the club continued under the direction of Helen Hines (Seniors and Ladies) and Janice Lees (Juniors).
Helen had previously taught the highly successful Narrabeen Physical Culture Club for 12 years, from 1979 to 1991. In 1991, she was also elected President of the Board of the Edith Parsons School of Physical Culture, a position she held for 25 years. During this time, she taught Collaroy Plateau with a number of dedicated ladies sharing the Junior Instructress role, including Barbara Sullivan, Alice Hanna, Leonie Felan and Nicole Newton, At the end of 2016, Helen announced her retirement from both teaching and her role on the Board but today remains a vital member of our club participating in classes and competitions.
In 2017, the club continued under the guidance of Nic Newton (Seniors and Ladies Instructress) along with Rachel Hammond (Juniors). The following year in 2018, the club celebrated two-time Grand Champion Girl, Alice Hanna taking the reins as Senior Instructress with Nic proceeding to open a Tiny Tots class in Artarmon, affiliated with Collaroy Plateau physie, offering classes for many new, young members for 7 years. In 2020, we also welcomed an additional teaching member, Chrissy Smyth.
In 2025, we were saddened to see Alice stand down but the club continues under the dedicated and loving leadership of Rachel Nigem (Juniors and Seniors) and Chrissy Bishop-Perrett (Ladies). Together, Rachel and Chrissy have over 50 years of Physie experience and have been members of the Collaroy Plateau physie family since they were very young. They are best friends outside of physie and committed to continue growing Collaroy Plateau Physical Culture club into a welcoming, nurturing community for all to enjoy physie!
To learn more about the Edith Parsons School of Physical Culture and its founder, Miss Edith Parsons (affectionately known as “Teach”), please visit the Edith Parsons School of Physical Culture.
