Massage Association of Australia is a Company Limited by Guarantee and governed by a Board of Directors. The Board comprises of seven Directors who are responsible for the strategic direction and governance of the Association and reports to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) as required by the Corporations Law 2001.
The Board employs an Executive Officer who maintains and implements the strategies and policy of the Board. This is delivered to the membership through service, communication and representation.
Under the Association’s Constitution, up to five Directors from the voting members are elected prior to the Annual General Meeting. The Board may appoint up to a further three Directors to address the skill requirements of the Company and implement the Strategic Plan.
Committees also assist the Board in the implementation of projects within the Strategic Plan. All Directors and Committee members serve in the interests of the Association, the public and the diverse range of modalities across the profession.
Chair of the Board of Directors
Murray Rutherford
Murray is a successful therapist who focuses primarily on pain and injury management. His qualifications include over 30 soft tissue and manual therapies that are incorporated into a unique treatment style that is focused on client outcomes. This has led him to be currently looking after the needs of the Scorpions NTL, Queensland Indoor Netball Team, 12 professional athletes including 2 world record holders and previously worked with several teams including the Queensland Reds.
He has on many occasions worked with and for a number of different industry bodies to promote change through various aspects in the health care industry. He also volunteers with a number of not for profit groups and is a Justice of the Peace (Qual) in Queensland.
Murray draws on his experience gained from previous employment including but not limited to being a Warrant Officer in The Australian Army, First Aid Trainer and Assessor, Workplace Health and Safety officer (specialising in Occupational Violence prevention & Fire Safety), Defensive Tactics Instructor, Security (CPP) and a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer.
Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors
Shel Morris
Shel is currently the Partnership Manager with Taking Care Mobile Massage after almost four years of direct service as a qualified remedial massage therapist. Shel has years of experience as an Executive Manager in corporate America and, holding a Master’s in Business Administration, brings his professional business development and partnership skills to the MAA Board. This combination of care and management skills allows Shel to fully understand the needs and opportunities within the sector. He prioritises building positive relationships and communicating clearly with others so working as a team or across organisations works more effectively.
The impact of massage treatments on patients is profound. This is not widely appreciated nor understood by many providers or even patients themselves. I see a significant role for advocacy, and I am keen to have the Massage Association of Australia lead this effort nationwide. We can work with and educate government, medical professionals and hospitals to bring greater awareness of the health benefits of massage and improve the scope of its use. Having a peak body for massage that facilitates better credentialing, payment schemes and recognition is paramount for our industry and I am highly enthusiastic to participate in this process.
Director
Greg Morling
Greg Morling has been a remedial massage therapist for over 40 years.
He has lectured and given many workshops Internationally and locally over that time. He is published widely in Britain and Europe, writing and lecturing on a broad range of topics including research methods for complementary therapists, visceral massage, the iliopsoas, headaches and successful, innovative approaches to treating musculoskeletal disorders.
He has developed massage and various treatment protocols for leading Spas in Australia and guided many groups of therapists to international destinations in order to learn new massage styles. He has deep respect for the medicines of indigenous cultures, especially those of our First Peoples. Greg believes that ‘care’ is at the heart of massage therapies irrespective of the approach.
Greg has extensive experience serving on a number of not-for-profit association boards in the past and he has a passion for education and enhancing industry compliance.
Director
Lisa Randall
Lisa established the award winning Botanique Skin Wellness Spa in 2010 and has a longstanding commitment to holistic modalities that support both physical wellbeing and psychological balance. She has extensive experience and qualifications in bodywork, dermal therapies, business/ entrepreneurship, fitness, yoga, coaching, nutrition and teaching.
These days, Lisa spends her time primarily working within the health and wellness space delivering classes and workshops, mentoring, coaching and providing support for one of the largest gyms in Australia. She also hosts wellness retreats both within Australia and overseas.
Lisa’s aim as a serving Board member is to assist others who are emerging in the wellness and small business spheres by providing leadership and being a mentor where possible. In particular she is focused on developing programs and policies that will help members with their knowledge and practical skills in regard to delivering world class treatments and services, whilst improving their business skills and opportunities.
Director
Lovenish Gorkha
Lovenish Gorkha is a qualified Remedial Massage Therapist and business owner based in Adelaide, with a diverse professional background in health and wellbeing, telecommunications engineering, and business studies.
With a Diploma in Remedial Massage Therapy, Lovenish is passionate about supporting people throughout their health and recovery journeys. His approach is grounded in a strong understanding of anatomy, injury management and remedial treatment, with a focus on helping clients manage pain, improve mobility, recover from physical challenges and maintain their overall wellbeing. He believes that effective healthcare is not only about treatment, but also about listening to people, understanding their individual needs, providing education, and helping them feel more confident about their own health.
Lovenish’s earlier background in telecommunications engineering and business studies has given him a broad perspective, combining analytical thinking and business understanding with a strong people-centred approach developed through working in the health and wellbeing sector.
For Lovenish, working in healthcare is more than a profession; it is an opportunity to contribute positively to people's lives and support them at different stages of their health journey. He values professionalism, integrity, continuous learning and meaningful connections within the community.
Outside of his professional life, Lovenish is a proud father to his 14-month-old son and enjoys family life with his two Toy Poodles. He believes that family, community and service to others are important parts of a meaningful life.
Director
Melinda Hayward
Mel has been a Remedial Massage therapist since 2009 and is a mother of 5 kids aged 13-25.
She is currently managing the finance and administrative functions of a multigenerational commercial builder in the ACT, as well as teaching Accounting and Bookkeeping at the Canberra Institute of Technology.
Mel has been in the business, finance and administration industries for over 30 years. Having run her own massage business since 2009, she brings a diverse range of knowledge and skills to the board. With a passion for learning and personal growth, she encourages self- empowerment by having a growth mindset, living intentionally in your truth and challenging your perspectives.