MAA Governance

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 lead 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.

The Massage Association of Australia Ltd (MAA) 

Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors 

Lisa Randall

Lisa Randall is a highly skilled and long practicing therapist, trainer and business person who specialises in massage, body work, yoga, fitness, dermal therapies and nutrition.

After a 30+ year career working in Public Relations and Marketing roles in both the USA and Australia, she shifted gears into the wellness industry in 2010 which eventually lead her to opening an award winning Day Spa. She is also a qualified Trainer/Assessor and is currently delivering Cert III, Cert IV and Diploma courses via Registered Training Organisations within Brisbane.

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 entrepreneurial opportunities.

In addition to holding a Master of Arts (Communication) and Bachelor's Degree in Journalism/Marketing, Lisa is qualified with a Remedial Massage Diploma, Beauty Therapy Diploma, Cert III Business, 350 hour Yoga Teacher Training, Cert IV Training & Assessment and more In her downtime she enjoys teaching hot yoga, spending time with her family and pets and travelling to interesting cultural destinations.

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Director

Greg Morling

Greg Morling has been a remedial massage therapist for over 35 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. 

The Massage Association of Australia Ltd (MAA) 

Director

Joanne Griffiths

Jo has been a myotherapist for 25 years as well as a committed educator, teaching remedial massage and myotherapy for 20+ years.

She has worked across a wide range of healthcare settings, including private practice, sporting clubs and hospitals, as well as teaching Cert IV, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma students at TAFE's and private RTO's. Her involvement with a wide variety of professional associations and industry groups in advisory roles over the years has ensured that Jo is a well known and respected professional within the industry.

Jo enjoys working with a diverse range of clients and has a specialist interest in helping clients with lower back and neck pain, headaches and chronic conditions. She is currently studying a bachelor’s degree in Health Science (Clinical Myotherapy).

In her role as an MAA Board member, Jo has been working behind the scenes at improving and expanding upon the continuing education program and offering more services for members. Her future goals for MAA are to see the association adopt a modern structure and put a Strategic Plan in place encompassing the next 3 to 5 years.

Joanne lives with her family in Tasmania and loves indulging in the local coffee and cafe culture as well as bush walking.

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Director

Lovenish Gorkha

Lovenish Gorkha is a qualified Remedial Massage Therapist specialising in a wide range of evidence-based treatments, including sports massage, deep tissue therapy, trigger point therapy, pregnancy massage, relaxation massage, and dry needling. With a Diploma in Remedial Massage, Lovenish is passionate about providing tailored, results-driven treatments that help clients reduce pain, restore mobility, and feel their best—whether recovering from injury, managing chronic tension, or improving overall physical performance.

What sets Lovenish apart is a deep commitment to client education and transparency. Every treatment is not just hands-on but also informative: clients are guided through the process, learning which muscles are being worked on, how they’re responding, and why each technique is being applied. Lovenish believes that when clients understand their body and treatment plan, they’re more empowered in their recovery and long-term wellbeing.

With a strong foundation in anatomy and clinical techniques, Lovenish takes pride in working within their professional scope of practice, clearly explaining what can be effectively treated through massage therapy and when a referral may be appropriate. This honest and ethical approach builds trust and ensures clients receive the most appropriate care for their needs.

The Massage Association of Australia Ltd (MAA) 

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.

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Director

Vacant

MAA as a Board Member is a valuable one.

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