The Australasian Association of Professional Organisers (AAPO) was incorporated in November 2005 as a non profit organisation to educate the public about Professional Organising and benefit members by growing the industry.

Our committee is made up of volunteer members from two counties, across several different time zones, but we all share one thing in common: we're passionate about organising, growing our industry and professional development.

In 2011 we developed AAPO's first Strategic Plan. The process of doing this has given us clarity about the direction of the Committee and how we can best assist our members. All activities are conducted under our main 3 portfolios: Membership, PR and Events. Each Portfolio is managed by a Committee member (see below) and has a uniform structure.

See AAPO Strategic Plan 2011 - 2012

See AAPO Organisational Chart

President - Roz Howland

Roz Howland, The Productivity Professional, is enthusiastic about serving as AAPO President. Her background in business, training and productivity brings a wide range of skills to the role.

“2011 -2012 is such an exciting time of growth for Professional Organising and I’m passionate about developing the industry throughout Australasia. Our strong international connections and wonderful team of professionals on the Committee will ensure we do great things for AAPO this year” says Roz.

Based in Brisbane with clientele nationally, Roz owns and operates The Productivity Professional.  She has ‘EXPERT Accreditation’ as a Professional Organiser, was Cairns’ Small Business Owner of the Year in 2010 and is the proud recipient of the 2011 AAPO President’s Award. 

Roz is committed to the Professional Organising industry and is excited about working with this years Committee to make AAPO the very best it can be for all Members.

Contact AAPO President

Vice President - Sarah Cottman

Sarah Cottman is passionate about order and loves to organise, motivate and teach the overwhelmed how to get their lives on track! Her Professional Organising Consultancy, Heavenly Order, began in November 2006, assisting clients and training Professional Organisers.

“I love helping people reach their potential! I’m keen to promote the growth, professionalism and the public’s image of qualified Professional Organisers, nationally and internationally. I am delighted to be the Vice President of AAPO and I’m excited about our future.”

With a strong business background, having been self employed for over 20 years as well as a busy family life, she knows first hand how to achieve a healthy work/life balance. She has a sincere zeal for supporting family life through her work as a Professional Organiser.

Contact AAPO Vice President

Immediate Past President - Angela Esnouf

“After serving 2 years as President of AAPO, I am pleased to continue on in the supporting role of Immediate Past President.  Having established my business, Creating Order from Chaos, over 6 years ago, being a committee member since 2005 and with AAPO Expert accreditation, I feel I have a lot to offer our members.”

Angela now chairs the Conference Subcommittee, and continues to help homeowners take control of their space and time. She also trains and mentors new Professional Organisers.

Secretary - Natalie Morey

Natalie Morey is the co founder of The Lifestylers Group, a Melbourne based professional organising, relocation and personal concierge business which has been assisting clients Australia wide since 2005. The Lifestylers Group organise your entire lifestyle needs.  Whether you are moving and need packing, unpacking or relocation assistance or just need help in organising and decluttering your home or office, The Lifestylers Group offers a comprehensive professional organising service. 

Natalie is an Expert Level Member of AAPO. She is also an experienced event manager with over 10 years corporate experience, so organising just comes naturally for Natalie. Having lived overseas and moved over 12 times, Natalie can also relate to those relocating. Natalie works across all aspects of the business including relocations, home and office organising, personal concierge and event management.

“I am delighted to be involved with AAPO in the role of Secretary and am looking forward to working with all our members. If you have any specific questions or I can help you in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact me”.

Contact AAPO Secretary

Treasurer - Bec Johnston

Bec Johnston established Bec Shui in 2006 when her dream of helping others to get the results that they wanted came into being.

Bec has been volunteering with AAPO since it’s inception and has held many roles on the National Executive Committee. Bec has also held the positions of Assistant Forum Leader and volunteered on the 2009 Conference Sub committee.

Productivity and efficiency has always been a big drive in Bec’s life, striving to get things done in the best way possible to achieve the greatest results. Bec uses skills that have been formed through work as a Registered Nurse, and through organising peoples Minds, Space and Money.

I am honoured to be elected on to the 2011-2012 Committee of AAPO as treasurer and I look forward to my year on the volunteering committee in an organisation that continually looks toward to the future.

In my role as treasurer, my aim is to serve AAPO and its members. If you have a specific question relating to AAPO, please contact me.

Contact AAPO Treasurer

General Committee 

Carolyn Brown 

Membership Portfolio Manager

“I am the Founder and Director of Time Made, which provides professional organising, lifestyle and concierge services in Toowoomba.  We have been operating since 2009 and assist individuals and small business to streamline and simplify their lives or businesses.

I am so excited to be elected as a general committee member for AAPO!  As I’ve mentioned previously, I’ve found the most effective way for me to learn about an organisation is to become fully immersed in it.  I’m really looking forward to working with you all and to learning more about this exciting, growing sector.  Thank you so much for this opportunity.”

Contact Membership Portfolio Manager

Wendy Hanes

PR Portfolio Manager

Wendy Hanes has been an active AAPO volunteer since joining in 2006 and was the inaugural recipient of the AAPO President's Award in 2008. As owner of Skeletons in the Closet Wendy has helped restore order in over 140 Melbourne households and particularly enjoys working with hoarding clients and the chronically disorganised.

With a background in marketing and a passion for creating orderly environments, Wendy is dedicated to educating the public about the value of employing a Professional Organiser. She is also committed to encouraging professionalism within the industry and helping AAPO members to establish their own successful businesses.

Wendy was the first Melbourne Forum Leader and has served three terms as AAPO Secretary. She has also headed up the Dymo NOW Campaign, acted as Membership Manager and is a current member of the PR subcommittee.

A strong believer in the importance of professional development, Wendy is an Expert Level member of AAPO, one of only two Australian based Professional Organisers® to receive the prestigious designation of Certified professional Organiser, and is currently studying for her Level 2 Certificates with the Institute for Challenging Disorganization.

Wendy has been actively involved in the recent strategic meetings to determine AAPO's future direction and is looking forward to serving on the committee to help turn the strategic plan into a reality.

Contact PR Portfolio Manager 

Karen Koedding

Events Portfolio Manager

Karen Koedding is Australia’s first Certified Professional Organiser (CPO®) and the founder of A Little Elf. A Little Elf is a Professional Organising firm established in early 2004 and works with clients in Sydney and New York. Karen’s background includes financial management roles in large corporate and small start-up businesses.

Her belief is that disorganisation creates stress that carry in your head everywhere you go. Helping her clients get organised gives them freedom from this stress and allows for new energy in their lives and businesses. Her firm specialises in creating organised, functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces for clients. Karen's greatest organizing strength is her ability to evoke confidence in her clients.

Karen has been very active in AAPO, now serving her fourth year on the national committee, and she served on the 2009 and 2008 Annual AAPO Conference Committees. She is a member of NAPO, NAPO-NY, ICD, and has served on several committees for NAPO-NY. Karen has a passion for AAPO and the Professional Organising industry as a whole. She is excited to be a part of its growth, working with other professionals and her clients.

Contact Events Portfolio Manager

Forum Meetings

AAPO has Forums in many parts of Australasia. Prospective members are invited to attend a Forum meeting to meet members and learn more about AAPO. Contact a Forum Leader to make arrangements.

Forum Leaders

AAPO President's Award Hall of Fame

Each year at AAPO’s annual conference, the President bestows an award to recognise outstanding service to AAPO and the organising industry in Australasia.  Congratulations to all recipients of the President’s Award.  Your contribution is much appreciated.

2011    Roz Howland

2010    Sarah Cottman

2009    Wendy Davie  

2008    Wendy Hanes