Merinda was formed in 1980 by Mrs Patricia Marsh. It had 94 pupils, most of whom are still connected with college today. The word ‘Merinda’, means "Beautiful girl or woman", which is appropriate to what is an artistic sport, performed mainly by females.

Merinda has competed throughout the years in the toughest of competitions that Calisthenics has to offer, that is predominantly in the championship section. We have been worthy contenders at the CVI State Titles each year as well as major competitors at various local competitions. The culmination of the competitive season being the Royal South Street Eisteddfod in Ballarat each October.

Merinda has achieved a name synonymous with success in the calisthenic world.

Below are results of items that were undefeated throughout the year.

1982  Inter Folkdance
1983  Inter Clubs
1986  Junior Folkdance
1988  Senior Clubs
1988  Junior Folkdance
1989  Senior Folkdance
1990  Senior Clubs
1993  Inter March
1993  Senior Freearm
1996  Senior Clubs

Clubs at Merinda over the years have created a heart-stopping environment for many in the audience. Their breath taking smoothness and control, the intricacy of the swings can only be attributed to excellence in coaching. Results such as these shown represent the quality of coaching and dedication of pupils and families.

Merinda has participated in interstate competitions (ASC) – taking busloads of Juniors, Inters and Seniors to Adelaide together with family members for support.

In 1986 Merinda won the "Moomba President’s Award" (a large silver trophy), for the entry best depicting the procession theme. Members from Tinies to Seniors were part of a Kaleidoscope of colour and animation, dancing and performing aboard a travelling Carousel along the streets of Melbourne. And in 2001, 28 of our girls will again be participating in a major Melbourne event, that being the Federation March taking part on the 6th of May.

Members of Merinda have made a major contribution to CVI, supporting it from its inception, with dedicated involvement from Coaches, Pupils and Parents. In fact Merinda holds the proud record of having the most pupils and coaches to participate in the Victorian State team. We have had 65 pupils and --- coaches involved in 163 occasions since it started in 1989.

In 1998 Mrs Pat Marsh retired as Principal of Merinda Calisthenics College and handed it over to her successors, those being pupils that she had trained throughout both their competitive life and the beginning of their coaching careers; Debbie Farrelly, Sue Harding, Kelly Finlayson and Lisa-Gaye Irvine.

In 2001 the College has become an incorporated association with a committee. The four principals continue to play a large roll in the operation of the college, holding committee positions and coaching individual sections.