A Canberra Pilates studio was advertising end-of-financial-year sales days before it was placed into liquidation, leaving one member hundreds of dollars out of pocket.
STRONG Pilates Braddon was placed into liquidation on June 17, 2026, eight days after it had shared links to an EOFY sale on its Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Long-term studio member Sophie Kooros bought 30 Pilates classes as part of the end-of-financial-year sale advertised by the studio in early June.
She had used just one class when she received an email informing her the studio had entered liquidation, leaving her about $600 out of pocket.
"I was so shocked ... I guess I've just been kind of more angry than upset," Ms Kooros said.
"I had put money aside every fortnight to buy a class pack or two and the sale opened on June 8, and I bought them that day, so I was really excited, I really like going there.
"I was like, well, that just seems like very odd timing."
Another studio member on Reddit said they had also lost money after buying class packages, and were trying to get a charge back from their bank.
A STRONG Pilates spokesperson confirmed the Braddon studio, which was established in 2023, had entered voluntary liquidation.
"We confirm that all future member payments have ceased and no further direct debits will be processed," the spokesperson said.
"We appreciate the STRONG community's continued support and remain committed to Canberra, where we will work with a franchise partner to open a new studio."
RSM Australia liquidator Frank Lo Pilato said all classes and memberships had ceased immediately upon his appointment.
"We recognise this closure is disappointing for members, particularly those with ongoing memberships, unused class packs, credits or gift vouchers," he said.
"If any customers paid by credit card, we strongly recommend they contact their financial institution as soon as possible to discuss whether chargeback options are available to them."
According to Australian Securities and Investments Commission documents, the company Meljules Pty Ltd, formerly trading as STRONG Pilates Braddon, is based in Coolangatta, QLD, but registered to an address in Fyshwick. Documents state Melissa Miller is the company director.
The STRONG Pilates Braddon website page was still live on June 30 and advertising the EOFY sale, but had been taken down by July 1 after questions from this masthead.
The company website advises that a studio in Phillip is "coming very soon". Braddon was the only STRONG-branded studio in the ACT.
A spokesperson for RSM Australia said members and customers affected by the liquidation could contact the liquidator by email or phone.
