Agility Dog Association of Australia Ltd

From the ADAA Chair ... Outgoing Chair Report (January 2012)

It’s been many months since I wrote a Chair report and much has happened since then.

Firstly, what an outstanding Propac Grand Prix we had during October 2011. The event saw over 3100 entries for the weekend, and was supported by a phenomenal team as well as competitors pitching in with events finishing early each day despite this increase in competitor numbers. It is fantastic to see Tamworth locals coming and watching and also competitors talking to the visitors explaining the various events. I would like to reiterate our thanks for our Platinum Sponsors, Vet-N-Pet Direct and Medibank Pet Insurance, but especially the Major Sponsors Propac SuperPremium Pet Food. At the Grand Prix it was also exciting to celebrate Brisbane Agility Dog Club Inc’s 10 years of club affiliation with ADAA.

ADAA’s South East Qld club instructors provided an excellent opportunity for members with a one day Training Day in June. The day included content suitable for beginners through to the more experienced. Thanks to Jeanette Durante for bringing it all together. Team Australia Training Squad members, getting ready for the IFCS World Agility Championships, have also been undertaking a variety of activities including a Games Seminar Day in November (which also incorporated a competition with a focus on Gamblers and Snooker). It is delightful to see those who regularly voluntarily instruct making their skills and knowledge available to other ADAA member.

ADAA Board elections were held at the Annual General Meeting. I would like to thank those who contributed to the ADAA Board during the past year as well as since then: Marion Allen, Steve Drinkwater, Nic Ford, Graham Ireland, Penny Mead, Billie O’Connor, Nicola Read and Tony Redwood. All Board members make a significant personal sacrifice in contributing to the organisation, whether that’s attending Board meetings, participating in discussions between those meetings, helping members and clubs, organising events, and generally running ADAA’s day-to-day activities. Sadly Tony and Penny found that their personal/professional workloads made it too difficult for them to continue on as Board members, so I wish them well.

Finally, at the first Board meeting after each AGM, the Board appoints the Executive from within its number. Having held the position of Chairman for the past six years, it was necessary for me to step down from that role. Therefore the current Executive is comprised of: Billie O’Connor (Chairman), Graham Ireland (Deputy Chair), Cathy Slot (Treasurer) and Steve Drinkwater (Director Judging) together with Marion Allen (Qld Representative) and Nicole Ford (WA Representative). The position of Secretary is currently vacant and the Board will be holding a Planning Meeting in the first half of January with a view to determine the best way forward to provide the resources necessary for ADAA to operate and grow.

I would like to express my appreciation to the many volunteers who have made such a positive contribution over the past 6 years whilst I have been ADAA Chairman:

Board members current & past: Marion Allen, Loyd Barker, Siegfried Clever, Steven Drinkwater, Sharon Dungey, Jeanette Durante, Tracey Harrison-Hill, Natalie Kirkwood, Penny Mead, Alison Muddle, Billie O'Connor, Nicola Read, Tony Redwood and Lisa Ruberry.

ADAA Judges current & past: Marion Allen, Neville Allen, Loyd Barker, Wendy Blakeston, Gail Brindley, Jody Brown, Siegfried Clever, Steve Drinkwater, Debbie Duce, Cassie Fishbourne, Nicole Ford, Tracey Harrison-Hill, Lisa Henshaw, Jim Hull, Vanessa Hutchinson, Katie Jones, Nat Kirkwood, Anne Lacy-Herbert, Alison Muddle, Vicki Nemeth, Lyndal Nichols, Damian Noud, Sharyn Palmer, Cathy Reade, Wayne Stutz, Gordon Thiry, Mal Williams and Liz Yuill.

ADAA Volunteers who provide/have provided essential assistance during the past 6 years (many for a lot longer than that): Neville Allen (Judges Training Committee), Loyd Barker (transport of ADAA equipment in NSW), Sam Bois (membership & title processing), Nat Kirkwood (ADAA banking & Judges Training Committee), Kerry Lovell (member mail outs), Sharon Steele (ADAA database & website), Wayne Stutz (Judges Training Committee), Mal Williams (care & transport of ADAA timing equipment in NSW & Judges Management Committee), NSW competition group (Alyssa Ablitt, Julia Barnett, Marion Bland, Sue Crawford, Andrea Gibney, Kerry Lowis, Cathy Reade, Jaki Wallbank) together with all of the volunteers who contribute to and run ADAA’s affiliated clubs.

Thank you so much, I really can’t express my appreciation for all that you’ve done/do enough.

Finally, I would like to wish everyone within Team Australia best wishes as they continue preparations for the IFCS World Agility Championships to be held in Fort Worth, Dallas USA in May 2012. They are, of course, avidly fundraising towards the trip and this is also providing some wonderful opportunities for members.... whether that’s through workshops or additional competitions, or simply things like photo shoots and equipment/gear for sale. Also particular thanks to all of the members who have graciously been allowing Training Squad members to run their dogs at competition. What is great to see is other members joining in the experience and also swapping their dogs.

May you cherish your time and enjoy your training with your dog and achieve your goals.

Cathy Slot

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