About the ASDWA

The Australian Sheep Dog Workers' Association was established in 1988 to allow sheep dog workers' to speak with one voice, enabling better sponsorship and joint insurance, to conduct an Australian Championship and to administer interstate and international teams.

The mission of the ASDWA is to facilitate communications with the State working sheep dog associations, liaise with corporate sponsors, foster newcomers to the sport, organise major trials such as the annual Supreme Australian Championship, and to host and organise the annual Trans Tasman Test series between Australia and New Zealand.

The Australian Sheepdog Workers' Association was the brainchild of Mr. Ted Gaby from Binalong in New South Wales (formally from Tasmania). Following meetings at the Canberra Nationals in 1985, 1986 and 1987 the ASDWA was formed in 1988.

The Foundation President was Mr. Gordon Young from Queensland. Since then there have been 4 presidents: Doug Connop from W.A. (1989-1991), Byn Dinning from S.A. (1992), Pip Hudson from N.S.W. (1993-1995), Paul Darmody from N.S.W (from 1996 to 2005) and Lance Clifford from Tasmania (since 2005).

Other foundation committee members were Heather Woodhouse, Secretary & Treasurer, Nick Webb, Snr Vice President, and Pip Hudson, Jnr Vice President.

Learn More about the History of the Association by clicking here

Meetings

The Australian Sheepdog Workers' Association holds 2 General Meetings per year.  The first one is normally held during the National Sheep Dog Trial in Canberra; the second one during the Supreme Australian Championship.

The Annual General Meeting is also held during the Supreme Australian Championship, immediately prior to the General Meeting.

Minutes of the meetings are distributed to all members and are published in the Association's Newsletter.