Message from Gordon Curtis, President of the ASDWA

As the newly elected president I would like to congratulate and thank David Lacey and the past executive for managing the affairs of the association for the past two years. I would like to thank the South Australian Working Sheep Dog Association for running a very successful supreme trial.

Unfortunately I was only able to attend the trial for two days. This enabled me to catch up with as many people as I could that are involved in the working sheep dog associations from the different state. I am looking forward to meeting many more people during my term as president.

One of the issues brought up at the general meeting was related to holding a novice event at the supreme trial. There is a general feeling that if it were possible to have a novice event it would be a good way to involve some of the newer workers within each state. A lot of these workers help with the running of the event, but are not able to participate as they only have novice dogs.

The Australian Trans Tasman test team visited New Zealand from the 21st October - 27th October, 2009. The Tux yarding event is run in conjunction with two tests over three days. I would like to congratulate the Australian team, comprising of Malcolm Taylor as captain, Jim O?Connell, Bernard McGlashan and Ivan Solomon, on winning the competition. This is only the second time Australia has beaten New Zealand in New Zealand. The first test results: Australia 280.5, New Zealand 278 and the second test results: Australia 269.75 and New Zealand 235.25. Special thanks to Jim O?Connell for managing the team.

I would encourage any state preisdents or delegates to contact me if they have any issues relating to the A.S.D.W.A.

Gordon Curtis 
A.S.D.W.A president