ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN SHEEPDOG WORKERS ASSOCIATION
The Australian Sheep Dog Workers’ Association (ASDWA) was established in 1988 to allow sheep dog workers to speak with one voice - enabling better sponsorship, insurance coverage, and coordination of major events, including the Australian Championship and interstate and international teams.
The Association’s mission is to:
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Facilitate communication between state working sheep dog associations.
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Liaise with sponsors and industry partners.
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Support newcomers to the sport.
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Organise major events such as the Supreme Australian Championship and the Trans Tasman Test Series.
Founded through the efforts of Mr Ted Gaby of Binalong, NSW (formerly Tasmania), the ASDWA has grown into the national body representing trialists across all six Australian states.
LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE
2025 Executive:
President: Anthony Ireland (SA)
Vice President: Gordon Curtis (WA)
Treasurer: Simone Cross (SA)
Secretary: Marion Whalan (VIC)
2025 Committee:
Each state has 2 delegates, and these members form the ASDWA Committee. Only the Committee members can vote and therefore make decisions. The Executive members have no voting rights.
Presidents (1988–Present):
Doug Connop (WA, 1989–1991), Byn Dinning (SA, 1992), Pip Hudson (NSW, 1993–1995),
Paul Darmody (NSW, 1996–2005), Lance Clifford (TAS, 2005–2006), Dave Lacey (QLD, 2007–2008),
Gordon Curtis (WA, 2009–2012), Jim O’Connell (QLD, 2013–2016 & 2023–2025),
Grant Cooke (WA, 2017–2020), Michael Grant (TAS, 2021–2023), Anthony Ireland (SA, 2025 – current).
Current Patron: Mr Geoff Gibson
Past Patrons: Mr Paul Darmody (2018 – 2024), Mr Ted Gaby (founding patron until 2018)
MEETINGS
The ASDWA holds three general meetings each year:
Annual General Meeting (AGM) – conducted at the Supreme Australian Championship.
February & June Meetings – held via teleconference to ensure all State Executives can participate.
Minutes from all meetings are distributed to members and published in the ASDWA Newsletter.
CODES & WELFARE
Code of Conduct
Members and competitors must:
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Treat all people and animals with respect.
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Avoid any form of abuse, harassment, or discrimination.
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Compete with integrity and sportsmanship.
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Present in a state of sobriety and wear appropriate attire.
Code of Welfare
Owners, handlers, and breeders are responsible for meeting the welfare needs of their dogs.
This code encourages high standards of husbandry, care, and training.
HISTORY
The ASDWA was officially formed in 1988 following meetings at the Canberra Nationals (1985–1987). Its early leadership, incorporation (1992), and steady growth established the foundation for Australia’s unified sheep dog trial community.
Key milestones:
1990: First ASDWA Supreme Championships held in Deloraine, TAS.
1992: Event renamed Supreme Australian Championship.
1996–2004: Standardisation of Supreme rules and course structure.
1990–Present: Administration of the Trans Tasman Test Series.
2001: Patent of official ASDWA logo and website launch.
2002: First national newsletter distributed.