DOGS NSW Indoor Arena Fundraising Show

from December 2020

From the Chairman

DOGS NSW Indoor Arena Fundraising Championship Show

27 September 2020

After a long hiatus from shows, due to COVID 19 restrictions, the events calendar in NSW resumed with much enthusiasm. With an entry approaching a thousand dogs, unprecedented in recent times for local judges, it was wonderful to see the beaming smiles on so many DOGS NSW members as they came through the gates to attend their first dog show in nigh on six months. This wonderful show of support has been a shot in the arm and proof positive that the future of dog showing in NSW is still bright and positive.

Exhibitors arrived to find the grounds in magnificent condition, amenities recently upgraded and painted, along with new undercover canopies located at all rings. The Ground Staff, Chris, Dave and Matt, worked tirelessly, both in the weeks leading up to the show and on the day, to ensure that the members enjoyed the best possible experience. Thank you to Director Peter Cutler and his Grounds Committee for assisting in bringing all these upgrades to fruition. The planning and scheduling of Judges, endorsed by the Board of Directors, largely proved to be positive, with very few problems arising on the day.

Firstly, thank you to the exhibitors and handlers, who abided by directions and on the whole did a very good job of following the physical distancing guidelines.

Thank you to all the Judges, each and every one of whom gave freely of their time, working extremely hard to get through the judging of this magnificent entry and to have Group winners entering Ring 1 at 4pm for the judging of Best In Show!

Thank you to Director Nancy Keck and Debbie Meagher for their efficient running of the office, producing a continual stream of challenge certificates that were gratefully received by the members. The recent purchase of a golf cart proved to be invaluable in getting to all the rings, including those on the German Shepherd League area, in picking up slips and delivering certificates to ringside for exhibitors to collect. Affiliates will be able to hire the golf cart as well for a reasonable charge.

Thank you to the Stewards and COVID Marshals who came to assist and worked extremely hard feeding the exhibits through to the Judges and to the COVID Marshals, who ensured that those who had finished being judged, moved on in a timely fashion, to allow the next round of exhibitors onto the grounds. This was a very important function on the day, in considering the necessity to keeping the people on the ground at any one time under 500.

Thank you to Rob and Deb Habin, who kept tally of the people flowing through the gates and kept them moving in an efficient and timely fashion.

Last, but not least thank you to our Operations Manager Anthony Khamis, our Company Secretary Virginia Gagan-Wilson, our Committee Secretary Lisa Hadley and our Digital Specialist, Abby Davis, for giving up their time on a Sunday to assist me as Secretary of this event. I’m sure all members will join with me in acknowledging the commitment of our staff to providing optimum customer service to our members and particularly in this instance, above and beyond!

This event raised approximately $8,800 and is the first monies to go into the kitty to realise our long held dream of building an indoor show facility. Yes, we have a long way to go, but it certainly is a very positive start!