President’s Message

“Ihope this August message finds you and your hounds and those close to you well and coping with the challenges of 2021. In Queensland we have been relatively fortunate, but I think most of us have been touched in some way by the current and recent lockdown challenges in other States and Territories. I think we all have a heightened awareness of the potential for change with little notice. I think that the mantra “be prepared for the unexpected” has been apposite. Hopefully we will maintain our semblance of normality and the situation in Sydney will improve soon. Although we have seen the recent postponement of a number of events and shows, we have seen many Queensland events and shows proceed. And that has been great. A bouquet to those show secretaries and to the Dogs Queensland office who have worked hard in short time frames to make that happen. The Maree Kennel Club shows a few weekends ago were a good example of this. There were a record number of judge replacements with interstate judges unable to attend. A big thank you to our Queensland judges who have accepted appointments on short notice. Our exhibitors have also risen to meet COVID demands and have generally been good about checking in, wearing masks and maintaining social distances. All so important. This flexibility has extended to the scheduling of new shows on relatively short notice. On 31 July 2021 we have scheduled the Starlight Foundation Charity Championship and Open Shows with all proceeds going to that worthy charity benefiting children in such a good way. The Open Show will benefit our aspiring judges too. Entries are around the 600 mark so a big thank you to all who have supported the event. I will be judging that weekend in Tully so I am looking forward to catching up with Northern Dogs Queensland members at that time. This week I enjoyed seeing an older Jack Russell terrier fancier on a Daintree beach in the lead up to that show weekend. August is of course a big month for our conformation shows and dog sports events. The Ekka is a highlight and it is great to see that it has been well supported by members exhibiting and also members stewarding this one week event. Dogs Queensland has a well located stall and we look forward to catching up with members at this event. There are also stalls allocated for daily breed displays so I hope that our breed clubs will take the opportunity to set up their display and interface with the public about their wonderful breeds on the day that they are showing. These stalls are a great initiative of the RNA. August also brings our All Dogs Sports Spectacular on 22 August 2021. It is another great opportunity to showcase our many disciplines to the wider community. I encourage our members to get involved and enjoy the many events and stalls and displays organised for the day. A big thank you to the hard working committee and the office for making this happen. Stay safe.

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– Ulla Greenwood, President Dogs Queensland

UPDATE: Due to the COVID-19 lockdown in the greater Brisbane and surrounding local government areas the Starlight Foundation Charity Show organised for Sunday 1 August 2021 at Dogs Queensland Sports Ground was postponed. The latest extension to lockdown has also forced the cancellation of the 2021 RNA Ekka.