GSDCA Annual Report 2012 - German Shepherd Dog Council of ...

Two championship shows are scheduled for 17 and 18 August 2013 however final details are yet to be
determined.
I would like to thank Jo Edwards for her generosity for a number of years donating her airfares and
accommodation to attend GSDCA AGMs and NBC Meeting on behalf of the club.
Dale Halling attended the Future Directions Workshop in October and we are hoping to travel to Broken Hill in
February or March to promote membership in the local area.
To everyone, thank you for your support that you have shown the club over the past year and look forward to
receiving that continued support into the future.
Joylene Neddermeyer (Written by Secretary on behalf of Tony Lines President).
President GSD League – Graeme Stevenson
Membership has grown from 511 in 2007 to 914 members in 2012 financial year. The introductory
membership is proving a great success and many who joined with the introductory offer rejoined for the 2012-
2013 year.
Whilst it seems that many breed clubs have reported decreases in membership numbers we have been able to
increase our membership through innovative ideas such as our introductory memberships.
When I became President in 2007 the financial position of the club was in deficit however since my
appointment we have made consistent profits each year.
We have continually listened to and met the needs and requests of the members. The following have all been
proposed and voted upon by members.
General meetings are now held quarterly rather than monthly
Placement of minutes on the web has been discussed and this cannot take place until a members login can be
developed to ensure privacy
The three-year rule was voted on and accepted by members to allow a continuum of office whilst people
developed the skills to undertake the role efficiently and in acknowledgement that a year is a short time to
implement change. All committee positions can be contested annually by nomination with voting at the AGM.
Our point score was initially introduced many years ago for GSDL shows only. The placement of other clubs
on the point score has been discussed vigorously and the current situation brings us back to the true intention of
the scheme.
Additions to our club House building will hopefully be completed in 2013.
Our Conformation Shows have been successful financially. Show attendance is falling worldwide and is
affecting all breeds of dog. It takes time, effort and passion to prepare a dog for the show ring, similar to
obedience and people in today’s society are not as enthused nowadays as there is much more to keep busy with
in life than there was when I first started 30 or so years ago. The introduction of the showing of long coats is
involving exhibitors who would otherwise not be involved.
We continue to acknowledge and promote obedience, tracking and all areas of utility of the GSD -
We hold four Obedience and two Tracking trials each year and are pleased to report that entries are growing
steadily.
Having been personally instrumental a number of years back with ensuring the ongoing future of the
Demonstration Team, it’s wonderful to see that this dedicated team of people continue to do a tremendous job
promoting our breed at many various public events.
We have established a Branch on the Central Coast, which will open in Feb 2013. It is important to
acknowledge that growth and the opening of future branches is dependent upon interest from members and the
availability of interested and appropriately qualified people who are willing to volunteer their time.
There are currently five members being assessed as instructors and a course for suitable applicants who wish to
train as instructors will also run in 2013.
Obedience seminars have been discussed in the past at committee level and this was also addressed during our
attendance at the National Obedience Committee meeting; historically without a comprehensive business and
fiscal plan the costs were prohibitive. However the training coordinator is currently assessing proposals for
seminars by Australian trainers. There is also the possibility of working together with the other affiliates and
sharing the costs of seminars/speakers therefore increasing cost efficiency.
Obedience entries at our shows are increasing.
Rally O is in the process of being promoted with demonstrations planned.
Putting together a team to compete at the National is in the planning stage.
GSDCA Inc. 2012 Annual Report 9 th & 10 th February 2013 - Victoria Page 16