Dear ACT Disc Golf Members,
Over the past six months, our club has undergone significant changes, facing both challenges and opportunities that have shaped our journey. In the absence of both the incumbent President and Vice President, I am taking this opportunity on behalf of the remaining board members to provide an overview of the recent developments and acknowledge the individuals who have contributed immensely to our club’s activities during this time.
The departure of Nick Mason, the previously elected president, after just four months was unexpected but also marked the beginning of a period of transition for our club. Nick’s stint while short, was critical in providing stability for the club to successfully run another Sizzler tournament.
The ever-increasing popularity of disc golf coupled with players desire to travel and play new courses saw 145 players register for the 2023 edition, up from 122 in 2022. The event wouldn’t have been such a success without many who volunteered their time as spotters, event organisers manning the registration desk and those who contributed to course clean-up activities.
I would particularly like to call out several individuals who put in additional amounts of work around the course.
- Shaun Archer, who was the tournament director (TD) for the event. Without a TD the event is not possible, so the club and members sincerely thank him for his efforts.
- Jade Brady, for engagement with Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) contacts to enable the club to request Weston Park be mowed prior to the event.
- Jade Brady & Andrew Irons for marking OB and 10m putting circles through-out the course.
- Joshua Conroy, Andrew Irons, Roland Kaschula, Nicholas Hall & Aaron Curtis for their course maintenance and clean-up activities.
- Todd Nowack for the refreshment stands and management of players food and drink stations.
As we navigated the challenges presented by Nick’s departure and the subsequent exit of our vice president and club stalwart, Todd Nowack, who relocated to Canada, our club demonstrated remarkable resilience. The individuals who remained on the board, including Adam Stewart, Joshua Conroy, Andrew Irons, Ryan Goad and Jake Armes, have worked diligently behind the scenes. Their dedication ensured not only the seamless operation of events like our bi-weekly league but also focused on advancing other strategic objectives for the ACT Disc Golf Club.
Up to the present year, the club has 64 active members, among whom 16 have freshly joined. In the preceding year of 2022, our club tallied 103 active members, including a considerable 53 newcomers. While our overall membership count has experienced a decline, our bi-weekly league events continue to enjoy robust attendance across all venues. The average turnout of approximately 30 participants remains consistent, with the exception of Weston Gold.
With a lens on improving participation for Weston Gold league days, the board have considered the possibility of concurrently running both Weston White and Weston Gold, catering to both emerging and seasoned players in our league events. This concept presents a dynamic challenge for the board as we strive to strike a harmonious balance between member participation and equitable opportunities.
Another notable transition for the club was Tom Rugg stepping down from board and shop management activities. The transfer of responsibilities for managing the club’s shop from Tom to Adam has worked quite smoothly.
Since the transition the club has made numerous orders through Discmania, enhancing our inventory and product offerings. Our engagement with Innova has also yielded progress; although we are granted permission to place orders, online sales are restricted to in-person transactions. This temporary limitation has slightly constrained our immediate advancement.
Furthermore, we’re actively exploring opportunities with Discraft and MVP, with plans to integrate their products into our offerings in the upcoming months. Discraft Luna’s, Buzzz’s and starter packs remain the best-selling products for the club.
The board is presently dedicated to a paramount endeavour—nurturing the new Tuggeranong disc golf course complex. The preceding board exhibited commendable progress by securing preliminary consent in 2022 for utilizing a parcel of land at the northern periphery of Lake Tuggeranong through TCCS.
In its current form, the proposal envisions Tuggeranong accommodating three 18-hole layouts, designated as blue, white, and red courses. For the initial phase, natural tee pads are planned, awaiting funding via a grant to establish permanent tee pads.
Currently under consideration is the deliberation of either procuring 18 or 27 baskets. Opting for 18 baskets would streamline the process of integrating new baskets into the Tuggeranong complex.
Conversely, the 27-basket route is contemplated as a strategy to replace the existing RPM baskets at Weston Gold. This would relocate the RPM baskets to Tuggeranong and potentially to Eddison Park, thus supplanting the aging baskets on the back 9. Our intention is to preserve the practice basket at Eddison Park, retaining the original handmade basket as a tribute to Australian Disc Golf’s history. The older baskets, in turn, would find a new home at an as-yet-undetermined 9-hole JPK course in Canberra.
Moreover, for all new basket installations, we propose sleeving them, paving the way for multiple pin positions in the foreseeable future. With a future eye on the Australian Disc Golf Championships returning to Canberra in the near future and the increase of overseas professionals attending, having a championship course with championship facilities is a priority of the board.
The blue layout is intended to be part of a 2-round event in October 2023 for Spring Sling, with other trail days of white and red still to be scheduled with members.
Additional strategic initiatives that the board has explored so far in 2023 include:
Enhanced Membership Packs: The board has contemplated the enhancement of membership packs to offer increased value to our members. In pursuit of this, we have collaborated with Myelin to conceptualize and procure new club shirts. The shirt designs will be showcased on our social media platforms, and we plan to have sample shirts available for viewing at league events.
Sizzler 2024 Expansion: We are actively considering the expansion of Sizzler 2024 into a three-day event, potentially coinciding with an extended weekend. This innovation would mark a unique offering, as the ACT presently stands as the sole state event held over a two-day span.
Course Design Collaboration with Gold Creek School: Our club was approached by a staff member at Gold Creek School to explore the design of a 9-hole layout within the school premises. This course could be accessible beyond school hours and during weekends. Adam and Dan have taken the initiative to contribute design ideas and concepts for a beginner-friendly layout. A walkthrough of the proposed design is being planned around school holidays.
These initiatives signify our commitment to enhancing the experience for our members and promoting the growth of disc golf in our community.
Looking ahead, we recognize that change is a natural part of growth. While we bid farewell to familiar faces, we welcome the opportunity to embrace fresh perspectives and new ideas. It is the unity of our members and our shared passion for our club that will guide us through these transitions and continue to shape our future.
In closing, I would like to extend my personal thanks to all members of our club for your ongoing support and dedication. The past six months have indeed been transformative, and your unwavering commitment has been the driving force behind our accomplishments. Let us move forward together, honouring the legacy of those who have contributed before us and striving to create an even brighter future for our club.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Adam Stewart
ACT Disc Golf President