Recognition of service of members
Statements made at the BDTC Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 5 November 2025
Leonie
Non-profit community clubs such as the Brisbane Dog Training Club can only thrive through the dedication and generosity of their members and volunteers. Few people embody this spirit better than Leonie, whose selfless contributions over the past 20 years have shaped the club into what it is today.
Leonie joined BDTC around 2004 with her Border Collie, Jatz, whom she trained in both obedience and agility. At that time, agility was only a minor activity at the club — but under Leonie’s leadership and enthusiasm, it quickly grew.
Today, the club proudly hosts three very popular agility competitions each year. Leonie and Jatz achieved great success in both obedience and agility, and it wasn’t long before Leonie took on active committee roles, including Trial Secretary and Treasurer. In 2012, she became President, a role she has held with distinction until her retirement in November 2025.
As part of her “cheese-themed” Border Collie family, Cheddar (Chedy) joined Leonie and Jatz in 2009. Handsome and caramel-coloured, Chedy shared Leonie’s passion for agility and also took to scent work later in life. Leonie’s current dog, Dash, is a smaller Border Collie with whom she has worked tirelessly to build confidence, achieving great success in agility, rally, and scent work.
A hallmark of Leonie’s success as a trainer has been her commitment to positive reinforcement methods. One of her greatest legacies is the early adoption of these modern, evidence-based techniques within BDTC — transforming the club’s training ethos. Thanks to Leonie’s leadership, BDTC became one of the first clubs in Queensland to fully embrace positive reinforcement, a philosophy that now underpins all aspects of our training program and helps us deliver one of the most comprehensive training programs of any club in the state.
Leonie always recognised how critical the club's instructors are to the longevity of the club and to successfully deliver quality outcomes to members and the community. She has championed their development by encouraging participation in seminars and online courses — often funded by the club — and by establishing the Train the Instructors program, which continues to produce skilled, confident trainers who give back to the club and the broader community. Her vision to support and develop a strong foundation training program (run as Family Dog Training courses) put the club in a strong position to support training for a high number of handlers and dogs in the local community. The success of this program is demonstrated by the word of mouth recommendations and the long wait lists. She was also instrumental in broadening the club’s activities to include Rally, Scent Work, Hoopers, and Puppy Preschool, ensuring opportunities for every kind of dog and handler.
In 2018 Leonie also initiated the change of club name from Obedience Dog Club Brisbane to Brisbane Dog Training Club to better reflect the wide ranging training activities and direction of the club.
Her leadership was particularly evident during challenging times. Following the devastating 2011 and 2022 floods, Leonie worked tirelessly alongside a dedicated team to secure grants, coordinate recovery efforts, and ensure the club was able to resume operations within weeks. Her determination and resilience helped the club not only recover but emerge stronger.
Throughout her time at BDTC, Leonie has received numerous awards, including the Barney Shield and Daisy Shield with Jatz in 2008, and the Clubman Trophy in both 2009 and 2011. In 2024, Leonie was honoured with Life Membership, a fitting recognition of her extraordinary contribution and leadership.
Leonie’s drive, vision, and commitment over the past two decades have set Brisbane Dog Training Club on a path to a bright and sustainable future. We thank her sincerely for all she has done as a distinguished member of the BDTC community.
Kevin
Kevin is retiring from regular grounds-keeping due to work and personal commitments, although he will be around to help out from time to time. His extraordinary contribution was acknowledged over a period of at least 33 years, in multiple roles including groundsman and President from 2001-2003.
Kevin was thanked for his many achievements for the club, including his efforts in driving major lighting works, delicate management of plover nests and solving of all electrical needs. Kevin’s life member status was acknowledged and he was encouraged to return to the club at any time.