2025-2026 Committee voted in at the 2025 National AGM.

From Friday 15th to Sunday 17th August, 2025, the DSAA National AGM took place at Tugun on the Gold Coast, an ideal location due to its easy airport access for delegates flying in from various states.

Delegates arrived at the Golden Riviera Beach Resort at staggered times on Friday afternoon, and met later at the Tugun Bowls Club for some barefoot bowls, allowing delegates to catch-up, chat and get competitive!

Friday night's dinner provided an opportunity for us to chat more, exchange branch stories, and once again relax at the accommodating Tugun Tavern, which ensured we were all well-fed and refreshed.

The official business of Saturday morning commenced at 9am in The Tom Atkin Hall, conveniently located next to our accommodation. Delegates were again seated in the popular round table format that we have been using for a few years now.

After the official welcome and a Welcome to Country by Ian Gay, the proceedings were overseen by returning officer Mick Hosking. All National Committee roles were subject to voting and the 2025-2026 National Committee was elected as follows:

• National President: Ian Gay

• National Secretary: Phil Christie

• National Treasurer: Shane Henn

After a brief overview of national reports by Ian Gay, founder Gary Blaschke delivered a founder's report before we got in to key point discussions that had been tabled by various branches in the lead up - the full minutes will be made available soon.

Our Open Forum format, again enabled delegates to share information and updates while fostering open discussions and idea-sharing. After lunch, we reconvened for Gary and Mick to talk about the importance of structure and training within branches and at events which led to more constructive discussion around the hall.

After a short interlude, we were joined by Ross Philips of Tropicsurf our major sponsor - in a brief Q&A with Phil Christie, Ross told us a bit more about the Tropicsurf story and also what drew him, as an individual, to the DSA and offer us his support. We are forever thankful for the sponsorship and look forward to Ross' support for many years to come.

To round off the afternoon, Paul Hayes (Bass Coast Victoria branch) introduced a short, inspiring video on Bobby Bajram who had visited the Bass Coast branch and, whilst he hasn't surfed with us, is a passionate supporter for all we do.

At the age of 13 Bobby was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. He has experienced periods of blindness and impaired mobility. Despite the hardships of living with MS, Bobby, now 48, is a passionate, devoted man who cares for people and wants to challenge people’s minds to the possibilities available to those who are living with disabilities.

Bobby has set himself the task of reaching the peak of Mt Everest to show that MS does not rule his life and also to raise disability awareness and encourage those with disabilities to take action in order to improve themselves. Find out more at Bobby's website.

The AGM officially adjourned at 2.50pm. Comprehensive minutes will be available on our website shortly.

The remainder of the day allowed us to unwind and enjoy the beach and pool, before a final dinner at The Tugun Tavern where, after dinner, Gary was presented with a Life Membership for Mornington Peninsula by MP delegates Bryce Trimble and Grant Ellis.

Once again, the weekend proved to be a great success!!!

We have already scheduled next year's AGM Weekend for 14th to 16th August, 2026.