It has been another lively year for disc golf in Australia, and the ADG board has continued to work hard guiding steady participation and supporting tournaments and Major events across the country. The 2025 ADG annual report outlines what the board has been up to and some of the highlights from the year of disc golf in Australia. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered their time to help run a club, TD an event, support a TD, or assisted in growing the sport.
The year also brought important changes at ADG. A heartfelt thanks to outgoing Board and committee members Christie Hales-Thornton, Benn Kennedy, Clayton Beck, Jon Munnikhuis, and Margaret Trail for their dedication and contributions. After more than a decade of consistent and passionate dedication as Secretary, Emilie Cameron has stepped into a General Member role, and we welcome Mark Donnelly to the Board. We’re excited to continue with Jeremiah Flickinger as Chairperson and celebrate the strengthening of our operations through the addition of Erica Buckett as Administration and Communications Assistant. With our team of returning and new Board and committee members, plus enhanced administrative support, we’re well-positioned for continued growth in 2026.
On Friday December 12, 2025, at 8:00AEDT, ADG will be hosting the Tour Awards to recognise the champions of the 2025 ADG Tour in addition to crowning the winners of the 2025 Community Awards. Earlier this year we sought nominations for the TDs and Volunteers that made this year in disc golf exceptional. These people often work tirelessly to give our community the events and support that can so easily go unrecognised. Ahead of the awards night, ADG would like to showcase the nominations we received and the time, energy and dedication each of the nominees have given to the sport.
TD of the Year Nominees
First up, the nominees forTD of the Year. Five TDs for four events were nominated this year. Each nomination praised how well the events were received, how hard the TDs worked to make their community feel welcomed, and just how much fun everyone had. I’ll leave it to those who saw these TDs in action to say it best:
Photo by: Kingsley Flett
Jeff Brunsting & Anthony Pearsall
Aussie Masters
“The event was a big success and should set a legacy as a masters tournament becomes a fixture on the Australian disc golf calendar. This sort of innovation should be celebrated. As well as being great TDs these two also contribute in other ways to the community.”
“Jeff and Anthony’s inaugural “Aussie Masters” that was hosted in Ballarat this year, has been amazing for (the) clubs reputation with not just those that played the event, but with the Mount Xavier Golf Club, The City of Ballarat, and every other organisation that was involved.”
Photo by: Kingsley Flett
Jason Vidot
Queensland Open
“…(has) the competitors experience at the forefront of his mind.”
Joel Rub, pictured left
Joel Rub
Garden City Open
“Nothing but positive feedback and happy dispositions come out of these events which Joel commits himself to organising.”
“Joel is a perfect representation of a passionate TD trying to grow the sport.”
“Joel creates events that are not only competitive and well-run, but also welcoming, inclusive, and fun. The kind of tournaments that players talk about long after they’re over.”
“He is constantly welcoming new players with open arms, asking if they need discs, or want to have a go.”
“Joel is dedicated to disc golf, dedicated to helping the sport grow throughout the community.”
Wayne Govan, pictured right
Wayne Govan
Cobden Carnage
“Started a brand-new tournament from the ground up, from approaching the golf club to designing the course from scratches and to engaging in promotional information and managing to fill the field cap of 72 players for the event. Players packs were amazing, all players were happy and have received very positive feedback in regard to wanting the event run again next year”
Volunteer of the Year Nominees
Now let’s turn our attention to the nominees forVolunteer of the Year. We received nominations for three volunteers that poured their heart into making their disc golf community thrive. Each nomination praised how well tirelessly each volunteer worked while acknowledging the amount of effort involved in creating something worth doing. Those who nominated Matthew Tulip, JJ Jonas and Bryan Rauwerda were lavish with their praise so I have summarised their contributions below.
JJ Jonas, pictured left
Jonathan “JJ” Jonas
Newcastle Disc Golf Club
JJ has run the Newcastle Disc Golf Club since 2010, running weekly club training during summer and monthly league days. He has been instrumental in the installation of 6 courses in the region helping to grow and spread the sport. This year, JJ’s leadership was especially evident as he took on the enormous task of TDing the NSW Disc Golf Open, managed the daily setup of the new course and coordinated a dedicated team of club volunteers—an effort that reflects the deep respect he commands within the community.
Brian Rauwerda, pictured left
Bryan Rauwerda
North Queensland Disc Golf Club
Bryan is passionate about bringing disc golf to the community. He manages the NQDG club as president with patience and commitment. He encourages others to enjoy the game and advocates the sport whenever he can. He works well with others, includes others in the decision-making process but isn’t afraid of making the tough calls when required. He’s also done all he can to train and support other TDs and club members in the betterment of their game.
Matthew Tulip, pictured left
Matthew Tulip
South Australia Disc Golf Club
Matt is always the first person to arrive and the last person to leave any of our events and sets up, sweeps tee pads, paints lines, does general course maintenance and all this with a smile on his face and never complaining. He recently stepped up into the world of TD’ing and has been assistant TD for almost all our leagues this year and some tournaments as well. The course is often half setup before any other volunteer arrives. On top of that he never misses a community even. He lives disc golf.
Here’s the to the people who make disc golf such a strong and engaging community year after year in Australia. Thank you to everyone for your nominations and to the photographers who captured the TDs and volunteers hard at work. Join us in awarding the community awards on Friday 12 December at 8:00PM AEDT. See you there.
The annual ADG Tour Awards night will be held on Friday 12 December at 8:00pm AEDT. The night will see the place-getters of the ADG Tour crowned as Australian tour champions. To see how you finished you can check the tour leaderboard here.
We will also recognise the recipients of the 2025 Community Awards which celebrate the outstanding work done by TDs and Volunteers, as nominated by you. See which of our stellar nominees will take home the honour of TD of the Year and Volunteer of the Year by tuning in using the link below. See you there!
ADG Tour Awards 2025 Friday, 12 December · 8:00PM AEDT Google Meet joining info Video call link: https://meet.google.com/ahf-axfw-ait Or dial: (AU) +61 2 9051 3735 PIN: 145 391 215# More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/ahf-axfw-ait?pin=5074969965554
The Australian Disc Golf Hall of Fame is the highest honour in Australian Disc Golf. Earlier this year nominations were sought by the ADG, and many extremely worthy nominees were received. A selection panel of Hall of Fame inductees was formed to review the nominations. To be considered for the ADG Hall of Fame, a person must have been involved with the sport in Australia for over 10 years, have made a significant and measurable contribution to disc golf, and be a good role model for others. This year, after careful deliberation, two people have been inducted into the Australian Disc Golf Hall of Fame.
The Australian Disc Golf would like to take this opportunity to personally recognise and congratulate our newest Hall of Fame inductees, Bruce McNaughton and Michael Rubock.
At the induction ceremony held this past weekend at ADGC, Brian VanAllen, a 2017 ADG Hall of Fame inductee himself, had the honour of presenting the award in person. He graciously organised the induction to be a surprise for the two inductees and was able to have both recipients in (virtual) attendance. The inductees will receive a certificate to honour their achievements, in addition to a personalised bag tag to showcase their award. Below is the video of the induction ceremony, kindly filmed by PRKD Media, as well as a few words from Brian.
Bruce McNaughton has been a central figure in the development of Flying Disc Sports in Australia for more than two decades. After first playing Ultimate in Brisbane in 2000, he quickly became a major influence at the youth level nationwide, earning the Rob Hancock Memorial Award in 2007 for his service to the sport. In the late 2000s, he turned his attention to Disc Golf, becoming instrumental in shaping the Brisbane scene. He played a key role in establishing Brisbane Disc Golf, serving for many years as its treasurer, and was equally important in the formation of Queensland Disc Golf Association. Throughout the 2010s, Bruce was a constant presence at Queensland Disc Golf events. For over five years, he personally set up and packed down baskets at tournaments, generously supplying his own equipment to support the sport’s growth. Those baskets now remain in long-term “loan” to the Queensland Disc Golf Association. His commitment extended into coaching for local councils, promotional work, helping design several Brisbane area courses, including Cadogan, Rocklea, and Pine Rivers Park, as well as assisting with the installation of the Yeerongpilly course. As a player, Bruce has enjoyed an extraordinary competitive career: 46 career wins, six Queensland titles, multiple Interstate titles, seven Australian titles, and a New Zealand title. His record stands amongst the best in the country. In 2019, he reached a historic milestone by becoming Australia’s first PDGA World Champion, winning the MA65 division at the Amateur Disc Golf World Championships in Pennsylvania, USA.
Beyond his public achievements, Bruce has been a quiet yet vital supporter of national disc golf initiatives. He has offered guidance, shared experience, and contributed his professional expertise as a civil engineer to help build pathways and infrastructure for the sport. Known for his humility, grace, and good humour, even when the sport’s growing pains tested him, he has earned deep respect across the community. Bruce’s contributions in playing, coaching, mentoring, leadership, promotion, event organisation, and infrastructure development make him a worthy inductee into the Australian Disc Golf Hall of Fame. Congratulations, Bruce!
“My real reward is the growth in quantity and quality of players, courses and competitions. It warms my heart to have been part of it, and I recognise the great number of folk that have all played a part” – Bruce McNaughton
Michael Rubock has been a driving force in Australian Flying Disc sports and Disc Golf for nearly five decades. Beginning in the late 1970s, his competitive success, leadership, and passion helped shape the sport long before Disc Golf formally separated from the flying disc disciplines in Australia. Michael began by chucking a Super Pro Frisbee on the front lawn of his uni accommodation with his good mate Leigh Bird way back in 1976. Michael graduated to a 141 World Class Frisbee, if you don’t know what they are, just search the internet and have a look, which he bought in 1979. Later he filled in the form, which was enclosed with a Frisbee, paid his $5, and received his membership certificate and an invitation to the 1980 Australian Frisbee Championships in Melbourne. Whilst he missed the Disc Golf event because he couldn’t find the Disc Golf course, he made up the next day when he borrowed some discs and surprised everyone, including himself, by making the Distance Final. In the mid-1980s, Michael with Leigh Bird co-designed the first Disc Golf course at Poimena Reserve and organised multiple Flying Disc Championships in Tasmania, later bringing the National Championships to Tasmania in ’86 and then to his own hometown in Wynyard in 1989. Although a serious injury in 1991 paused his playing career, he remained deeply involved, championing disc sports across Tasmanian schools and inspiring generations of new players. Michael returned to the sport in 2018 to design and establish Tasmania’s second permanent Disc Golf course in Burnie, later founding the Burnie Disc Golf Club and leading numerous local events as Tournament Director. And even in his 60s, he’s continued to compete at a high level, winning the Burnie Open Division in 2019 at the age of 62 and the MA50 Tassie Open in ’21, among other notable titles. Across 40 years, Michael has contributed as a player, educator, organiser, administrator, promoter, coach, and ambassador. His influence spans national and international competitions, state-level leadership, course design, media contributions, and community development, and he exemplifies the spirit of the game. And his work has been fundamental to the growth of disc sports in Tasmania and Australia more broadly. And I believe Michael still wears his odd socks.
In recognition of his exceptional service, Michael also received the prestigious Rob Hancock Memorial Award in 2021. Michael’s Frisbee love affair endures as he continues to serve as the President of the Burnie Disc Golf Club. His legacy makes him a highly deserving inductee into the Australian Disc Golf Hall of Fame.
“Michael Rubock’s dedication, commitment, and participation in all aspects of Flying Disc Sports have been exceptional, and he has been a driving force in the development and growth of the sport at all levels, for 40 years. In all Michael’s years and roles – as a player, teacher, mentor, organiser, administrator, communicator, marketer, leader, coach, ambassador, team member, and more – he has not only excelled in his contributions to the growth and development of the sport, he has done this displaying the attitudes, qualities and characteristics which embodies the ‘Spirit of the Game’.”
– Gail P. Lynch
Founding member Australian Disc Sports
Rob Hancock Memorial Award Winner 1990
Disc Golf Hall of Fame Winner 2018
Special thanks to The Hall of Fame selection panel, Kingsley Flett (for photos), Brian VanAllen with Jason McCormick (for presenting), and the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees themselves!
We are pleased to announce that expressions of interest are now OPEN for selectors, players, and team managers for the Australian Disc Golf Teams set to compete in the World Team Disc Golf Championships (WTDGC) from the 9–12 September 2026 in Vilnius, Lithuania.
In 2026 there will be 2 teams competing, an Open team (MPO and FPO) and Masters team (MP40, FP40, MP50). This is a change from previous years and extends the divisions eligible to go. Anyone who has been a part of this event in the last decade will tell you that nothing quite matches the passion, the camaraderie and the deep pride that comes from being involved in a Sugar Gliders campaign.
We are looking for expressions of interest from elite level players who want to represent Australia, experienced selectors to help choose them and for a team manager to assist the team to perform at the highest possible level.
EOIs are due 24th November 2025. Information about the team and how to apply can be found here.
The 2025 Annual General Meeting of Australian Disc Golf (inc) will be held online on
Tuesday 9th Dec, 8:30pm AEDT.
The AGM is open to all ADG members and is a great opportunity to ask questions of the board, provide feedback and discuss what disc golf in Australia should look like.
Further details including the link to join, agenda, and documents can be found here.
At the meeting we will be electing the ADG board for 2026. If you are interested in nominating for a position on the ADG board, Tournament committee or State RepresentativeBody please read the positions descriptions found here and complete the form by 8pm AEDT Tuesday 11th November. If there is someone you think should apply please let them know you will support their application. We welcome applicants from diverse gender and cultural backgrounds.
It’s time to celebrate the people who make disc golf in Australia so special.
This year, alongside the Australian Disc Golf Hall of Fame, we’re also recognising our community through the Tournament Director of the Year and Volunteer of the Year awards. Together, these honours allow us to thank the pioneers, the leaders, and the everyday champions who have helped disc golf thrive across the country.
Australian Disc Golf Hall of Fame Celebrating the People Who Built Our Game
The Hall of Fame exists to recognise those who have made a lasting mark on our sport. It is the highest honour that ADG can award, celebrating players, organisers, mentors, and community builders whose legacy continues to inspire.
Who Can Be Nominated? Anyone who has made an enduring outstanding contribution to disc golf in Australia for ten years or more. This may include:
Pioneering play and competitive achievements
Running clubs, courses, and events that brought people together
Coaching, mentoring, and youth development
Promoting the sport through media, advocacy, or creative projects
Building disc golf’s community spirit and leaving a legacy that lasts
Community Awards: TD of the Year & Volunteer of the Year Recognising the Heart of Our Community
These two annual awards highlight the incredible dedication of those who keep our sport running year after year. From running leagues and tournaments to volunteering countless hours behind the scenes, these awards celebrate the grassroots efforts that make disc golf accessible, inclusive, and fun for all.
Tournament Director of the Year: Honouring TDs who go above and beyond in event organisation and player experience.
Volunteer of the Year: Celebrating those who selflessly give their time to grow the sport at the local, state, or national level.
Let’s celebrate the achievements and contributions that make Australian disc golf such a vibrant and supportive community. We encourage you to take a moment to nominate someone who deserves recognition.
Thank you for helping us honour the people who have shaped, grown, and supported our game.
ADG are seeking applications for the High Performance Committee. The committee provides advice and guidance to the ADG Board to assist with the selection, administration and performance of the Australian disc golf team. To read more about the committee and what is involved please see the terms of reference
It is going to be a big year for the team with the WFDF World Team Disc Golf Championships being held in Lithuania in August so we want to get the process and policies around the team and its selection in place.
To apply for a position please complete this form by Friday 5th Sept.
ADG sends a big thank you and congratulations to the inaugural HP Committee formed in 2023. The committee saw the Australian team have their most successful campaign at the WDGTC held in Perth where they finished 2nd. The work put in by the committee behind the scenes to select a top team, put processes in place and ensure everything was in order was instrumental in their performance. We hope to continue this work for the next team campaigns.
ADG want to capture all the stories and highlights of the Australian Disc Golf Championships being held in Mundaring, WA from Thurs 20th to Sun 23rd Nov 2025.
We are seeking proposals to provide media coverage through video, photography and/or stories. If you are interested in applying please read the PDF and provide a proposal addressing each point. Proposals will be evaluated based on the coverage provided, costs and requirements. Proposals and questions should be submitted to admin@australiandiscgolf.com by 5pm AEST Saturday 30th August.
We are passionate about growing the sport we all love, supporting our clubs, building more courses, introducing disc golf to new communities, and representing Australia proudly on the global stage.
As you know, ADG is entirely volunteer-driven, and our board members dedicate countless hours to keep things running. However, with our ambitions to grow the game comes an increased workload that has grown beyond what our volunteers can sustainably manage.
To ensure we can continue delivering on our mission and importantly, to move beyond simply keeping the lights on, we, the Board, have decided to engage a part-time Administration & Communications Assistant on a contract basis.
This decision wasn’t taken lightly. We believe this support will allow us to focus on strategic initiatives that benefit all members: building more infrastructure and courses, promoting youth and community programs, continuing to support the Australian Disc Golf Team on a global stage and providing better support to clubs and events nationwide.
Details of the role are below. To apply please provide your CV and a short cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you’re interested in this role to president@australiandiscgolf.com. If you or anyone you know might be a good fit, we encourage you to apply.
Part-Time Administration & Communications Assistant Australian Disc Golf Inc. (ADG)
About Us Australian Disc Golf (ADG) is the national body responsible for developing and promoting disc golf across Australia. We support local clubs, coordinate national events and rankings, and represent Australia on the international stage. Our small, passionate volunteer-driven team is looking for a part-time assistant to help keep the organization running smoothly.
Role Overview The Part-Time Administration & Communications Assistant will support the President and the Board Secretary with essential administrative, communication, and coordination tasks. This role is perfect for someone passionate about sport administration and community growth, who is detail-oriented and proactive.
Key Responsibilities Administration & Governance
Prepare meeting agendas, take minutes, and track action items for Board and committee meetings
Coordinate annual reporting processes, including collating reports from President, Treasurer, and committees
Manage Annual General Meeting setup and communications (website updates, member voting setup, minutes preparation)
Support maintenance of policies, conflict of interest registers, and compliance records (e.g., Sport Integrity Australia eLearning completions, child safety training tracking)
Communication & Member Engagement
Respond to email enquiries and general information requests
Assist with club communications, including newsletters and direct outreach to affiliated clubs
Support the collection and management of league numbers and club affiliation renewals; prepare and send invoices
Event Support & Coordination
Coordinate annual awards (e.g., Tour Awards), including nominations, voting, and online presentations
Assist with major event planning and communications (e.g., ADG Majors, Australian Disc Golf Championships, Aussie Disc Golf Day)
Help manage bids and tenders for event roles (e.g., registration coordinators, media support)
Support volunteer and team selections (e.g., Aussie team EOI, announcements)
Content & Social Media
Help prepare content for social media and website in collaboration with Communications Director
Update and maintain relevant information on the ADG website (events, announcements, results)
Ongoing Projects & Special Tasks
Support the ADG Grants and TD Mentor programs (liaising with committees and tracking tasks)
Help track strategic plan tasks and annual priorities
Skills & Attributes
Strong organisational and administrative skills
Excellent written and verbal communication
Comfortable working with a distributed, mostly volunteer team
Ability to manage multiple tasks and follow up on deadlines
Experience with document preparation, meeting facilitation, and basic bookkeeping or invoicing is a plus
Familiarity with online collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Google Drive, Discord) and social media platforms
Passion for sport or community development (disc golf knowledge is an advantage but not required)
Benefits
Flexible, remote work arrangement
Opportunity to support and help grow disc golf in Australia
Work closely with a dedicated and supportive team of volunteers
How to Apply Please provide your CV and a short cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you’re interested in this role to president@australiandiscgolf.com
