The Australian Sheep Dog Workers’ Association (ASDWA) was established to allow sheepdog workers to speak with one voice and to administer state and international competitions - called sheepdog trials.

Since 1986 there has been a friendly and spirited rivalry across the "ditch". The prestigious Wayleggo Cup - Australia v New Zealand - pits the best sheepdogs and their handlers from each country in the Trans Tasman Test Series in an annual international competition. The series celebrates the highest standard of sheep dog handling and stockmanship, combining skill, instinct, and teamwork across the unique and challenging Trans Tasman course.

In Australia, the team is selected from state representatives who compete annually in the Ted Gaby Interstate Challenge. Six states compete - Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia - each sending three state representative pairings - handler and dog. The top four placings at the end of three rounds in the Interstate Challenge are the four handlers/dogs that will take on the Kiwis. Men and women compete on an equal footing. The Team Manager/Judge position is then filled from within the remaining pool of competitors.

2026 marks 40 years of trans-Tasman rivalry and competition. In this span of years however, the cost of sending our Australian Team has risen and this is where you can help. Your donation will go toward our fund raising target to send our team to New Zealand in the Spring of 2027. This is what is costs today to send one amazing working sheepdog and their handler to New Zealand:

• Handler Travel - $950
• Dog Vetting (to meet NZ biosecurity laws) - $1,200
• Dog Travel - $2,650

Your support will enable our Aussie Team to take on the Kiwis and win!