📍 Travelling from: Czechia (Czech Republic)
⏱ Judging experience: 13 years

Petr believes great courses are best described by the competitors themselves — but his goal is simple: fun for everyone in the ring! With a love for amazing people and great energy, Petr brings experience and positivity to every event.

At home, Petr has two Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers: 8-year-old Tulla and youngster Katniss, who’s just getting started at 8 months old.

🍌 Favourite judging snack? Bananas & blueberries
😊 What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? A smiling handler

📍 Travelling from: Christchurch, New Zealand
⏱ Judging experience: 11 years (started at just 15!)

Jess loves open, flowy courses that let dogs stretch out and shine and she’s just as impressed by beautiful distance handling as pure speed. She’s excited to see which dogs rise to the top on this side of the ditch, including seeing some familiar faces and some brand-new stars.

Jess runs a talented team of dogs in New Zealand: Temu the speedy BorderPap, Rival the chocolate collie chasing championship titles, and Skittles — already a Jumpers and Agility Champion. Every one of them lives for the sport.

⚡ Favourite judging snack? Pink Punch Monster Energy Drink
😂 What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? Teams who can laugh at a mistake and enjoy the run

📍 Travelling from: Palmerston North, New Zealand
⏱ Judging experience: Since 2013

Kev enjoys setting courses with options — combining flow, skill, and just enough pressure to bring out brilliance… or the occasional moment where it all turns to custard. He thrives on the energy of big events and loves seeing Nationals bring out something special in every team. Kev has judged at several NZ Agility Nationals, as well as the 2023 Australian Nationals.

He currently shares life with eight Border Collies. A few enjoying their well-earned retirement, a few still tearing it up in the ring, and a couple of youngsters who are convinced they’re ready… even if he’s not quite convinced yet. Before agility, Kev’s first dog was a Dalmatian, followed by his first agility dog, a NZ Heading Dog — and from that point on, he  was well and truly hooked on agility.

🥪 Favourite judging snack? Anything quick and easy to grab
😄 What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? Seeing handlers and dogs leave the ring smiling — or at least still on speaking terms

📍 Travelling from: Hamilton, New Zealand
⏱ Judging experience: 15 years

Keri enjoys setting open, flowing courses that offer multiple handling options — designed to be fast, fun, and rewarding for teams who commit to their line. She loves seeing different approaches come to life on course and is especially excited to watch how competitors rise to the challenge with that classic Australian competitive spirit.

Judging at the 2026 Nationals, Keri is looking forward to reconnecting with many of the wonderful people she met at the 2024 Nationals, seeing dogs compete at the new heights, and (if she’s being completely honest) spending some quality time browsing the vendor stalls.

At home, Keri shares her life with two very special dogs. Winter, her 11-year-old Border Collie, retired from competition last year and is now enjoying life out of the ring. Winter is also the mum of Dance, a 5-year-old Borderpap who is currently competing at the top level in New Zealand. Both dogs share a love of agility, people, and anything involving a ball.

🥪 Favourite judging snack?
Keri doesn’t usually snack while judging — she saves herself for the food stalls once the day is done!

😄 What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring?
Seeing handlers celebrate the small successes, and dogs who truly believe they’re the best dog in the world.

📍 Travelling from: Sydney
⏱ Judging experience: Since 2021

Robyn enjoys designing courses with a mix of flowing sections and technical challenges, offering multiple solutions that really highlight teamwork between dog and handler.

She has shared her life with Tollers since 1994 and currently runs Abbey (11) and Ollie (6). A recent highlight was earning Ollie’s Agility Championship — a proud moment indeed!

🍎 Favourite judging snack? Fruit
✨ What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? The joy and connection between dog and handler

📍 Travelling from: Perth, Western Australia
⏱ Judging experience: Since 2017

Karen loves setting courses that are fast, flowing, safe — and most importantly, fun. She’s excited to watch the incredible dog and handler combinations coming together from all over Australia.

Her dog family includes Fizz (14), Rain (8), Wispa (4), and Lottie (1), the pap who firmly believes she runs the household.

🍬 Favourite judging snack? Anything with sugar
❤️ What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? Handlers having fun while putting their dog’s best interests first

📍 Travelling from: Victoria
⏱ Judging experience: 2 years

Stephy’s courses are fluid, fast, and thoughtfully designed. She aims to blend safety, flow, and clever challenges that let teams show off their skills and creativity. Stephy loves inspiring handlers to find new solutions while keeping dogs confident and safe.

Although not currently running a dog, Stephy’s heart belongs to her sheltie Penny, an incredible first agility partner who took her to Nationals finals in 2016 and 2018 and also represented Victoria in our state team. She’s also excited to begin a new journey with a new puppy very soon. Stephy is looking forward to catching up with some agility friends and seeing all the great teams from across the country running her courses.

🍉 Favourite judging snack? Fruit in the heat; hot chocolate and soup when it’s cold
💖 What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? Handlers showing affection to their dogs — kisses, praise, and hugs at the finish

📍 Travelling from: NSW
⏱ Judging experience: 17 years

Jenny prides herself on designing courses that are fair yet challenging — courses that leave teams feeling fast, clever, and successful. With many years of experience behind her, she loves creating opportunities for dogs and handlers to shine while genuinely enjoying their time in the ring.

Jenny shares her life with a wonderful group of dogs: two Red and Tan Kelpie girls, plus two crossbred boys. Over the years, she’s enjoyed many memorable successes with her dogs, each one contributing to her love of the sport.

🍬 Favourite judging snack? Lollies
😊 What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? Seeing genuine teamwork and joy between dog and handler

📍 Travelling from: Somersby, NSW
⏱ Judging experience: Since 2021

Emi is known for designing open-flowing courses that challenge handlers to push their skills and have fun on the course. She loves seeing teams commit fully, trust their training, and experience the thrill of flying through a well-set course — all while having fun along the way.

Emi currently competes with her 5-year-old Border Collie, Paige — a fast and furious partner who constantly challenges her to become a better trainer and course designer. 

At Nationals, Emi can’t wait to see teams that are truly connected with their dogs, embrace the challenge, give it their all, and most importantly — enjoy every moment out on course.

🍎 Favourite judging snack?
Fruit.

🔥 What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring?
Teams that are truly connected with their dogs, up for the challenge, and giving it their all.

📍 Travelling from: Cairns, Far North QLD
⏱ Judging experience: 4 years

Karen’s courses are fast and flowy, with technical elements that allow for layering and distance handling. She’s proud to represent the QLD judging team — and will be competing too!

She currently competes with Luna, a 7-year-old Border Collie in Excellent classes, and Charm, a 3-year-old Koolie in Novice.

🍿 Favourite judging snack? Popcorn or lollies (snakes!)
🐶 What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? People being kind and supportive to their dogs

📍 Travelling from: Cairns, QLD
⏱ Judging experience: 4 years Agility Judging, 11 years Obedience Judging

Tricia prefers large, flowing courses with multiple handling options, allowing teams to work together creatively and confidently. She’s thrilled to be judging alongside such a talented national and international panel and to see the very best dog and handler combinations compete at Nationals.

At home, Tricia has three working-line Border Collies: Cue (14 years young), Trifecta (7), and Infinity, her 2-year-old “baby girl.” While agility is their favourite sport, the team also enjoys competing in obedience, rally, and tricks.

🍫 Favourite judging snack? Lollies and chocolate
✨ What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? Watching a dog and handler connect, read each other, and work in true harmony — it’s simply magic

📍 Home base: Flagstone, Qld
⏱ Judging experience: 10 years

Mechalle’s focus is simple and important — courses that are fun for the dogs. She loves being part of the Nationals team and celebrating the unique journey every dog and handler brings to the sport.

Her agility story began with a greyhound named Biscuit, followed by kelpies who have taken her on amazing adventures, including travelling to Nationals in other states.

🍓 Favourite judging snack? Fresh fruit & cold drinks
🎉 What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? Teams who didn’t qualify but still celebrate with their best friend

 📍 Travelling from: Sydney, NSW
⏱ Judging experience: Since 2022

Adriana designs flowing courses that give everyone the chance to succeed, with a few trendy handling moves and technical control points added in for fun. She’s excited to see incredible runs from teams across the country at Nationals.

She shares her agility journey with Bandit, her 4-year-old Border Collie, and Vinnie, her young Kelpie in training. Her love of the sport began with her rescue Kelpie, Flynn, back in 2010.

🍎 Favourite judging snack?
Fruit — and red frogs for a cheeky sugar hit!

🔥 What makes you smile in the ring?
Teams celebrating their run, clean or not — because partnership matters more than ribbons.

 📍 Travelling from: Orange, NSW
⏱ Judging experience: 10 years

Tenielle sets fast, flowing courses with clear lines that test training and teamwork, often offering multiple handling options. She’s looking forward to seeing how top teams from around Australia tackle the same challenges.

She competes with her 7-year-old Kelpie, Rippa, and is training her young Border Collie cross, Nutella. Agility is her true passion.

🍎 Favourite judging snack?
Fruit — quick and easy on the go.

🔥 What makes you smile in the ring?
Moments of pure synchronicity between dog and handler — even if it’s just one spine-tingling second.

 📍 Travelling from: Somersby, NSW
⏱ Judging experience: 5 years

Dean enjoys designing courses with handling variations, independent skills and intuitive lines that reward trust and teamwork.

He competes with Kai, a sweet, verbal-driven dog with a long stride and deceptively fast speed who keeps him on his toes.

🍎 Favourite judging snack?
Fruit and berries, coffee, and dark chocolate.

🔥 What makes you smile in the ring?
Dogs on the start line who are bursting with excitement and ready to work.

📍 Travelling from: Brisbane
⏱ Judging experience: 7 years

Murray aims to design courses that are flowing, safe, fun and challenging for handlers and dogs of all heights, giving every team the chance to put their skills into action. He loves the buzz of judging at big events and finds it incredibly rewarding to watch top teams bring his courses to life.

A few years ago, he lost his first agility dog, Tess — an amazing dog who left a lasting impact. He is now kept on his toes by Tilly, his four-and-a-half-year-old short-haired Border Collie. With very little margin for error, the moments when everything clicks are pretty special.

🍎 Favourite judging snack?
He knows he should choose nuts and fruit… but jelly snakes are hard to resist.

🔥 What makes you smile in the ring?
Any team that is clearly connected and genuinely having fun working together.

Travelling from: Canungra, SEQ
⏱ Judging experience: 26 years

Lisa enjoys designing courses that are fun, flowing, challenging, and achievable for dog and handler teams of all sizes. Safety is always her highest priority, and she loves creating courses that allow competitors to showcase their teamwork while enjoying the experience.

Lisa is looking forward to catching up with interstate friends and judging some of the incredible dog and handler teams from across Australia.

Her dog family includes Smudge, her chocolate Border Collie, along with his daughters Shine and Neve, and grandkids Dodger and Gal.

🥤 Favourite judging snack?
Pepsi Max and lollies 😉

💖 What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring?
Handlers who can laugh at their mistakes and celebrate their dogs at the end of every run, whether it was clear or not. As Lisa says, our time with our dogs can be short, so treasure every run.

Barbara Murfet

📍 Travelling from: Queensland

Obedience, Rally, Agility, DWD, Trick Dog and Canine Scent Work Judge with international experience. 

Barb has been a member of Dogs Queensland since 1976 and currently  represent our state  as a Director and serve our members currently in the role of Senior Vice President. 

Agility is one  of my most favourite sports to Judge.  Barb has been an Agility Judge since its inception and  have been involved in Agility  Judges training for many years.  Over these years, she has trained Judges in Malaysia and Singapore for Agility and other disciplines 

Barb is very honoured and  excited to be invited to judge at the National  Agility Trials in 2026.  She wishes all competitors the very best of luck at this very special event.

📍 Travelling from: Brisbane, QLD
⏱ Judging experience: 15 years

Karen enjoys designing fast, fun courses with just the right amount of challenge, giving teams the opportunity to showcase their skills while keeping the focus on flow and enjoyment.

At the 2026 Agility Nationals, Karen will be judging the Pairs competition and is looking forward to seeing it all—from the spectacular displays of teamwork to the downright hilarious moments that make the sport so memorable.

Karen is the proud owner of a Pumi, and together they enjoy both Agility and Scent Work. She loves how dog sports have helped build her dog's confidence and jokes that while her Pumi can be brilliant when everything goes right, she's also very good at letting Karen know when she's made a handling mistake!

🐶 What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? Smooth handling and teamwork between dog and handler.

Jean Joyce
📍 Travelling from: Brisbane, QLD
⏱ Judging experience: 7 years

Jean enjoys watching teams from across Australia tackle courses in their own unique ways. As course styles continue to evolve, she loves seeing the variety of handling choices competitors make and how different approaches can achieve success. For Jean, one of the highlights of judging is observing the creativity and teamwork on display in the ring.

Her agility journey began with Buster, a much-loved Cattle Dog who taught her an enormous amount and remains a special part of her story. Today, she shares her agility adventures with retired Border Collie Gimli and her current competition partner, Border Collie Loki.

🍿 Favourite judging snack? Snakes
🐶 What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? Seeing the connection between dog and handler. It's all about the partnership, having fun together, and celebrating the achievements along the way—even when the result isn't a qualifying run.

Lisa Hagelstein
📍 Travelling from: Coffs Harbour, NSW
⏱ Judging experience: 12 months

Lisa enjoys designing flowing courses that offer competitors a variety of handling options, allowing teams with different strengths and experience levels to showcase their skills. She loves seeing handlers tackle challenges in their own way and bring out the best in their dogs.

At the Nationals, Lisa is looking forward to watching teams embrace the challenges of the courses and give it their all in the ring.

At home, she shares her life with a mix of working breeds—some always keen for a job, while others are perfectly content with a spot on the couch. She currently competes with Rumour, her Border Collie x Koolie, and PeterQuack, a foster puppy she simply couldn't bring herself to part with.

🍿 Favourite judging snack? Lollies (although she's very selective and only eats about a third of what's in the bag!)

🐶 What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? Seeing dogs and handlers with smiles on their faces regardless of the outcome. That genuine connection, partnership, and enjoyment is what agility is all about.

Kendal Olsen has been judging agility for 16 years and is travelling from Northern NSW to join us at the 2026 Agility Nationals. Kendal enjoys designing flowing courses that offer competitors a variety of handling options and is looking forward to seeing the different ways teams tackle the challenges she has created.

At home, Kendal is currently trialling Midnyte, a 7-year-old Border Collie, while also bringing along the next generation with 5-month-old puppy Wyzard. For Kendal, great agility is all about seeing dogs and handlers working together in sync while enjoying themselves in the ring.