Our Judges
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Petr Pupik
π Travelling from: Czechia (Czech Republic)
β± Judging experience: 13 yearsPetr believes great courses are best described by the competitors themselves β 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, whoβs just getting started at 8 months old.
π Favourite judging snack? Bananas & blueberries
π What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? A smiling handler -

Jess Tansey
π Travelling from: Christchurch, New Zealand
β± Judging experience: 11 years (started at just 15!)Jess loves open, flowy courses that let dogs stretch out and shine and sheβs just as impressed by beautiful distance handling as pure speed. Sheβs 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 β already a Jumpers and Agility Champion. Every one of them lives for the sport.
β‘ Favourite judging snack? Pink Punch Monster Energy Drink
π What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? Teams who can laugh at a mistake and enjoy the run -

Kevin βKevβ Burnette
π Travelling from: Palmerston North, New Zealand
β± Judging experience: Since 2013Kev enjoys setting courses with options β combining flow, skill, and just enough pressure to bring out brillianceβ¦ 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 theyβre readyβ¦ even if heβs not quite convinced yet. Before agility, Kevβs first dog was a Dalmatian, followed by his first agility dog, a NZ Heading Dog β and from that point on, he was well and truly hooked on agility.
π₯ͺ Favourite judging snack? Anything quick and easy to grab
π What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? Seeing handlers and dogs leave the ring smiling β or at least still on speaking terms -

Keri Neilson
π Travelling from: Hamilton, New Zealand
β± Judging experience: 15 yearsKeri enjoys setting open, flowing courses that offer multiple handling options β 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 sheβs 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.
π₯ͺ Favourite judging snack?
Keri doesnβt usually snack while judging β she saves herself for the food stalls once the day is done!π What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring?
Seeing handlers celebrate the small successes, and dogs who truly believe theyβre the best dog in the world. -

Robyn Jones
π Travelling from: Sydney
β± Judging experience: Since 2021Robyn 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 Ollieβs Agility Championship β a proud moment indeed!
π Favourite judging snack? Fruit
β¨ What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? The joy and connection between dog and handler -

Karen Phillips
π Travelling from: Perth, Western Australia
β± Judging experience: Since 2017Karen loves setting courses that are fast, flowing, safe β and most importantly, fun. Sheβs 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.
π¬ Favourite judging snack? Anything with sugar
β€οΈ What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? Handlers having fun while putting their dogβs best interests first -

Stephy Lawrence
π Travelling from: Victoria
β± Judging experience: 2 yearsStephyβs 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, Stephyβs 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. Sheβs 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.
π Favourite judging snack? Fruit in the heat; hot chocolate and soup when itβs cold
π What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? Handlers showing affection to their dogs β kisses, praise, and hugs at the finish -

Jenny Taylor
π Travelling from: NSW
β± Judging experience: 17 yearsJenny prides herself on designing courses that are fair yet challenging β 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, sheβs enjoyed many memorable successes with her dogs, each one contributing to her love of the sport.
π¬ Favourite judging snack? Lollies
π What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? Seeing genuine teamwork and joy between dog and handler -

Emi Hinago
π Travelling from: Somersby, NSW
β± Judging experience: Since 2021Emi 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 β all while having fun along the way.
Emi currently competes with her 5-year-old Border Collie, Paige β a fast and furious partner who constantly challenges her to become a better trainer and course designer.
At Nationals, Emi canβt wait to see teams that are truly connected with their dogs, embrace the challenge, give it their all, and most importantly β enjoy every moment out on course.
π Favourite judging snack?
Fruit.π₯ 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. -

Karen Winzar
π Travelling from: Cairns, Far North QLD
β± Judging experience: 4 yearsKarenβs courses are fast and flowy, with technical elements that allow for layering and distance handling. Sheβs proud to represent the QLD judging team β 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.
πΏ Favourite judging snack? Popcorn or lollies (snakes!)
πΆ What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? People being kind and supportive to their dogs -

Tricia Williams
π Travelling from: Cairns, QLD
β± Judging experience: 4 years Agility Judging, 11 years Obedience JudgingTricia prefers large, flowing courses with multiple handling options, allowing teams to work together creatively and confidently. Sheβs 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 βbaby girl.β While agility is their favourite sport, the team also enjoys competing in obedience, rally, and tricks.
π« Favourite judging snack? Lollies and chocolate
β¨ 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 β itβs simply magic -

Mechelle Anderson
π Home base: Flagstone, Qld
β± Judging experience: 10 yearsMechalleβs focus is simple and important β 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.
π Favourite judging snack? Fresh fruit & cold drinks
π What always makes you smile when a team is in the ring? Teams who didnβt qualify but still celebrate with their best friend -

Adriana Parris
π Travelling from: Sydney, NSW
β± Judging experience: Since 2022Adriana designs flowing courses that give everyone the chance to succeed, with a few trendy handling moves and technical control points added in for fun. Sheβs 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.
π Favourite judging snack?
Fruit β and red frogs for a cheeky sugar hit!π₯ What makes you smile in the ring?
Teams celebrating their run, clean or not β because partnership matters more than ribbons. -

Tenielle Thwaites
π Travelling from: Orange, NSW
β± Judging experience: 10 yearsTenielle sets fast, flowing courses with clear lines that test training and teamwork, often offering multiple handling options. Sheβs 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.
π Favourite judging snack?
Fruit β quick and easy on the go.π₯ What makes you smile in the ring?
Moments of pure synchronicity between dog and handler β even if itβs just one spine-tingling second. -

Dean Crossthwaite
π Travelling from: Somersby, NSW
β± Judging experience: 5 yearsDean 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.
π Favourite judging snack?
Fruit and berries, coffee, and dark chocolate.π₯ What makes you smile in the ring?
Dogs on the start line who are bursting with excitement and ready to work. -

Murray Sharman
πΎ Murray Sharman
π Travelling from: Brisbane
β± Judging experience: 7 yearsMurray 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 β 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.
π Favourite judging snack?
He knows he should choose nuts and fruitβ¦ but jelly snakes are hard to resist.π₯ What makes you smile in the ring?
Any team that is clearly connected and genuinely having fun working together. -
Lisa Kaddatz
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Barbara Murfet
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Karen Deguet
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Jean Joyce
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Lisa Hagelstein