Executive Producers Statement

November 26, 2025

The 2025 Australian Pup & Handler Competition in Naarm (Melbourne)6 was more than a weekend of events, it was a reminder of what makes our community fun and unique. Over four incredible days, we brought together nine events, APHC’s largest schedule yet. 

This year, our aim was to build on what has come before while opening new doors for participation and engagement. We reached record attendance across the weekend and achieved a strong financial outcome allowing A-PAH to deliver on its visions and objectives sooner. 

The true success lay in the energy and generosity that was demonstrated across the weekend. The feedback from contestants, judges, and attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, proof the competition continues to grow not just in scale, but in spirit. 

None of this happened by chance. Countless hours of effort from our production team, wranglers, volunteers and judges. All gave their time and heart to bring the event to life. We want to give a couple of special shout outs to some people who worked tirelessly behind the scenes; 

  • Sponsors - A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors whose generosity and belief in what we do helped make APHC 2025 our most successful year. Your support and donations made the weekend possible and we hope to partner with you all again at APHC 2026! 
  • Competition Director, Wranglers & Tallymasters - Jaxx, Dodger, Bowser & D.Meaner. This was the first time the competition had it’s own dedicated team. Their professionalism, ability to be flexible and enthusiasm over the weekend was essential to the success of the competition. Having a fully independent team allowed the EP’s to focus on other areas of the weekend. 
  • Competition Scheduler & AV - Biru. We owe a huge thank you for the skill, patience, and professionalism you brought to every event. Your work behind the scenes made it possible for people across the country to experience APHC 2025 as it unfolded — something we couldn’t have achieved without you. 
  • Photographers – Trixx (ClaytonK Media) and Dylan (HDGimage). Every incredible photo you see from this year’s competition exists because of our photographers. Their talent and generosity elevated APHC 2025 to another level, the photos give the community memories we’ll enjoy for years. 
  • Social Media – Levi. The energy and excitement that filled our online spaces throughout the weekend were entirely thanks to you. Your passion and skill brought APHC 2025 to life and kept our community engaged and informed. 
  • VicPAH - A massive thank you to VicPAH for running Bark After Dark, the weekend’s biggest hit and competitions largest ever event! Vic-PAH created a space that was playful, welcoming, and truly reflective of what makes this community so special. Your creativity and commitment made the night unforgettable. 
  • VicBears – VicBears filled a ‘hole of need’ during the stage competition and after party, running our coat check. Several of your members stepped in to help last minute and we really appreciate your support – hope to see you at future APHC’s! 

No event is perfect, and one of APHC’s strengths is our willingness to learn and evolve. The feedback gathered from this year around communication, accessibility, scoring systems, events and volunteer coordination will directly shape our planning for 2026. Taking the time to analyse what worked well and what can be improved helps us grow stronger each year, both as an organisation and as an event. 

Thank you to every person who played a part in and attended APHC 2025. Your dedication and heart turned a series of events into something truly special. 

Pats & Scritches 

Panther & Neliak