Committee Bios
BARRY CHANDLER – Convenor
Barry began square dancing in September 1974 and was largely influenced to a large extent by the late Fred Byrne. He has been dedicated and hard-working dancer ever since and has held a number of executive positions in various square dance organisations.
He has been both President and Treasurer of the Southern Eight’s / Roulette Round Dance Club, Chairman/Treasurer of the first State Convention and Treasurer of the fourth as well a member of the Tenth State Convention committee and well as being Auditor for the sixth State Convention.
He has been President of the Tasmanian Square Dance Society and currently the President of the National Square Dance Society.
He has served on the committee of the Tasmanian Square Dance Society for over fifteen years being the Secretary / Treasurer for six of those and is the current Treasurer.
Barry was also a member of the Tasmanian Callers Association for eight years serving as Secretary / Treasurer for four of those.
Barry has already gained valuable experience in organising National Conventions being a member of the 22nd National held in Launceston where he Chaired the AGM as well as being Co-Convenor of the 30th National held in Hobart and Convenor of the 37th National held in Launceston. He has attended over twenty-five National Conventions since 1976.
A highlight of Barry’s square dance career was, as the then President of the National Square Dance Society the honour of presenting gifts of appreciation to the renowned guests of honour at the 25th Silver Jubilee National in Canberra, Joe & Clare Lewis. Other high points for Barry have been representing Tasmania of several occasions in the Showcase Rounds and along with cueing at several other conventions.
From 1982 to 1986 Barry called at the Southern Eight’s S.D.C. but due to increasing demand for round dancing gave up to concentrate on round dancing where he established the Roulette Rounds.
However due to relocation in work he gave up cueing in 1990 however he was the first Tasmanian to be recognised as a Leader in Aust. Round Dance Assoc. in which he was greatly influenced by Ron & Ella Whyte from Victoria.
Barry goes about his duties in a quiet and unassuming manner and when looking at the impressive list of accomplishments could be well described as “the quiet achiever” This was justly honoured by the Tasmania Square Dance Society Inc. who awarded Barry a Life Membership in 1993. This has now been followed up with Barry being one of the first two from Tasmania being added to the National Roll of Honour by the National Square Dance Society in 2002.
In his private life Barry is strongly supported by his wife Kaye, who is also the Convention Registrar and Accommodation Officer. Barry is well qualified as a hard-working person having Qualifications in Accounting and Municipal Management along with being a member of the National Institute of Accountants, a Justice of the Peace and during his ‘spare’ time is undertaking a Graduate Degree in Accounting.
You can be sure with these qualifications that Barry will ensure that all details for the convention will be catered for in a professional manner.
KAYE CHANDLER – Secretary
Kaye began square dancing in January 1975 and was influenced largely to a large extent by the late Fred Byrne. She has been dedicated and hard working dancer ever since and has held a number of executive positions in various square dance organisations. She was Secretary of the Southern Eights / Roulette Round Dance Club, for over 12 years, Secretary of the first State Convention and Secretary / Treasurer of the sixth State Convention committee. She has been Vice – President of the Tasmanian Square Dance Society as well as serving two years as Secretary of the Tasmania Square Dance Society. She has served on the committee of the Tasmanian Square Dance Society at different times. Kay was Secretary for the last National Convention held in Tasmania in 1996 at Launceston and has now attended over fifteen National Conventions since 1976.
Kaye has represented Tasmanian in a number of Show Case rounds including the first one won by Tasmania in Perth in 1978. Another highlight of Kaye’ square dance career was being honoured by the Tasmania Square Dance Society Inc. who awarded Life Membership in 1993.
Kaye’s main focus has been fully supporting her husband Barry with his career and other square dance activities and managing to bring up their three sons (what a bonus for square dancing) but also enjoying square dancing as well.
You can be sure with these qualifications that Kaye will ensure that all details for the convention will be attended to in a friendly manner.
TRENT SHORT – Committee
I started square dancing in the late 90s and with some persuasion I entered an amateur callers night and won. I then started calling club level in Burnie. As life got in the way I had a break from square dancing until one night I decided to attend a Wednesday night at Launceston and have been dancing and calling ever since.
In 2023 I started the West Side Square Dance Club.
I believe square dancing is a great way to make new and old friends and is an excellent past-time.
GARY PETERSON – Program
Gary started his Square Dancing journey in Gympie in 1994 learning with the Mothar Mountain Moonshiners. After much encouragement and mentoring from his Club Caller later the following year had his first Call. In 96 and 97 was the Chairman of the Mothar Mountain Moonshiners “Gold Rush”Committee which organised their Annual ‘Gold Rush Square Dance Festival’.
Gary headed to Tasmania in late 97 to take on the Club Caller role for the North West Coasters in Devonport and while in Tassie was an active member of the TCA holding the Secretary/Treasurer position in 99.
After returning to Qld for family reasons at the end of 99 Gary started his own SD Club in Deception Bay Calling 2 nights per week.
Joined the QCA and within a few years started his involvement holding positions of Secretary, Vice President/Editor, President as well as being part of the QCA’s Program and Development Committee which oversees Caller Training Schedules and State Convention Programming.
Gary has also taken on roles on the ACF Board which included State Coordinator for Qld, Public Relations and also Chairman.
Gary has also served on the ACF’s Program Advisory Panel ( a 3 year cycle where you really learn about Programming for National Conventions ).
Gary has attended and Called at over 20 Australian National Square Dance Conventions in every state and territory and was on the Committee for the 57th ANSDC in Buderim 2016 as Program Manager
SANDRA HAZELWOOD – Committee
Greetings, fellow Square Dance enthusiasts! I’m Sandra Hazlewood, and I am thrilled to be an integral part of the Launceston Square Dance Club as a dedicated member. Square Dancing has been my lifelong passion, starting back in 1978 during my high school days, and it continues to this day. My dance journey has been an incredible adventure.
Over the decades, I’ve honed my skills and shared my love for dance at both local and national levels. From my initial steps in high school to the numerous state conventions I’ve attended, my commitment to dance has only grown stronger.
With three national conventions under my belt and a plethora of state conventions as a committee member, I’ve gained invaluable experience in event planning and execution.
Moreover, I’ve actively participate in local and interstate dances, always ready to hit the dance floor and share the magic of movement with fellow dancers.
My ability to build and maintain strong relationships has been a cornerstone of my involvement in the dance community.
I believe that creating connections is what elevates our dancing experience from good to unforgettable.
One of my cherished contributions is in the realm of creativity. I’m passionate about crafting and sewing dress sets that reflect the spirit of our dances.
This artistic pursuit allows me to add a personal touch to our events and contribute to the overall atmosphere. However, my true forte lies on the dance floor, where I’ve always given my best, infusing every step with enthusiasm and energy.
Join me in celebrating the beauty and fun of Square Dancing, the joy of movement, and the bonds we forge through shared experiences. Let’s make each dance an unforgettable memory and create a legacy that resonates with dancers both young and old.
PAUL ASHTON – Treasurer
I Paul Ashton have been a square dancer for 19 years, during that time have attended most national conventions.
Being on convention committee for 2019 Deloraine, also currently on Darwin convention 2024, being involved in Hobart convention 2012
Have held President for Launceston Square Dance club for 3 terms.
Have held treasurer for Launceston Square Dance Club for 6 terms.
Passionate in record keeping and details.
DI ASHTON – Publicity
Hi, I’m Di from Tassie.
I’m thrilled that we’re again hosting a National Convention in our Island State and am excited to be on the committee. This will be a milestone event: it will have been 50 years since Tasmania held its first Convention, so we have plenty to celebrate.
Having attended every ANSDC since 2002, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the committee of the last 2 Tasmanian Nationals as Program Manager.
This time, I’ve taken on a new challenge as Publicity Officer. In this role, I look forward to bringing you information about the 66th ANSDC as our journey towards 2026 unfolds.
Join us here at 2026.ANSDC.au as we bring you the latest information as it comes to hand.
Happy dancing everyone
DAVID – Assistant Secretary
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JAN – Venue Manager
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