At Australian Disc Golf, we want to ensure every new club has the tools they need to succeed. That is why we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on the ADG Grant Program as we head into 2026.

We have streamlined our categories, and refined our selection process to be more transparent and objective to ensure that funding gets exactly where it’s needed most. To see what this looks like in practice, one need only look at the thriving new disc golf course in Wagga Wagga, where a recent grant helped turn a local vision into a concrete reality.

The Wagga Wagga Course

Last year, Wagga Disc Golf Club turned their vision of installing a disc golf course at Rawlings Reserve into a reality with the assistance of local council grants, community support and a successful ADG grant application for course signage. Janet and Dean Cartwright of Wagga Disc Golf Club share some words about the ADG grant process.

As a 2025 recipient of an ADG grant, we are pleased to share how valuable this support was for our new club and would strongly encourage other clubs to take advantage of the opportunity. The application process was remarkably straightforward, handled entirely via email, and coordinated smoothly with NSW Disc Golf backing. The grant funding was instrumental in helping us install course signage, increase community awareness, and demonstrate national backing for our parallel council grant application to purchase 9 baskets and install a course. We feel very fortunate to have a proactive national body that promotes disc golf and supports new clubs, and we encourage others to make use of this program to help grow the sport in their communities.

The course signage was huge for getting the word out and making their new club feel “real” to the community during those first few months. When they applied for the Wagga Wagga City Council Annual Grants Program, having ADG’s national support gave their application credibility and they were successful in securing $6,320 from the council to install a 12-basket course.

Where Will ADG’s Grant Program Take You?

The story of Wagga Wagga is a testament to what can happen when local passion meets national support. Dean and Janet “feel very fortunate to have a proactive national body that promotes disc golf and supports new clubs,” noting that for them, “this support was essential to our development and long-term success”.

We want to see your club tell a similar story. Whether you are running an event, expanding an existing course, or developing new coaching materials, the refreshed ADG Grant Program offers up to $1,000 to help move your project forward.

We strongly encourage clubs, tournament directors or other volunteers to take advantage of this opportunity to help grow the sport in their communities. The path is clear, the process is simple, and as Wagga Wagga has shown, the impact is lasting.

Visit the ADG Grant Program page today to find out more and submit your application.

Recently, ADG held its annual general meeting which saw the election of two new Board members, Mathew Wallis and Mark Donnelly. Today we would like to take some time to introduce ADG’s new State Representative Liaison for 2026, Mat Wallis, who is acts as the connection between the ADG Board and the State Representative Committee.

I’m Mat Wallis and I’ve volunteered to the be the ADG State Rep Liaison for 2026.

I started playing disc golf back in 2017 after walking through the Newington Armory and seeing a group of disc golfers throwing frisbees a crazy long way. 6 months later and I already had a bag, a stack of discs and well on my way to a plastic addiction.

My first tournament was the Aussie Disc Golf Championships in Canberra in 2018, where I finished dead last in MA2. Lots of practice and 12 months later, I was MA40 Champ at the next Aussie Championships in Mount Gambier. That is an amazing course and easily top of my must-play list.

Since then, disc golf has been a key part of my life. I’ve run numerous tournaments, been president of Sydney Disc Golf since 2021 and NSW state rep for ADG for the past 3 years. I’ve also dabbled with a YouTube channel called Disc Golf Down Under with a focus on MVP discs that got a shout out from Simon Lizotte when he signed for Team MVP in 2023.

Outside disc golf, I work as an engineer and live next to the Newington Armory course in Sydney. I’ve got 2 boys, who have zero interest in disc golf, but I have managed to drag my wife into the sport and she loves to come out and play in tournaments.

I’m hoping to play lots more disc golf in 2026 and looking forward to my role as state liaison on the ADG board.

Welcome to the Board, Mat. Here’s to fostering a strong relationship between the local clubs, state representatives and the ADG Board in the year ahead.

Recently, ADG held its annual general meeting which saw the election of two new Board members, Mark Donnelly and Mathew Wallis. Today we would like to take some time to introduce ADG’s new Secretary for 2026, Mark Donnelly, who has kindly shared a little about himself and his background.

My name is Mark Donnelly, and it’s a privilege to step into the role of Secretary for the Australian Disc Golf Association. My journey with flying disc sports began back in 2008, when I stumbled into the Brisbane Mixed Ultimate League by pure chance. That moment changed everything for me. A special shout-out to Scott from Denver (now Adelaide)—mate, if you’re reading this, thank you for opening the door to this incredible sport all those years ago.

Over the years, I’ve had the joy of playing in several national tournaments (ultimate) and contributing to the growth of disc golf in a variety of settings. Most recently, I’ve been involved in helping establish disc golf within the Queensland Police Service Police and Emergency Services Games, a project I’m extremely proud of. Before that, during my time living in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, I played an active role in growing disc golf and flying disc sports in Mongolia.

With experience serving in secretariat roles across multiple associations, I’m excited to bring that background into this position and support the continued development, governance, and professionalism of our national community.

Outside of disc golf, I’m a proud father of seven, living in Brisbane, Queensland. Above all else, what keeps me inspired in this sport is simple: our people. The spirit, inclusiveness, and passion within the disc golf community are its greatest assets, and I’m honoured to contribute to its future.

I look forward to serving our members and supporting the growth of disc golf across Australia.

I’m sure you’ll join ADG in welcoming Mark as we look forward to the year ahead in disc golf in Australia. Watch this space to welcome Mat Wallis next, who has volunteered as the ADG State Representative Liaison on the Board for 2026.