For 2018, the ABF has listened to feedback from players and is changing the arrangements for travel subsidies used in 2017 for players on competing GNOT teams at the National Final from 30 November to 3 December 2018. The ABF wishes to keep the benefits from providing four return best available economy air tickets for the 44 teams travelling more than 700km to the Gold Coast. These benefits include the guarantee of a return ticket whenever the team qualifies; the ABF meeting its duty of care to get players to the event in the safest, most efficient way possible; and coverage under the ABF’s Corporate Travel Insurance Policy.

Most importantly, however, the ABF is:

• introducing more flexible direct booking arrangements through Canberra-based staff (not using an external travel service);
• bookings will be made in consultation with team captains who will consult with their team members thus giving players more control over the timing of their travel;
• after consultation, tickets will be issued Subsequent changes will be permitted; however, the traveller will bear the cost of alterations, not the ABF.
• team members who wish to make their own arrangements (including driving) will be permitted to do so, subject to certain limitations;
• the 16 teams not normally travelling by air will continue to receive a cash subsidy for ground transport of their choice.

How the process will work?

Once a regional or metropolitan final has been held and the names of the players in any team (s) are known, it is the responsibility of the GNOT Regional/Metropolitan Coordinator for that zone to send an email with the Captain/player names, ABF numbers, mobile contacts and emails for all team members to the following persons:

Ray Ellaway,
Tournament Organiser,
GNOT National Final
Tel: (07) 3351 8602 (w), 0466 288 365 (m)
Email: ray.ellaway@abf.com.au

AND 

Roy Nixon,
ABF Treasurer
Tel: 0423 043 220
Email: roy.nixon@live.com.au