Gold rush descends on Geelong

A NEW unofficial record now stands for most golden retrievers in one place, with more than a thousand dogs converging at Geelong Showgrounds.

The annual Gold Rush event, which raises dog rescue funds for the loveable breed, made its way to Geelong for the first time last Sunday.

Event organiser and founder Carly Fitzgerald said this year’s event broke its own record of 1196 golden retrievers in 2022, tallying a total of 1278 goldies in 2023.

“With goldens, they are probably the only breed you can have over 1,200 of the same dog together and there not be one issue,” Ms Fitzgerald said.

“Because they are such a happy and friendly breed, there are never any issues, and the dogs and owners are just super happy to be there.”

The event, usually held at KCC Park in Skye, Melbourne, boasted more than 60 stallholders, food trucks, and an array of activities for owners and dogs throughout the showgrounds.

The Gold Rush was first held in 2018 in conjunction with the breed’s 150th anniversary of its conception.

The inaugural event was held at a local school with no stalls.

Sunday’s event raised close to $49,800 for New South Wales dog charity Golden Retriever Rescue through ticket, raffle, and stall sales.

The charity cares for, rescues and re-homes abandoned, abused, neglected and unwanted Golden Retrievers.

A venue has not been confirmed for the Gold Rush in 2024, but Ms Fitzgerald said it’s a comforting feeling knowing Geelong is a great location to have available.

“The plan next year is to go bigger and better again, because the more word gets out about this the more people will join in.

“I haven’t begun preparations for 2024 at all yet, but Geelong is good because it has plenty of space and parking, but we need to have it in a location like Geelong that is easy to access.

“I don’t know what we want to do yet, but at least we know Geelong is a venue we can easily use if we have to.

“We usually like to get a date booked in before the end of the year.”