Kelpie auctioneer honoured for outstanding skills

Casterton’s annual Working Dog Auction has been thrust into the spotlight in the lead up to the 2024 event with the event’s long standing auctioneer James Tierney recently ranked among Australia’s top 20 auctioneers.

Casterton born Tierney, grew up among working dogs, instilling in him a deep respect for their role in farming and he has been the face and voice of the auction basically since its inception.

Casterton Kelpie Association president Karen Stephens said Tierney’s accolade underscored his dedication and skill, spotlighting the Casterton Working Dog Auction as a leading industry event, praising Tierney’s longstanding support and roots in the community stating it was no surprise to see this recognition as a top performer.

“The association has had the privilege of having James as the boomingaAuctioneer’s voice of the annual Australian Premier Working Dog Auction since the beginning of his career, and we have witnessed many milestones and achievements across the years,” Stephens said.

“James is a Casterton local that we are very proud of.

“He has supported the association over many years, travelling home from Wagga every year since moving away from the district, and for that, we are very grateful.

“He cut his teeth at the Casterton Sale Yards and at the annual Working Dog Auction, so what a better grounding could he get.”

With Tierney’s leadership, the auction anticipates exceeding $4 million this year.

Behind the scenes, preparations are underway for the event, including final entries for Saturday’s Muster and Rotary of Casterton’s Kelpie Art Show, signalling an exciting future for Casterton’s beloved tradition.