Major milestone on horizon for Kelpie Muster

A significant milestone is set to be reached at the 28th annual Australian Premier Working Dog Auction this June Long Weekend with proceeds set to top the $4million mark.

The Eukanuba Australian Kelpie Muster and Premier Working Dog Auction will see Casterton become the centre of the universe on June 8 and 9 and with less than 100 days to go until the popular event, the Casterton Kelpie Association (CKA) volunteers are working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that this year’s festival and auction surpass all expectations.

Association president Karen Stephens expressed her excitement, stating that all efforts are in full swing to achieve this ambitious goal.

“The association eagerly anticipates an early record-breaking achievement at the auction; we were so close last year; we cannot wait for 2024 auction day,” she said.

Some new faces have joined the hard working association committee with Sarah Bruce-Smith taking on the auction secretary role and the association secretary responsibilities now lie with Judy Shortland.

“Sarah has seamlessly integrated into her role and is ensuring that the auction entries are set to go live at the beginning of March,” Ms Stephens said.

“This will give breeders and trainers just under 50 days to register for the auction, with the deadline for entries set for April 28.”

This prestigious event offers a platform for showcasing Australia’s finest kelpie working wogs while presenting a valuable opportunity for breeders and trainers to connect with potential buyers. The auction takes place on Sunday, June 9.

The Kelpie Festival, a celebration of the remarkable kelpie breed and Casterton’s claim to fame as the birthplace of the breed, takes place on Saturday, June 8, and the new association is currently accepting market stall bookings.

Floats for the parade are being prepared; kelpies are undergoing training for a wide range of events, some of which hold world records waiting to be surpassed, as preparations ramp up for the two day program that attracts visitors from across Australia and even internationally.

Visit the official Casterton Kelpie Association website for more information and updates.