CKA Celebrates Surprise Win at Glenelg Shire Business and Tourism Awards

The Casterton Kelpie Association has been recognised with one of the region’s top honours, taking out the Tourism Event, Festival or Tourist Attraction of the Year 2025, proudly sponsored by Portland Signworks, at the Glenelg Shire Business and Tourism Awards.

The prestigious Gala Awards Night was held on Friday 15 August, where 25 finalists across eight business and tourism categories and two individual awards gathered to celebrate excellence and innovation. Hosted by beloved Australian comedian and radio presenter Anthony ‘Lehmo’ Lehmann, the evening featured entertainment from the acclaimed Orlando Combo Jazz Band and highlighted the strength and diversity of Glenelg Shire’s business and tourism sector.

“This volunteer-run event was established by the Casterton Apex Club almost 30 years ago, and each year is supported tirelessly by a large army of volunteers. It is extraordinary to see the Kelpie celebrated both here in Casterton and by people travelling from across Australia and around the world.”

Resilience Shines 

At the 29th Australian Kelpie Muster 

Despite over 40mm of rain soaking the region, the 29th Australian Kelpie Muster proved a powerful display of resilience, community spirit and celebration in Casterton this King’s Birthday Long Weekend.

Against a backdrop of much-needed drought-breaking rain, attendees, competitors, and volunteers came together to deliver a vibrant and unforgettable event, true to the nature of the Australian Kelpie.

Blue skies greeted early crowds on Saturday morning for the annual street parade, before grey clouds rolled in, bringing with them water relief and welcome laughter. Undeterred, locals and visitors embraced the weather with a smile, united in their support for the farming community and the working dog that continues to inspire them.

“The spirit shown by everyone this weekend was extraordinary,” said Association President Karen Stephens. “Despite the rain, our crowds turned out in force, our volunteers didn’t miss a beat, and our competitors showcased the best of the Kelpie working dog ability and community pride.”

Experience the Kelpie Muster First Hand

Read an attendee review, Kelpie weekend is worth the distance

The Casterton Muster Weekend is like watching a live jigsaw become complete.

The whole Casterton community of organisers, volunteers, breeders, owners and onlookers pull together to create a fantastic event in one action-packed weekend. And then, there’s the KELPIES.

The intelligent “let’s get to work now” dogs, the cute little pups that are not sure what to do, the high jumpers, the sprinters, the obedient dogs, and the “I’m just here to have fun” dogs that want to race up THAT HILL.

Muster Dogs’ Kim Dodson and Banjo

to Join the 29th Australian Kelpie Muster in Casterton

Casterton, VIC – The Australian Kelpie Muster is thrilled to welcome Kim Dodson and her beloved Kelpie, Banjo, stars of ABC TV’s Muster Dogs Season 3, as special guests at this year’s 29th annual event in Casterton this June long weekend.

“It’s such a privilege to be part of the Muster. I’ve been before and loved it—it’s such a fun festival full of people who share the same passion for the breed. Banjo’s looking forward to all the pats and probably licking everyone too—he still hasn’t grown out of that!”

Get Your Boots Dirty and Join the Casterton Kelpie Association!

Celebrating National Volunteer Week:

As National Volunteer Week (May 19-25, 2025) approaches, the Casterton Kelpie Association is taking the opportunity to celebrate the vital contributions of volunteers and encourage more people to get involved in the upcoming Australian Kelpie Muster and Australia’s Premier Working Dog Auction. The event, a cherished icon of Australian culture, relies heavily on the generosity of volunteers to continue its success year after year.

“We’re calling on individuals, families, and community groups across the region to roll up their sleeves and volunteer for the Australian Kelpie Muster and Australia’s Premier Working Dog Auction,” said Karen Stephens, President of the Casterton Kelpie Association.

Kelpie Legacy: Uniting a Nation’s Heritage

29^th Australian Kelpie Muster and Premier Working Dog Auction!

The Casterton Kelpie Association is delighted to announce the 29th Australian Kelpie Muster, slated for the June long weekend (7 to 9), 2025. This year’s theme, “Kelpie Legacy: Uniting a Nation’s Heritage,” spotlights the profound significance of the Australian Kelpie in our nation’s history and the muster’s growing national appeal.

The Australian Kelpie Muster has been a cherished tradition in our community for nearly thirty years. The theme for 2025 underscores the commitment to honouring the invaluable contributions of the Kelpie breed. Known for their intelligence, agility, and loyalty, these remarkable dogs have been instrumental in shaping Australia’s agricultural heritage. This year’s muster serves as a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of Kelpies and their pivotal role in our farming communities.

RECORD-BREAKING ACHIEVEMENTS:

Thousands gather in Casterton to celebrate the Australian kelpie!

Reaching a record-breaking $4million going under the hammer at Island Park across the 28-year period. Auction regular and renowned trainer Paul Macphail took home the triple crown, selling the $4 million dog, top-priced pup and top-priced dog.
Selling a million dollars of dogs in four auctions, the Casterton Kelpie Association President said it was mind-blowing to think that after 254 years, the auction finally hit $3 million in sales but just three years later saw another million dollars in return.

YOUNG HEARTS, FLEET PAWS:

KATE HENRY’S JOURNEY TO THE KELPIE MUSTER

AT JUST 11 years old, Kate Henry and her Kelpie, Kanika Croc, embody youthful enthusiasm and the close bonds between young handlers and their canine partners.

As they gear up for the 28th Eukanuba Australian Kelpie Muster, we delve into their story, which may inspire teenagers like Kate to take on the challenge.

For years, the Henry family has been a staple at the Casterton Kelpie Association, with involvement spanning from participating in auctions to volunteering on auction days for the local Polocrosse club. Kate has even made and sold dog treats with her school friend Ruby and taken home first place in the Junior Photo Competition.

UNLEASHING SUCCESS:

CASTERTON’S WORKING DOG AUCTIONEER, JAMES TIERNEY, IS RECOGNISED AS ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S TOP 20 AUCTIONEERS!

CASTERTON’S annual Working Dog Auction, a renowned event uniting farmers and enthusiasts nationwide, shines with 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.