Strong demand expected as Casterton marks 30 years of Australia’s premier working dog auction
Entries closing soon, with interstate buyers and online bidding set to drive competition as producers turn dog training into a valuable income stream.
Casterton, the recognised birthplace of the Australian Kelpie, is preparing to host a landmark event as entries for the 30th Australian Premier Working Dog Auction close 1 May.
Held as part of the annual Australian Kelpie Muster over the King’s Birthday long weekend, the auction continues to attract strong national attention, with buyers and sellers travelling from across the country — and increasingly bidding online — to secure some of Australia’s best working dogs.
The auction committee is currently finalising several final lots, as the first rain for the season hits Victoria’s South West — a timely boost for producers and a positive sign leading into the event.
“Last year’s auction showed that demand for quality working dogs remains strong across the country,” Casterton Kelpie Association President Karen Stephens said.
“Casterton continues to bring together the best dogs, the best handlers and a national buying audience — whether they’re ringside or online.”
“The auction has a dog for everybody — we sell young started pups, right through to fully trained dogs,” she said.
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.
