General News
25 March, 2026
Surge in entries at sheep dog trials
ORGANISERS of the recent Moyston Sheep Dog Trials say it was one of the best events yet with an increase in participants and spectators.
The trials attracted participants from across the state and beyond with substantially more entries than last year.
There were 46 entries in the novice section, 61 in the improver open and 12 in the encourage section.
“It was up about 30 on last year. Some that were new to Moyston and some new to trialling as well,” said committee member Max McLean.
“We had a few from down Cardinia, a couple from Korrumburra that hadn’t been here before and a couple from Greendale so they came from all over.
“It was one of the better trials we’ve ever had in terms of numbers and the quality of the workers was pretty good as well,” he said.
Mr McLean said it was pleasing to see some younger competitors at this years trials.
“Quite a few of the newer ones were younger, 20s and 30s. It was really pleasing to see so many there.
Friday night’s Community Meal at the Moyston Dog Trials was enjoyed by the extra-large crowd that attended.
Special Guests were Dunkeld’s Jack Kennedy with his kelpie, Pesto, and fifth generation Queensland cattle farmer, Renee Spencer, all of whom stared in the ABC television program, ‘Muster Dogs’.
Jack owns fifteen working dogs, and humbly told the crowd he was, “just a stockman who enjoys working with dogs.”
He said they sometimes provided a massive headache, especially when expectations didn’t match outcomes, but ultimately, they provided a lot of reward.
Jack said his philosophy was to find the full potential in every dog, including ones like ‘Pesto’, which he described as “fizzy, like a helicopter on a lead.”
Life after Muster Dogs has seen him show others his dogs, take them into nursing homes, and give talks to those interested in both working dogs, and the process of creating a television program.
Jack and Renee had never seen a dog trial before, much less competed in one.
However, they were willing to give it a go, and the crowd enjoyed the opportunity to see their dogs skilfully, patiently and obediently work the sheep.
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