
Welcome to the Victorian Working Sheep Dog Association Inc
FOR BETTER WORKING SHEEPDOGS | A0015093L ABN: 52 101 431 860
It has been said “a good dog is worth two workmen.”
In 1927 the Victorian Working Sheep Dog Association was formed by those who saw the need to foster the working and breeding of better sheep dogs – to improve their quality. The working sheep dog is a most important part of our primary industry.
As a result there sprang up in many places around Victoria, Sheep Dog Trials. In 1930 there were 14 members in the Association and a few Trials, but over the years great interest has been shown and today there are close to 200 members and approximately 30 trials held annually in this state.
Read more about the VWSDA trials and history
Some trials are arranged by local Agricultural Societies and held on Show Grounds. Other Arena Trials are arranged by various Clubs. These Societies/Clubs are affiliated with the VWSDA Inc. and comply with the Rules of the Association for the running of each Trial.
Owners of dogs competing in any Trial must be financial members of the Working Sheep Dog Association in the State in which they reside. All dogs must be registered with the exception of dogs entered in Encourage and Farmers Classes. Most dogs are from a registered stud and have a prefix preceding their given name and a pedigree. Dogs may also be registered on ‘merit’. Strict control and records are kept.
The Association run some of the major trials in this State including:-
The James M. McIntosh Utility (Station Dog) Trial began in 1975, in which a drafting complex is incorporated to simulate normal farm working conditions.
The Victorian Championship (Field Trial) started in 1956.
The Captain Payne (Field Trial) has been competed for since 1931.
Field Trials are conducted in an open paddock situation and have a very long cast for the dog to pick up sheep. Some variations in obstacles are used.
These Field Trials and Utility/Station Dog Trials are a good test for a working sheep dog and have done much to improve the quality and type of dog for general farm use in Victoria. There are many Icons/Legends of both workers and dogs that are well worth recalling.
Workers and their dogs from this state have very successfully competed in Interstate competition, some representing Australia in Trans-Tasman Trials.
The Association and Societies/Clubs have been fortunate over the years to have various sponsorships. This support has assured many successful Trials and is gratefully accepted.
The VWSDA Inc. has a solid beginning from many of its foundation members and continues with a hopeful and bright future.
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Statement of Purposes of The Victorian Working Sheep Dog Association Inc
The purposes of the Association are:
- To promote amongst the sheep breeders and general public, a wide human interest in the working sheep dog and his work.
- To encourage and develop the standard of our working sheep dogs.
- To promote, encourage and assist working sheep dog trials, including field trials.
- To establish and maintain a Sheep Dog Register.
- To take any action it thinks necessary to further promote the interests of sheep graziers and their working dogs.
- To uphold and promote excellence in stockmanship including the care and welfare of both working sheep dogs and worked sheep.

Council Members 2023
PRESIDENT
CONOR MCCONNELL (WARRNAMBOOL)
0406 781 989
SNR VICE PRESIDENT
JOHN STEWART (MIRBOO)
0408 810 177
JNR VICE PRESIDENT
SUSAN YOUNG (TEESDALE)
0422 117 973
TREASURER
JENNY CULELL
MEMBER
SUSAN YOUNG (Teesdale)
0422 117 973
MEMBER
JOHN STEWART (Mirboo)
0408 810 177
MEMBER
KEN JELBART (Pakenham)
0418 532 355
MEMBER
SHANE BEAUGELHALL
0425 435 495
MEMBER
KERRY DODGE (Snake Valley)
0407 449 338
MEMBER
KELLY HODGSON (Bannockburn)
0439 307 099
MEMBER
CAMILLE SHAW (Maffra)
0422 275 310
SECRETARY
LOUISE RIELLY
0409 170 964
70 SOMMERS CRESCENT
KORUMBURRA VIC 3950
mailto:louise.rielly@outlook.com
REGISTRAR
KERRY DODGE
0407 449 338
947 Smythesdale Road,
SNAKE VALLEY VIC 3351
j.dodge@bigpond.com