September 27th, 2025Australian Utility Sheepdog Champion coming to Shire

Gary White, newly crowned Australian Utility Sheepdog Champion, is coming to the Hepburn Shire in October.
Fully funded by the Victorian Government’s Community Recovery Hub grants program, farmers and their working dogs from around the shire will benefit from Gary’s Working Dog Training School workshops.
They will be held at: Daylesford – Victoria Park Recreation Reserve on Tuesday, October 7; Kingston – Kingston Show Grounds on Wednesday, October 8; and Clunes – Clunes Showgrounds on Thursday, October 9.
Hepburn Shire Council mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said that the workshops would provide expert training to working dogs of the region and provide an opportunity for farmers to connect.
“The importance of community among our farmers cannot be overstated. We have experienced difficult times of late with drought, the proposed Western Renewables Link, the Victorian Government’s Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy and rising industry costs.
“These workshops will not just sharpen the skill of our working dogs, but will bring our farmers together to connect, share knowledge and build resilience in a supportive learning environment.”
Gary is a highly respected handler and trainer, with an impressive career that includes eight national titles and 20 state titles in sheepdog trialling, alongside a long list of other placings.
Known for his warm and inclusive teaching style, Gary leaves participants with newfound skills and a greater confidence in training and working with their dogs.
A skilled farm dog can accomplish complex tasks in minutes. Tasks that would take a human hours. More than workers, they are loyal companions who thrive on their role. But raising a great farm dog takes more than natural ability, it requires expert training.

Link: hepburn.vic.gov.au/Residents/Emergencies/Emergency-management-events