August 25th, 2026Dean Reserve ready for kites & sheepdogs

The sky at Dean Recreation Reserve will be a riot of colour and shapes as the annual Dean Kite Festival gets underway for Father’s Day, Sunday, September 6 from noon to 4pm.

People from around the Hepburn Shire and beyond willl head to the Dean Reserve to run with kites of all shapes and sizes – hoping the wind will lift them away into the air.
As well as kite flying, kite making will also be popular, getting both kids and adults off their electronic devices and having some old-fashioned fun. It’s a great way to spend time with dads of all ages.
Once the Kite Festival is over, it’s time for the reserve to become the place for dog owners and trainers to head for the much-loved Old Sniff Classic Sheepdog Trials on Sunday, October 4 from 7am to 5pm.
Brian Maher, who has headed the reserve committee since 2013, said he was always keen for people to attend their first sheepdog trials. And if you don’t know what’s going on, you soon will.
“I speak to everyone that comes in the gate. And if someone doesn’t know what the rules are, I’ll introduce them to a trainer to explain everything to them and get them settled in. If anyone wants anything, they can come and see me. It’s a great family day as well, and people can bring their own dogs too, but they must be on a lead.”

There’s also a chance to win some of the goods up for raffle, and there’s also a steam engine display, and of course, home-made food.
But the day really is about the amazingly trained dogs.
“The stars of the show manoeuvre three sheep around a course on the command of their handlers, while being judged on time and ability,” Brian said.
“National, state and local champions are among the field and spectators can chat to the handlers and learn the finer points of the sport.”
And how did the name Old Sniff Classic come about? From Brian, of course.
“That’s a name I came up with 11 years ago. It’s from a Slim Dusty song – Sniff, the digger’s dog.”
Words: Kyle Barnes | Images: File