East Gippsland Farm Dog Group (EGFDG) is planning a spectacular weekend when it hosts the 2023 State Yard Dog Championship at the Bairnsdale Racing Club from October 13-15. The championships come to Gippsland every five years, with the EGFDG, which has 60 members, jumping at the chance to run the event on behalf of the governing body, the Victorian Yard Utility Farm Dog Association.
Competitors will camp on site Friday and Saturday evening, departing for home after Sunday’s finals.
EGFDG president, Andrew Whelan, is excited to be bringing the event to region, with 250 competitors from across Australia set to migrate to East Gippsland for the weekend, including current and former Australian champions.
“This sport is farming and it’s regional, we are a region built on a long farming history that is supported by reliable and skilled work dogs. People need to come along and see the best there is in Australia at trialling, the best of the best,” Whelan said.
IMAGE: Andrew Whelan supervises his dog, Whelan Run Burls at a recent East Gippsland Farm Dog Group event held in Bengworden. Whelan is hoping for a finish in the top 20 at the State Yard Dog Championships.
