Training Working Dogs with our Group
In March 1996 the inaugural meeting was held, and the club was formed and in October of 1996 the club was incorporated, SOUTH GIPPSLAND WORKING DOG GROUP INC. A0036244P.
Purposes of the South Gippsland Working Dog Group
The purposes of the association are – to promote the quiet, efficient and humane handling of livestock by educating stockmen in the use of efficient working dogs. Therefore, reducing cost of labour, stress and injury of livestock and Handlers.
About the South Gippsland Working Dog Group
The group was originally formed after a meeting between the late Jean Moir and Don Jelbart, they then decided to call a meeting and invite numerous interested people to become the founding members.
From the purposes as a club initially to assist farmers on how to start young dogs and how to better educate dogs for farm use. Over the years the members have also become interested and assisted to complete in 3 sheep, yard and utility trial competitions. Although quite a bit of focus has been placed on this and many of the club’s members are successfully trialling.
Much effort is still put into helping farmers or trailers understanding how start young dogs, and further educate started dogs.
The club meets monthly for training days, once a year organises and runs a 2 day clinic with guest instructors, and also runs the Berryden 3 sheep trial each November. In the last 8 years the club has also run the Victorian Championship Field Trial and 3 times run the Victorian Arena Championships.
The new members are always welcome, it is a cost effective way for people to get basic knowledge and hands on experience on training working dogs. Some of the members regularly travel over 100 kilometres to come to the club training days.
Berryden Working Sheepdog Trial
14-16 November 2025 @ Boolarra Recreation Reserve
Working sheepdog trials are a unique, inclusive, heritage sport where three species—sheep, dog and person endeavour to work together to complete a course of three obstacles and pen the three sheep in just fifteen minutes.
It is the ultimate level playing field – it doesn’t matter if you are male, female, young or old the synergy between person, dog and sheep on the field creates a captivating spectacle. Spectators and observers are often mesmerized by the instinctive nature of the working dogs and the skill of the person to work with the dog and sheep to complete the course without losing too many points.
The Berryden Working Sheepdog Trial is a staple event in Gippsland. In 2023 year the opportunity had been taken to bring the event to a broader audience and engage with the local community by staging the event at Boolarra. Support from the local community had been outstanding and this year sees the event returning to Boolarra, bigger and better.
This 3-day event attracts competitors and their families to travel from all regions of Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania. They are passionate about this sport and this event is the final event in Victoria for the year, so it provides a special place for all to meet and celebrate. It is expected that 50+ competitors and their families will travel to Boolarra this year to participate and stay in the local community for the three days.
With the popularity in working dog breeds rising steeply in the past few years this event will provide a showcase of the best working dogs and their handlers. It is sure to attract many spectators. Promotional activities through social media, local community groups, Visit Gippsland and Visit Victoria will ensure maximum awareness of this event to attract people to the event.
Sponsors will have exposure to a broader community through event promotions, media publicity, social media engagement, and on-site promotion.
Our Sponsors
The club relies on the generosity of the local community, local businesses, and larger organisations for the running and maintenance of the club along with sponsoring our annual trial.
We appreciate and wish to thank the following supporters:
This event is proudly sponsored by Hypro Dog Foods and Alex Scott and Staff.
Our Gold Level Sponsors
Our Silver Level Sponsors
Funding for this event has been contributed by the following
Community Supporters of this event are:
Boolarra Community Development Group | Boolarra Memorial Park Committee of Management | Boolarra Football Club | Boolarra Cricket Club | Parks Victoria
For more information
Ken Jelbart 0418 532 355
sgwdg1111@gmail.com
Email entries to SGWDG (Trial Secretary Renee Patten)
14 Roger Street Morwell 3840
All postal entries
© South Gippsland Working Dog Group Inc. A0036244P. All Rights Reserved.