Sheep dog trial to round-up funds

He said the main reason for holding the trials was to raise much-needed funds for the Eumungerie District Recreation Association.

“We’re only a small community but it’s evident the grounds need some work done and having the sheep dog trials will help us put together a few dollars and hopefully get the job done,” he said.

Hudson, who has been around working dogs since he was a kid, is putting the program together with his wife Carolyn, and he’s already called on some valued experience - that being his father Pip Hudson, one of the best known dog handlers in Australia.

“Dad’s going to head the judging panel so that’s another plus for the competition,” Mick said.

“The nomination forms have only been out a short time and already there are some quality entries coming in.

“Greg Prince from Dubbo has entered and names like Rob Pamment, Graham Henry, Toby Lindsay and Paul Elliott are also on the list. Greg (Prince) had a really good performance at the recent New South Wales State Sheep Dog trials held at Molong.

“Greg and his dog Princess Di and Bungendore’s Paul Darmody both qualified to compete at the Supreme Championships to be held in Warwick, Queensland on September 24 to 30.

From those championships an Australian team will be selected to clash with New Zealand next year.

“Both men are acknowledged as two of the best at their trade and while we welcome Greg out to Eumungerie we haven’t heard from Paul yet,” Hudson said.

Hudson said he hoped Eumungerie would attract at least 140 dogs to be entered in the three divisions - novice, improvers and open.

Prize money will be about $2500 which should make for some competitive divisions.

Part of the weekend will be a dinner at the Drover’s Dog Tavern at Eumungerie on the Saturday and the Recreation Association will be looking after the catering for the three days.

Anyone requiring information on the Eumungerie sheep dog trials can contact Mick or Carolyn Hudson on 6888 5675.