THE 24th annual Australian Kelpie Muster has been cancelled with organisers pulling the pin on Casterton’s landmark event due to Victoria’s current COVID-19 health crisis.
The Casterton Kelpie Association announced its decision earlier this week after originally postponing the event – which generates an estimated $1.6m for the district economy – from June to October.
As Victoria’s COVID-19 cases grow and border restrictions tighten, association president Karen Stevens said there was no other option.
“We sincerely thank our volunteers, community groups, local businesses and sponsors for their support and patience as we have navigated our way through these uncertain times,” Ms Stevens said.
“While this is a great disappointment for all involved and our community, the committee have been left with no option as the COVID-19 situation in Victoria is not contained.”
Moving forward the association will put all its energy into the 2021 event, which will mark the 25th year of the Working Dog Auction.
The milestone event was expected to take the total value of working dogs sold annual action to $3m.
