Speech in the ACT Legislative Assembly
16 March 2010 (additions made on 18 March)
On Sunday just passed, the National Sheep Dog Trial Championships wrapped up for another year. The Championships are a wonderful celebration of rural and regional communities, farming, friends, family, the village of Hall and of course, sheep dogs!
The National Trials began in 1942 to raise money for Legacy. The prestigious event has attended by a number of Governors-General, the Duke of Gloucester and even Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh visited the Trials in 1970. It is Australia’s premier Trials and is very well regarded throughout the world.
Mr Speaker, the Village of Hall punches above its weight. It is defined and tight-knit community that evolves with the times whilst championing their rich heritage.
The strength of the community is depicted by the huge community support the Trials received.
The sponsors and supporters of the 2010 Championships were:
- Manuel Notaras, Owner, ‘Parkwood’, via Hall
- Peter Vest, Manager, ‘Parkwood’, via Hall
- Craig Starr, Goldcreek Homestead
- The Working Kelpie Council of Australia Inc
- Morris Bros Automotive Dickson
- Cusacks of Canberra
- Ross Dodge
- Sabine Muller-Glissmann
- Barbara Brown
- The Village of Hall Progress Association
- The Hall Ladies National Sheepdog Trials Committee
In addition, I also thank:
- Canberra Rural Stockfeeds
- Greenwood Energy
- Hall Premier Store
- Hall P & C
- Hall Rotary
- Hall Vet Surgery
- Hazleton’s Hall Village Motors
- Hudson’s at the Gardens
- Jeir Creek wines
- Wood Duck Inn
I was very pleased to be able toattend a dinner on Thursday night which was also attended by the legendary Ian ‘Macca’ McNamara from the ABC program, Australia All Over. He led the crowd in a couple of classic Australian songs and provided much entertainment to an already very enjoyable night.
I would like to also thank the Hall Ladies Sheep Dog Trial Committee for their fantastic work in putting the event together. The Members are:
- Diane Aston
- Marion Banyard
- Garrie Greenwood
- Angie Hazlehurst
- Trish McIntyre
- Margaret Morris
- Margaret Monohan
- Helen White
I also acknowledge the leadership of Peter Welch who is the President of National Sheep Dog Trial Association, Inc. and the other members of his team
Finally, I would like acknowledge the winners.
The 2010 National Open Championship
Judge: Mr Barry Paton, Koroit, Victoria
1. Malcolm Taylor, Bridport, TAS, Somerville Floss
2. Daniel Stephens, Cobar, NSW, Romlee Ray
3. Greg Prince, Dubbo, NSW, Prince’s Whitey
4. Bruce Lang, Whitton, NSW, Collis Nessie
5. Charlie Cover, Yass, NSW, Windeyer Trish
6. Pip Hudson, Dubbo, NSW, Romlee Rain
7. Bill Davidson, Hallsville, NSW, Nardoo George
The Queen’s Trophy & The Duke of Gloucester Sash:
Malcolm Taylor, Bridport, TAS, Somerville Floss
The 2010 National Improver Championship
Judge: Mr Barry Paton, Koroit, Victoria
1. Graeme Henry, Ballimore, NSW, Windeyer Suzie Q
2. Bill Priest, Bunyan, NSW, Riverside Blossom
3. Leigh Foster, Tennyson, NSW, Rockbarton Max
4. Ray Polack, Dubbo, NSW, Romlee Peggy Sue
5. Jim Luce, Cowra, NSW, Renow Ned
6. Lew Noble, Lara, VIC, Noble Heir Shaq
The Governor General’s Sash:
Graeme Henry, Ballimore, NSW, Windeyer Suzie Q
The 2009 National Maiden Championship
Judge: Mr Will Goggin, Bredbo, NSW
1. Jim Dodge, Snake Valley, VIC, Viewfield Soldier
2. Laurie Slater, Murrumbateman, NSW, Wynella Rollo
3. Tony Elliott, Gundagai, NSW, Aubun Harvey
4. Tony Elliott, Gundagai, NSW, Ryan’s Whiske
5. Greg Prince, Dubbo, NSW, Glenmar Hutch
6. John Perry, Bredbo, NSW, Reidsville Dice
The New Zealand High Commission Shield
Jim Dodge, Snake Valley, VIC, Viewfield Soldier
Champion of Champions
Malcolm Taylor, Bridport, TAS, Somerville Floss
Ross Dodge Trophy
Malcolm Taylor, Bridport, TAS, Somerville Floss
Cusacks of Canberra Trophy
Greg Prince, Dubbo, NSW, Prince’s Whitey
Pip Hudson, Dubbo, NSW, Romlee Rain
Lawrie Tong Memorial Trophy
Graeme Henry, Ballimore, NSW, Windeyer Suzie Q
George Westcott Trophy
Greg Prince, Dubbo, NSW, Glenmar Hutch
The Working Kelpie Council of Australia Inc Trophy
Jim Luce, Cowra, NSW, Renow Ned
Ladies Trophy & Sash
Leigh Foster, Tennyson, NSW, Rockbarton Max
National First Time Trophy & Sash
Fred Cook, Scone, NSW, Nardoo Chloe
In conclusion, the National Sheep Dog Trial Championships is a wonderful event and one I’m very proud to have take place in the electorate I represent.
We all look forward to the 2011 event!
