The Armidale Autumn Festival will showcase an exciting new attraction in 2026 – working stock dog demonstrations presented by the Armidale Working Stock Dog Club.
These demonstrations will give festival-goers a glimpse into the incredible skills and training that go into working dogs. Visitors can expect to see dogs performing essential tasks such as backing in a race, drafting, collecting sheep, and moving them in a controlled manner.
The team will also demonstrate how they start training a young dog, and if pups are available, there will be a special puppy demo – a chance to witness the rewarding moment when a pup first switches on” to sheep.
Multiple handlers will participate, bringing a variety of experience and showcasing dogs at different stages of training.
The Armidale Working Stock Dog Club has a proud history, originally formed as the volunteer committee for the New England Yard Dog Championships and Cattle Dog Trial, one of Australia’s largest and longest-running trials, held annually in Armidale for over 40 years.
“Our working dogs are an essential part of managing sheep and cattle effectively,” said Tammi Czapracki from the Armidale Working Stock Dog Club. “We’re passionate about what we do and excited to share this with the wider community at the Armidale Autumn Festival.”
“If we can inspire the younger generation to take an interest in working dogs and the agricultural industry, that would be amazing.”
The demonstrations promise to be an engaging and educational experience, celebrating the vital role of working dogs in agriculture and the lifestyle that supports our region.
Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland said the working dog demonstrations will be part of a new lineup of attractions at the 2026 Autumn Festival that will also include a vintage machinery and lost trade displays.
“The Autumn Festival has always been about celebrating the spirit of Armidale, and in 2026 we’re adding some truly special events and demonstrations,” said Mayor Coupland.
“Alongside the working dog demonstration, visitors can look forward to vintage machinery and lost trades displays. These attractions will showcase the ingenuity of past generations and remind us of the craftsmanship and agricultural heritage that shaped our region.”
The working dog, vintage machinery and lost trades displays will be part of an eclectic Autumn Festival lineup that will include the skywhales – two hot air balloon installations that are part of a National Gallery of Australia touring exhibition – the iconic street parade, Breakfast with the Band and Armidale Campus to City Canter.
The 2026 Autumn Festival will be held on Saturday 21 March, 2026. Float and stall applications for the event are now open. Visit www.armidale.nsw.gov.au/Our-region/Events/Autumn-Festival-2026 for more information.
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