T
rialling in Victoria is healthy and vibrant. Mem-
bership is at an all-time high and continues to grow.
New trials appear on the calendar. here has been
an unprecedented level of support for new and inexperi-
enced members. Female membership exceeds 35%. Support
from our corporate partners is greater than at any time in
our history. And, the icing on the cake is a strong commu-
nal culture which is responsible for the position we enjoy.All members can be proud of their part in making the Associ-
ation appealing to individuals and corporations.In March, the Judges Subcommittee organised a seminar at
Ballarat which was very successful. Over 30 judges beneitted
from the collective wisdom and experience of Ian O’Connell,
Ian Evans, Rod Cavill, Joe Spicer and Norm Severs. he class-
room scenario was an experiment in judge training and with
the assistance of our tech guru, Danny Ruben, it was a gamble
worth taking and is a blueprint of future training.During the irst quarter of 2018, there have been seven En-
courage trial/training exercises, some over 2 days. hese trials
have been highlighted with handlers being given an indepth
evaluation of their performance by experienced triallers when
they come of the course. he positive feedback from participants
at each event has made the inancial contributions of the Asso-
ciation and the time commitment of volunteers, worthwhile.he North East and Gippsland zones have been especially ac-
tive with this initiative. We can, not unreasonably, anticipate
signiicant improvement in Encourage standards, particularly
from those members without regular work for their dogs or
access to sheep.Last December, a new constitution was adopted which will
enable future administrations to better manage the demands
of today’s society. he committee has been streamlined, disci-
plinary, appeal and mediation procedures modernised, more
stringent membership application requirements introduced,
the addition of a 2nd Vice President to share the workload and
improve succession planning and a handing over of control of
the sporting rules from the AGM to the Central Committee.he removal of proxies was a landmark decision and will re-
duce opportunities to stack meetings.he 2018 Rural Bank – CopRice Series will be conducted at
Bairnsdale [April], Bendigo [July], Sheepvention [August]
and Casterton [November]. he best 3 scores count.he CopRice Victorian Championships will be at Sheepven-
tion [Farm], Casterton [Yard] and Alexandra [Utility (Decem-
ber)].We have established the Victorian Working Dog Foundation
Ltd, with the principal purpose being to fund initiatives which
permanently enhance the VYUFDA. he Foundation is a
vehicle for people to bequeath or donate monies and will be
administered by three Directors, two of whom will be inde-
pendent of the VYUFDA. Its funds will not be used for the day
to day operation of the Association.Visit http://www.vyufda.com.au for up to date news, results and
dates.The VICS
move
ahead
Article supplied by
Naomi White (Sec)http://www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 81