The award show recognises the best events in the country, with the Kelpie Muster outshining 64 other nominees, including household names such as Melbourne’s Moomba Festival 2025, Deniliquin’s Deni Ute Muster 2025, and Vivid Sydney 2026, to claim the nation’s highest event accolade.
The achievement is even more remarkable due to the Casterton Kelpie Association being a completely volunteer-run event in a town of fewer than 2,000 people, defeating some of Australia’s largest and most established events.
The top award capped off an already extraordinary night for the Kelpie Muster, with the iconic event also claiming the Best Association Event and Best Community Event and was also recognised as Victoria’s Best Tourism Event.
For three decades, Glenelg Shire Council has proudly supported the event, which has grown from a grassroots community celebration into one of Australia's most recognised regional events. The crown follows the hugely successful 30th edition of the Australian Kelpie Muster and Working Dog Auction in June this year.
President of the Casterton Kelpie Association, Mrs Karen Stephens, said the award belonged to generations of volunteers, supporters and community members who had built the event from the ground up.
“To see a volunteer-run event from the birthplace of the Kelpie standing alongside Australia’s most iconic festivals, and then taking home the top honour, is something our entire community can be incredibly proud of,” she said.
Mrs Stephens, also the Mayor of the Glenelg Shire, said the award was a powerful reminder of the role events play in supporting regional communities.
“The Kelpie Muster showcases what makes our region so special. Our people, our traditions, our landscapes and our ability to bring visitors from across Australia together for a truly unique experience,” she said.
Since its inception in 1997, the Casterton Kelpie Association, supported by Glenelg Shire Council, has transformed the Kelpie Muster from a local celebration into an award-winning national tourism drawcard and one of Australia's premier regional events.
Glenelg Shire Council extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Casterton Kelpie Association and all its volunteers, competitors, local businesses, and community members who have contributed to the Kelpie Muster's success. This award is a testament to the community spirit that continues to make Casterton and Glenelg Shire such a special place.