Australian Utility Championships Return to Nyngan for 2026

Australia's top utility working dogs and handlers prepare

Details and entry via NSW Yard Dog Association

Utility events showcase working dog and their handler's partnership and ability combining both a paddock and yard elements. The dog's skill in bringing sheep through a course with control and stockmanship as well as a strong partnership with their handler. At Nyngan the course consists of a cast, gate obstacles, a yard and completed with the penning of the sheep within a time limit.

Event organiser, Gary White, says he looks forward to the event every year.

"To bring together the best utility dogs and handers in Australia is always special, but at Nyngan we also want to support young and new people through the Nursery and Novice divisions," said Gary.

"It's always a good fun three days with a number of social get-togethers and opportunities for everyone to stand around the fire for a yarn. One of the highlights is also the Interstate Challenge that we run under lights."

This year's event is being held 30th July – 2nd August 2026 at Nyngan Showgrounds, Hoskins Street Nyngan. The Finals will be live-streamed and available to watch via Gary White Working Dog Training Facebook page.

Entries close Thu 16 July, with no late entries excepted.

Event One – Nyngan Toyota NURSERY Trial - (Junior Trial Incorporated into this event)

Entry Fee $10.00 - To be run 6pm Friday 31st July – A Handler who has not won a Nursery Utility Trial or Novice or above in any form of trial.

PRIZEMONEY – 1ST $100.00 - 2nd $60.00 - 3rd $40.00

Event 2 - Tony Walsh Sheep & Cattle Scanning NOVICE Trial Entry Fee $15.00 - To commence Thursday Afternoon 30th July - Open to dogs that have not won a Novice or higher Utility Trial

PRIZEMONEY – 1ST $500.00 - 2nd $400.00 - 3rd $300.00 – 4th $200.00 – 5th $100.00

Event 3 – Carter Lindsay McHugh – IMPROVER - Entry Fee $12.00

PRIZEMONEY – 1ST $300.00 - 2nd $200.00 - 3rd $100.00

Event 4 – Australian Utility CHAMPIONSHIPS - Entry Fee $25.00 Open to any grade dogs. To commence Thursday morning 30th July.

PRIZEMONEY – 1ST $1500.00 - 2nd $1000.00 - 3rd $500.00 – 4th $350.00 – 5th $250.00 – 6th $150.00 – 7th $50.00

Event 5 – Tilt Renewables Australian Utility INTERSTATE CHALLENGE PRIZEMONEY – 1ST $400.00 – 2nd -$200.00 Entries Close - Thursday 16th July – NO PHONE ENTRIES

PLEASE NOTE: We will be starting with the Open (Not Novice) Thursday morning 30th July.