Twelve long-time members of the Port Adelaide Magpies – a team in the South Australian National Football League – visited the town for a day as part of their week long journey across north and south-west Victoria.
In fact, Casterton locals put on such a good show that tour organiser Brian Barnett said the group, dubbed the Tag Along Tour, would certainly be returning.
“We were absolutely amazed by the efforts of the locals to give us an informative and entertaining day,” he said.
“Everyone in our group agreed the visit to Casterton was the highlight of our trip.”
On arrival in Casterton, the group enjoyed homemade scones with jam while Jim Kent from the Casterton Historical Society provided them with the history of the township and district.
It was then time for a tour of the township, including the Kelpie trail, led by Councillor Karen Stephens.
“Karen was very informative and a great tour guide and you have a real treasure in Jim Kent whose presentation was first class,” Brian said.
A country-style lunch of homemade soup, hot roast lamb roll, slice and tea courtesy of the Casterton Kelpie Association was enjoyed at the James family’s property, “Iona” before the group enjoyed a demonstration of working Kelpies.
Kelpie enthusiast, Ian James combined with Matt Simmonds of Simmos Kelpies at Caramut in providing an informative session on training Kelpies before Kelpie breeder and trainer, Vin Joyce of Sandford and his dog, Blue gave a demonstration of a three sheep yard trial.
“The demonstration of Kelpies in action was just brilliant as not many of us had seen this before and we appreciated the simple explanation of how to train Kelpies and what to look for,” Brian said.
“We now know all about the Kelpie Muster weekend, which sounds like a fantastic event and one we could come back for.”
The Tag Along tour group continued in 4WD convoy to Portland before heading back to Adelaide on the weekend.
“We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to your town,” Brian said.
“Our thanks to Sharon McGrath for helping us organise our visit and everyone else for making us welcome – we shall certainly be back.”
 

The Casterton Kelpie Association committee played host to members of the Tag Along tour group from South Australia last week. The group spent an afternoon with committee members learning more about the upcoming Kelpie Muster weekend and enjoying a working Kelpie demonstration.

Well-known Kelpie breeder and trainer, Vin Joyce of Sandford takes his dog Blue through his paces in a demonstration of a three sheep yard trial for the Tag Along tour group members.