Gary White is the newly crowned Australian Utility Sheepdog Champion following his win on the weekend at the event in Nyngan with his kelpie dog White’s Albert.

Mr White who also placed 6^th in the Open, first in the Improver, second and third in the Novice and second in the Interstate Challenge with Team mate Les Eveleigh of Neilrex, did his hometown of Nyngan proud.

Competitors travelled from all states in Australia to take part in the prestigious event which is in its fourth year and hotly contested for those wishing to take home the ‘Australian’ Title.

"I was really happy with how my dogs went this week at the Trial," said Mr White.

"Utility trialing is the measure of a true all-round dog, with both paddock and yard components, it is designed to model as close to farm work as possible.

"Being able to have a dog that is competent in all areas makes stock work much easier for farmers and is the type of dog that they want to have.

"There were so many great handlers at the trial, it was good to see how everyone worked and trained their dogs for the event," said Mr White.

Gary White working White's Albert in the Australian Utility Championships - Image Australian Utilty Championships.

Molong farmer Nigel Brazier took out first and fourth in the Novice section with his dogs Joey and Georgie, as well as fourth place in the Improver and fifth in the open section.

“I love the challenge of the sheep and the course in Nyngan. I am really pleased with the way my young dog Gwydir Joey handled it.

“It was nice to meet competitors from the other states and see their dogs. I am really looking forward to next year,” said Mr Brazier.

Nigel Brazier competing in the Australian Utility Championships - Image Australian Utilty Championships.

Victorian competitor Bree Cudmore who competed and also judged a portion of the event, said she enjoyed the competition and the challenge of the stock.

“It was a fantastically run and organised trial, a great group of people and the competition was exactly how it should be for an Australian Championship.

“A highlight for me was the comradery between competitors no matter where they come from,” said Ms Cudmore.

Bree Cudmore braved the cold conditions to compete in the Australian Utility Championships - Image Australian Utilty Championships.

Adrian Carpenter of Tasmania has travelled over for the trial since it began and says it is one of his favourite events on the mainland.

Mr Carpenter took out the coveted Interstate Challenge, whereby two handlers from each state vie for the ‘Interstate’ winner’s title, as well as being successful in the Open and novice events.

“We have really enjoyed the trial this year. It was a very well-run event, and the small committee do an amazing job.

Adrian Carpenter of Tasmania with his dogs Ally and Piper - Image Australian Utilty Championships.

“The whole trial is great. I like the challenge and the set up. You have to have a bit of everything in your dog to complete the course and post a score.

“I was really happy to win the Interstate Challenge. It is good to come to the mainland and compete amongst the top level of dog trailing, and to meet workers from all over Australia.

“We are really looking forward to next year’s event already,” said Mr. Carpenter.

Hannah Parker of Muttama was the winner and second placegetter of the Nursery section at the Australian Utility Championships - Image Australian Utility Championships.

Results as follows:

Open Utility Championships

1^st      Gary White               NSW  Whites Albert

2^nd     Adrian Carpenter      TAS     Hilton’s Piper

3^rd      Bree Cudmore           VIC     Vera Slim

4^th       Les Eveleigh              NSW   Major

5^th       Nigel Brazier              NSW   Georgie

6^th       Gary White                NSW   White’s Pint

7^th      Bree Cudmore            NSW   Lanarch Moana

Improver Utility Championships

1^st      Gary White                NSW  White’s Albert

2^nd     Les Eveleigh               NSW   Major

3^rd      Tony Overton             NSW  Gwydir Zeva

4^th      Nigel Brazier             NSW   Sterlo

Novice Utility Championships

1^st      Nigel Brazier             NSW   Gwydir Joey

2^nd     Gary White                 NSW   White’s Chrissie

3^rd      Gary White                NSW  White’s Banjo

4^th      Nigel Brazier             NSW  Georgie

5^th      Adrian Carpenter       TAS     Illoura Ally

6^th      Chris Coman             QLD    Eldorado George

Nursery Utility Championships

1st Hannah Parker NSW Bev

2nd Hannah Parker NSW Ava

3rd Rach Land NSW Zip-tie

Interstate Challenge

1^st      Tasmania

2^nd     NSW

3^rd      Victoria

4^th      Qld

5^th      SA

6^th      WA