Kim Dodson and Banjo, winners of the ABC’s Muster Dogs Season 3 will be at the 29th Australian Kelpie Muster in Casterton. Image – courtesy ABC Muster Dogs.

ABC Muster Dogs series stars Kim Dodson and her Kelpie Banjo will be special guests at the 29th Australian Kelpie Muster at Casterton this weekend.

Kim, who lives on a mixed cropping and sheep property near Kaniva in Western Victoria with her husband Shane and their two sons, rose to national recognition as one of the five trainers featured on the hit ABC series.

Her instant connection with Banjo, delivered to her sight unseen on the first day of filming, quickly made them fan favourites.

Kim said she had no idea what breed of working dog she was getting, but when Helen McDonald turned around with a Kelpie pup, “I was over the moon”.

“Our connection was immediate.”

Despite the series’ training challenges posed by the series trainers, Kim said the real reward was Banjo himself.

“I wanted to win—we all did—but I was already a winner, getting a dog like Banjo.

“He’s my absolute best mate.” Kim affectionately described Banjo as a “big doofus” and a “legend at work.”

Banjo has now started to do yard dog trials.

“I’m super impressed,” Kim said.

“He’s taking a bit of a back seat for now, but he’s still coming to work.

“I can see he’s going to be top dog before long.”

Kim and Banjo will join other Muster Dogs contestants and breeders at the 29th Australian Kelpie Muster, that celebrates the iconic Australian working dog.

“It’s such a privilege to be part of the muster,” Kim said.

“I’ve been before and loved it—it’s such a fun festival full of people who share the same passion for the breed.

“Banjo’s looking forward to all the pats and probably licking everyone too—he still hasn’t grown out of that.”

The pair will participate in meet-and-greets and discussions throughout the weekend, bringing the Muster Dogs’ spirit to life for fans of the show and Kelpie enthusiasts alike.

“The muster is such an important gathering for the working dog community.

“It allows us all to connect, especially in a season like this. And let’s be honest—we can talk dogs as much as we want and no one gets sick of listening,” Kim said.

The muster features a program of novelty events and a stockman’s challenge on Saturday followed by the Australian Premier Working Dog Auction on Sunday.