Annual John McGrath Volunteer of the Year Award

In 2015 we lost one of our most precious volunteers John "Cheify" McGrath.

The Casterton Kelpie Association stuck this award to recognise the significant contribution John made to the success and volunteering patronage of the Australian Kelpie Muster over many years.

John was a unique individual who was able to bring out the best in everyone, galvanise volunteer effort and pride, harmonise community volunteers whilst maintaining a productive, rewarding and enjoyable experience for all.

John was reliable, tireless, driven and held high expectations for our event and the quality of each activity or product that built and maintained our reputation. He strongly believed that the quality of what the event was able to deliver ensured Casterton was recognised on the regional, state, national and international agendas as ‘Birthplace of the Kelpie’ and home of the ‘Australian Kelpie Muster’. The award recognises the selfless and dedicated contribution of volunteers who consistently support our event, forming enduring friendships, growing our event and building a better community.

2024 John McGrath Volunteer Award Winner ...

Daniel Ball

The John McGrath Volunteer of the Year Award annually recognises one of our outstanding individuals who volunteer their time at our event. This year, for the first time, the award will be presented to someone not of Casterton heritage.

The association unanimously agreed that the worthy recipient of this prestigious award would be ‘the man in the black hat’ – Daniel Ball.

Being an avid supporter, trainer, and owner of kelpies, he thought it appropriate to attend the muster, and so he did in 2005. This first visit started what is now a sabbatical for the ‘Ball’ clan.

Since that initial connection with the Australian Kelpie Muster and all things Casterton - Daniel quickly bloomed, or, shall we say, ‘boomed’ into one of our most noticeable, reliable and dedicated volunteers.

Daniel originally entered events such as the Kelpie High Jump, Kelpie Dash, and the Kelpie Hill Climb. Then he and Joe Spicer mastered the art at the Kelpie Pinball, getting those pesky Indian Running Ducks through the obstacles. His knowledge as a competitor has then enabled him to assist with the logistics and running of the events.

His infectious personality, colossal presence, jovial nature, and desire to help others, combined with his commitment to volunteering during the lead-up to the event and then delivering events, come what may shined through.

Daniel is known for his generosity in and around the Island Park Caravan Park precinct. He ensures everyone is settled in and has all the necessities to enjoy their Casterton experience. He is our very own Russell Coight of Island Park!!

In recent years, Daniel and his girls, Sophie and Emily, have been instrumental in setting up the Dog Auction Shed and security. They have set out the floor plan, erected hessian barriers, ensured Vendor and corresponding dog information are correct for each pen, and secured the tethering chains for each entrant.

When the Dog Shed is done, Daniel will assist with setting up a variety of other auction infrastructure until it’s all done and it’s time to knock off for the day.

Daniel is a regular in the annual Street Parade. He proudly walks in the parade with his prized Kelpie, the large black hat, and engages with everyone along the way!

Daniel has been known to ‘vet’ dog entrants on Saturday morning at the Town Hall registration desk, determining whether that dog is a ‘kelpie’ – ensuring that the breed criteria are adhered to. Once that is done, he can be heard on the microphone commenting on the novelty event, pinball, or whatever is needed – always reliable and always there.

On Sunday morning, after a hard day at the office and a night at the pub – Daniel fronts up again for the Working Dog Auction demonstrations at 9.30 am ensuring the smooth running of the event by taking his turn on the microphone, advising spectators of the key attributes of the demonstrating Vendor and working dog for auction later that day.

This is an integral part of the auction, keeping prospective purchasers and the audience in attendance or via the livestream median informed and connected to our event with all the necessary information.

Daniel also coordinates, delivers and administers the Ewe, Me and the Dog working dog training school on the Monday of the King’s Birthday Weekend.

“The man in the black hat” is everyone’s go-to man, always obliging, extremely generous with his time and contribution to our event and is a proud and valued ambassador for Casterton, the Australian Kelpie Muster and the Kelpie.

Daniel Ball is a stalwart of our event; he is one of those valued individuals we look forward to seeing arrive in Casterton by placing his arrival date in our calendar.

His contribution to our event cannot be underestimated. He continues to support us with unwavering passion and commitment, epitomising the criteria and values of the John McGrath Volunteer of the Year and everything it represents. Recognising Daniel in this manner is an absolute honour, and we sincerely thank him.