Chairman of Retrieving and Field Trialling (RAFT), Mr Tony Palmer, visited East Gippsland to announce that Bairnsdale has been selected to host the 2024 National Retrieving Championships in September this year. 
These championships have been held on an annual basis for many years. Last year's event was held in Western Australia.
Retrieving trials seek to set up an event to replicate hunting. Animals are not harmed at the trial. "Game" is thrown and placed by the judge, guns are fired using blank ammunition and dogs and their handlers are required to work together as a team to located and retrieve the game.
Labradors are by far the most popular dog breed due to their hunting instincts and trainability. However, all gundog breeds are eligible to compete, and it is common to see German shorthaired pointers, golden retrievers and spaniels in the field. 
Competing dogs are highly trained by their owners and love doing what comes naturally to them.

IMAGE: The 2024 National Retrieving Championships will be held in Bairnsdale this September.