Our History

Year	Branch Highlights
2017	Western branch celebrated our 40th Anniversary !!
June 2013	As most people are aware June 1 was the night of the Western Annual Trivia night. We were proud of the number of people we had turn up (the usual culprits and some fresh face newbies) The night was a good night in all and we’d like to thank all that attended. Trevor Williams was the lucky winner of the door prize. Our winning group And the group that came in last (Better luck next year)
April 2013	2013 saw the GSDCV take part in the 2013 RCH Good Friday appeal for the 30th year.The official collection came in at $46,458.30, meaning that the club has helped raise a grand total of $496,160.20 over the last 30 years. A big thank you goes out to Bernie Lester, Lyn Pickering and Dom Cafari along with all the others who helped to organise such a great day. And to all those who volunteered their time, what a great job you all did. Thank you to all those who took their dogs down to Etihad to showcase our breed. All the kids and adults loved it. Once again a big thank you to all who helped make this milestone a possibility
2008	2008 was our 25th year collecting for the Good Friday Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal,we broke our previous year total and raised $34,946.90, taking our overall total to $305,085.15. In October we had our 30 year anniversary as a branch and 10 years since we built our clubrooms, a big turn up of past committee, instructors and members came along in the morning to watch training and help celebrate our 30 years in the West.
2007	Western gained 2 new show instructors in Michelle Mercieca and Natasha McPherson. The Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal was a huge success again with a record amount being collected $28,260.15. On the social scene much has happened with raffles, fund raising with chocolate drives,a slice drive and a garage sale. We held a trivia night, social night out for tea at the Galli Restaurant, a Melbourne Cup day BBQ, shopping spree tour and an Instructors and committee night out at the Tivoli.
2006	We welcomed 2 new obedience instructors this year, Roslyn Mills and Lee Dare and 1 new show aspirer Michelle Mercieca. The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday collection was again successful raising $24,728.25, a 23 year total of $241,878.10. Western’s Committee and Instructors night out at the Galli Restaurant was great, as was the Members night out at the club. The Presentation dinner was excellent, 88 people attended. Western’s funday turned out to be a very wet one but this didn’t dampen our spirits.
2004	We have 2 new aspirers being Maryrose Flaherty in Obedience and Natasha McPherson in show, both have passed their exams and are awaiting their practical. 2004 was our 21st year collecting for the Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal on Good Friday, again we broke our previous year total and raised $23,498.30, taking our overall total to $195,950.75. Presentation day/Break up was fantastic with 90 people turning up and enjoyed a spit roast lunch. Santa arrived on a Harley Davidson and presented every child with a few gifts.
2003	Welcome 3 new instructors in Pat Neicho, Carole Osborne and Anne Geddes. Natasha McPherson is our new show aspirer. Fundraisers were a trivia night, chocolate drive and raffles. Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal collection raised $22,923.70 taking our overall total to $172,452.45. Thanks to Northern, Skye, Bendigo and Eastern. This is our 20th year of collecting.Western held a breed Survey with Val and Frank Moody’s Shaleedy Moody Blues(Jazz) gaining class 1. Later that year Berine Lester and Tardel Cracka Jack (Arden) also gained class 1. Anne Geddes gained first excellent with Lassland Storm Trooper (Decoda) and is now multi excellent.
2002	Congratulations to Merle Sinclair who passed her obedience aspiring instructors test. Our 2 aspiring show intsructors Carole Osborne and Anne Geddes will be tested early 2003. Congratulations Carole and Ian Osborne obtaining their first Excellent with Shaleedy Justa Legend. Congratulations Andrew Saliba and Will achieving obedience champion title. Merle Sinclair and Candy, Pauline Kinght and Shona, Ros Mills and Chester and Roy Grainger and Rex all obtained their CD Titles. Roy Grainger with Rex and Merle Sinclair with Candy also obtained their CDX. Congratulations to Lyn Pickering with Lani and Kiera obtaining their TD. Royal Children’s Good friday Appeal raised $14,075.45 taking our overall total to $149,528.75
2001	We have at last had significant signage erected on the main frontage of our ground facing Green Gully Road, This is already assisting in identifying us to the public and attracting new members. Royal Children’s Good Friday Appeal raised $15,408.20 taking our overall total to $135,453.30. It was Western’s 18th year collecting. Of our showing members the highest award possible of Excellent select was achieved by Winbirra Elegance, congratulations Dom and Gill Cafari. This earns them the coverted place on our honor board with past Excellent select and obedience Champions of the branch.
2000	Committee and members congratulate Roy Grainger and Max on achieving his Tracking Champion Title at Haddon on 29/4/00. Max completed track 6 with a grading of excellent, which made him the first dog to achieve this title in Victoria. Fundraising headed by Tony Mercieca organized 2 BBQ’s at Bunnings and a chocolate drive, these events raised $3,000 for the branch. Western were joined by Northern, Skye and Eastern branches to help raise $13,507.52 for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, this is our 17th year straight of collecting taking our overall total to $120,045.10.
1999	Western hosted a breed survey on the 20th June, 6 dogs went through 3 of which were from Western. A special thank you to Phil Lazaric, Evan Pasqua and Shirley Petrella who each in turn stepped into the Chief Instructors position during the course of the year. Royal Childrens Hospital Good Friday Appeal raised $12,131.75 bringing our overall total to $106,537.58.
1998	This year’s big event for the branch was the completion of our own clubhouse. This was not possible without the assistance of all members of the clubhouse sub-committee being, Tony Mercieca, Susan Kovacic, Frank Moody, Bernie Lester, Rudy Petrella, Ernie Doidge and past clubhouse sub-committees. The official opening of the clubhouse was on 5th April 1998 by Club Patron Tom Luxton. The branch also celebrated it’s 21st Birthday. Congratulations to Frank Moody who was presented with life membership from the club. This year Western branch raised $8,124.77 for the Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal, taking our overall total to $94,405.83.
1997		BASED AT GREEN GULLY RESERVE Branch Manager Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor D.Cafari T.Mercieca S.Kovacic C.Wood Lease signed on 22/10/97 with Council – Clubroom slab laid on 31/10/97 Titles gained: Obedience = 3 CD, 2 UD, 1 TD and 2 Excellents and 1 Australian Champion. Show = 9 Excellents, 1 Dual Excellent in Obedience & Show and 2 Australian Champions. A.Saliba and Silcron Firedrake – VCA Obedience Dog of the Year. Service awards = 5 years service to R.Harris and M.Mercieca
1996		BASED AT GREEN GULLY RESERVE Branch Manager Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor R.Harris/D.Cafari T.Mercieca S.Kovacic S.Petrella/C.Wood Titles gained – Obedience = A.Saliba & Silcron Firedake – UD 1st In Open and Best in Trial – 198 pts in the Royal Melbourne show. SOCIAL EVENTS Good Friday Walk raised Participated in the Keilor Festival again. Outstanding Service Award Bernie Lester.
1995		BASED AT GREEN GULLY RESERVE Branch Manager Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor R.Harris B.Frantzeskos T.Frantzeskos D.Pook/S.Petrella T.Mercieca R.Petrella V & F.Tantaro awarded life members of GSDCV Inc. Titles gained – Obedience 4 CD, 2 CDX, 1 TDX, and Show 5 Excellents Five bitches gaining Class 1 classification and 19 dogs gaining ‘A’ ‘Z’ Stamp. SOCIAL EVENTS Good Friday Walk raised $9,000.00 Demo – 1st Keilor Festival at Keilor oval.
1994		BASED AT GREEN GULLY RESERVE Branch Manager Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor R.Petrella B.Frantzeskos D.Cafari B.Lester Outstanding Service award (Club) – R.Petrella Service Awards – 5 Years to C.Osborne, F. Tantaro, and 10 years service to R.Dyer. Eight demos held this year. SOCIAL EVENTS Good Friday walk raised $6,408.54 Cricket match Trivia Night Shopping Spree
1993		BASED AT GREEN GULLY RESERVE Branch Manager Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor V.Moody R.Harris D.Cafari B.Lester Average numbers of dogs training = 65. Titles gained = Obedience – 4 CD, 1 CDX, 1 UD and show = 5 Excellents Instructors Service Awards = 5 Years – C.Wood and N. Knight and 10 years service – P.Wood, L.Dyer and A.Saliba Good Friday Walk raised $8,200.00.which brought our 10 year total to $54,584.47 Walk against Cruelty to Animals helped to raise $1,221.35 along with some Malvern members. SOCIAL EVENTS Shopping Trip Cricket Match – Battle of the sexes – Men won!!!! Presentation night at Rockbank Hall Western hosted a Funday Dinner dance cancelled due to lack of numbers.
1992		BASED AT GREEN GULLY RESERVE Branch Manager Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor V.Moody E.Old D.Cafari B.Lester Average numbers of dogs training = 68. Winner of the Gwen Ibbott Memorial Shield. Titles gained – Obedience – 4 CD, 1 CDX and Show – 8 Excellents Lecture at branch by Dr Wing Tip Wong. SOCIAL EVENTS Good Friday Walk raised $5,880.59 Demo at City Square Shopping Tour Ringcraft Day Dinner Dance Cricket Match Presentation night at Rockbank Hall.
1991		BASED AT GREEN GULLY RESERVE Branch Manager Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor J.Jordan V.Watt R.Petrella R.Dyer Average numbers of training per week = 52. Titles gained = Obedience – A.Saliba & Silcron Firedrake – Royal Melbourne show -1st in Open and 192 pts and Best in Trial. Obedience = 6 CD, 1 UD. Donations received for Agility Equipment which our members built. SOCIAL EVENTS Good Friday walk raised $7,727.10 Demos at MSS St Albans, Greenvale Hospital, Mt Royal visits every second Sat Tree Planting day at Western Dinner dance at Ardmillan House Ten Pin Bowling and a Trivia Night Shopping trip Cricket Match Presentation night at Rockbank Hall Lecture at general meeting by Dr Roger Lavelle
1990		BASED AT GREEN GULLY RESERVE Branch Manager Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor F.Moody V.Watt R.Petrella A.Saliba Average number of dogs training per week = 50. Titles gained – Obedience = 2 CD, 4 CDX, 1 TD and Show = 3 Excellents SOCIAL EVENTS Good Friday Appeal raised $7000.78. Demo team did demos at Werribee Veterinary Clinic, Victorian Dog Festival and the Multiple sclerosis society of St Albans Trivia night at Club rooms Cricket match – Captains L.Dyer and V.Moody – Lyn’s team won. Presentation night at Pt Cook RAAF Base.
1989		BASED AT GREEN GULLY RESERVE Branch Manager Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor F.Moody V.Watt R.Petrella A.Saliba Membership is now 359. Average numbers training each week = 54. Titles gained this year were – Obedience – 4 CD, 3 GD and Show – 3 Excellents A Ringcraft day was held with 297 entries. SOCIAL EVENTS Demo team went to Corio festival Mount Royal visits now at every 2nd Saturday Cricket match – F.Moodys team won. Good Friday Walk raised $6,762.79 plus $1500 donated by Gas & Fuel again.
1988		BASED AT GREEN GULLY RESERVE Branch Manager Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor F.Moody V.Watt R.Petrella A.Saliba This was the year that the Demo team received sponsorship from Westfield Shopping Centre. Demos were held at Westfield Shopping Centre and Freemason’s Lodge, Hawthorn. Hosted a Breed Survey and the GSDCV Open show & Restricted Trial. SOCIAL EVENTS Good Friday Walk raised $4,244.34 plus another $1200 raised by J.Jordan (Gas & Fuel). Dinner Dance – Ardmillan House Cricket Match – Captains F.Moody ( WINNING TEAM) and J.Bradbury – Presentation night at the Clubrooms. Best Performance Show and Trial,Winner Bernie Lester and Rodatt Numbat ‘A’ 16th National Nuriootpa,South Australia.
1987		BASED AT GREEN GULLY RESERVE Branch Manager Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor A.Boyd M.Boyd A.Saliba B.Lester SOCIAL EVENTS. Good Friday Appeal raised – $4621.95 plus $1422 raised by J.Jordan at his work Gas & Fuel for Ronald McDonald House. Pokie trip to Corowa Scrumptious smorgasbord by Brad & Michelle McKenzie (both chefs at Moonee Valley) provided to members fir $7.00 /head Mount Royal visits continued
1986		BASED AT GREEN GULLY RESERVE. Branch Manager Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor A.Boyd M.Boyd A.Saliba B.Lester This was the start of our visits to Mount royal every Saturday morning (organised by L.Dyer) to take dogs to visit the elderly. John Jordan and his blind dog Crystal gained their CD title, only blind dog we know of at that time to do this. SOCIAL EVENTS Dinner Dance – Ardmillan house, Moonee Ponds. Pokie Trip to Corowa Presentation night at clubrooms ( 10th Anniversary) Good Friday Walk raised $3,919.00 Hosted another funday. Annual Cricket match – won again by B.Lester’s team. A.Saliba was presented with a HUGE Dummy !!!
1985		Branch Manager Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor A.Boyd M.Boyd A.Saliba B.Lester This was the year of the 13th National, held in Penrith NSW. Western’s 1st and only Open Dog Winner- CH. Karlrach Satan’s Rites owned by Vince & Fran Tantaro. This was also the year that Gwen Ibbott died, and it was decided to name the shield in honour of Gwen. Western won the shield this year. Hosted our 1st Breed Survey in 5 years. Demo’s:- Weekend at Moe putting on a demo for the new La Trobe Branch, at Moe. Ballarat Children’s home and also Royal Melbourne Show, Light Foot centre in Malvern, Guide dogs in Northland. Titles gained – Obedience – 9 CD, 3 CDX and Show – 5 Excellents SOCIAL EVENTS Good Friday walk raised $1600.R.Edwards and pup Barry had their photo put in the Sun newspaper. Hosted a fun day and also a Breed survey at our ground. Dinner Dance at Gardenhurst (Strathmore). This was the start of our Annual Cricket Matches. Captains were B.Lester (Winning Team) and A.Saliba.
1984		BASED AT GREEN GULLY RESERVE, KEILOR. Branch Manager Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor A.Boyd M.Boyd G.Burdon J.Vance(Railton) Was the start of our Good Friday walks – initiated by Bernie Lester. This is the first ground where we have had use of a Clubhouse. Titles gained – Obedience = 2 GD, 5 CD, 1 CDX and 2 UD. Show = 2 Excellents November was the eighth birthday of the branch. SOCIAL EVENTS Good Friday Appeal – raised $286.00 1st Tenpin Bowling and Counter Tea Day Pokie Bus Trip to Tocumwal Golf Club Presentation night Marriages in the Branch were Joan Vance (Chief Instructor ) and Russell Railton, and Michael and Jeanette Werner. AWARDS Melva Burdon was presented with a 5 year Service Award.
1983		BASED AT FOX STREET, CHURCHILL RESERVE, ST ALBANS. Branch Manager Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor A.Boyd M.Boyd Summerhays J.Vance Boyd/Burton Average numbers training – 45. This was the year of the 11th National held at Dandenong Show Grounds. Western responsible for the catering and selling of souvenirs. SOCIAL EVENTS Dinner Dance DEMO TEAM EVENTS Royal Melbourne Show ( Wood Chop Arena ) – Adults & Child Handlers Demo Teams 11th National – Adults & Child Handlers Demo Teams.
1982		BASED AT FOX STREET, CHURCHILL RESERVE, ST ALBANS. Branch Manager Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor V.Tantaro M.Johnson R.Schnoor D.Connors. Average numbers training – 30. The Branch was the winner of the Inter Branch Obedience Competition. SOCIAL EVENTS Wine & Cheese tasting Bus trip Pizza Night Dinner Dance at the sunshine Golf Club 1st Fun Day at Canning Reserve , Avondale Heights 1st Major raffle – BMX bike donated by Roy Granger – raised $1,000 profit The Branch still had one major goal , and that was to find a suitable permanent training ground.
1981		BASED AT DEER PARK RECREATION RESERVE, DEER PARK THEN TO FOX ST, ST ALBANS ON 13TH SEPT, 1981 Branch Manager Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor V.Tantaro F.Tantaro R.Schnoor D.Connors. Tea & Coffee was served from a tent, (card table) with hot water brought in, in air pots and cold drinks in eskies. This was the year that Western started it’s Demo Team Tuesday night training at Highpoint west. (Instructors – B.Lester, Frank & Margaret Valastro). Mid week show training was at Cordite Tea Gardens in Avondale Heights. SOCIAL EVENTS Disco at Plough Hotel , Footscray Snow Trip Wine Tasting Trip
1980		SUNSHINE WEST HIGH SCHOOL- THEN FROM JULY TO DEER PARK. Branch Manager Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor V.Tantaro F.Tantaro M.Giertolla U.Giertolla. Breed Survey held at Western, Primary School ground opposite the High school.
1979		APRIL ’79 – BASED AT SUNSHINE WEST HIGH SCHOOL Branch Manager Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor T.Bracken/V.Tantaro F.Tantaro M.Giertolla I.Goodman Obedience Instructors – U. Giertolla and I. Goodam Show Instructor – Vince Tantaro U.Giertolla was Western’s 1st OBE – Australian Champion
1978		HANSEN RESERVE THEN TO McIVOR RESERVE, WEMBLEY AVENUE, YARRAVILLE Branch Manager Secretary Treasurer Chief Instructor T.Bracken F,Tantaro M.Giertolla I.Goodman.
1977		BASED AT HANSEN RESERVE, FOOTSCRAY Branch Manager Secretary J.Pilgrim/G.Ninartawicz C.Ellis/F.Tantaro.