About Us
A Brief History
In October 1967, Mr and Mrs John Caldwell made public their intention of starting an obedience school for dogs in the Boronia area. Initial interest was limited, but they were determined to proceed. Training commenced in a foundation member’s backyard and a committee was formed, although at this early stage the club had no formal name. The Shire of Knox was approached to obtain permission to use Batterham Reserve as a training ground.
The first General Meeting of the Club was held on 11 December 1967. At this meeting John Caldwell was elected President, Joyce Caldwell Secretary, Zara Mitchell Treasurer, Lois McMillan Assistant Secretary, with Trevor Heywood, Pauline Lewis and Vivien Smith elected to the Committee. It was also decided to seek permission from the Knox Shire Council to name the club the Knox Obedience Dog Club, which was granted. Council approval was also given for the use of Batterham Reserve on Sundays between 10.00 am and 12.00 noon on a one-month trial basis. This trial proved successful and membership steadily increased. In August 1968, the Knox Obedience Dog Club gained affiliation with the Kennel Control Council.
Knox made obedience history on 27 October 1968 when it hosted a combined Obedience and Show Competition in aid of the Knoxbrooke Training Centre. The Club’s first Open Trial was held in August 1970.
As membership continued to grow, the Club faced a number of challenges in securing suitable training venues. During the wet winter months of 1974, training was conducted on the top of the K-Mart car park, a workable solution for non-jumping dogs but less suitable for advanced classes and junior members. In 1975, permission was granted by Knox Council to use Schultz Reserve in Wantirna, providing a larger training area usable year-round, despite ongoing parking and toilet difficulties. Toward the end of 1977, Schultz Reserve became unavailable and training concluded for the year at the Wantirna Cricket Club Reserve off Mountain Highway.
In early 1978, the Club shared facilities with the Softball Association at Gilbert Park, Knoxfield, with the intention of eventually using adjacent land. Unfortunately, the area proved too small and prone to flooding. Midway through 1978, the Club hired land next to the Carrington Park Leisure Centre, but rising rental costs soon made this unviable. After extensive negotiations, Knox Council agreed to grant the Club use of part of Knox Park on a one-year trial basis. On 12 August 1979, Knox Obedience Dog Club officially moved to Knox Park.
The trial period was successfully completed and, for the first time, the Club had a permanent home that members could develop to suit their needs. Although a clubhouse initially seemed only a dream, members worked tirelessly to make it a reality. Through a ten-year bank loan and the sale of debentures to members, construction commenced, and in September 1981 the clubhouse was completed and ready for use. Members then undertook the task of fitting out the interior, an ongoing process as the Club continued to grow. The bank loan and debentures were repaid ahead of schedule, with final repayments completed on 31 May 1982.
On 27 June 1982, the clubhouse was officially opened by the then Mayor of Knox, Cr Hurtle Lupton, who later became the Club’s patron in 1989. Continued growth saw membership exceed 1,000 people for two consecutive years, and increasing activities soon highlighted the need for further expansion. In November 1983, Knox Council approved an interest-free loan over three years to assist with extensions and alterations to the clubhouse. These extensions commenced in July 1984 and were completed in time for the Club’s trial in October that year. During this period, Council also undertook improvements to Knox Park, including sealing access roads and constructing a car park behind the clubhouse.
Throughout its history, Knox has been a leader in canine sport. The Club was one of the first in Victoria to conduct Agility Trials following the introduction of agility in 1987, and was also the first club in Victoria to run an Endurance Trial.
From its beginnings in a backyard to the establishment of its own purpose-built clubhouse, the Knox Obedience Dog Club’s history is one of dedication, resilience and community spirit. The Club continues to be proud of its outstanding instructors, strong volunteer culture and excellent training facilities, built through decades of hard work, cooperation and friendship.
Club Logo
Over many years, the club has been identified by the old logo below, which has served it well until early 2022 when members voted for a change. It is felt that the new logo is more inclusive and better represents the current values of the club.
The club pays homage to our old logo as it has a special place in the hearts of many members.
Old club logo New club logo