Winner: George Norman with this Champion Australian Australorp.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Benalla’s George Norman has been breeding prize chooks his whole life.
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“I got my first chicken when I was 12, and now I’m heading to 82,” George said.
“Nearly 70 years, and in that time, I’ve gained the respect of fellow exhibitors to the point where I am a life member of five clubs and patron of two.
“And those two clubs are the biggest clubs we have in Australia.”
So when the 175th Melbourne Show announced its featured chicken breed would be the Australian Australorp, a bird George knows well, he thought he was in with a chance of taking home a prize or two.
Which is exactly what he did.
Award: Benalla's George Norman won this beautiful award at the 2023 Royal Melbourne Show.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
“We were fortunate to win Champion Large Australorp in Show and supreme champion feature breed with a large black standard Cockerel,” George said.
“This follows our successful showing in the Victorian Championships in July, where we also won champion cockerel.”
George said winning awards for something, which is his life’s passion was very rewarding.
“I have never shown, in my seven decades of exhibiting, a bird I did not breed,” he said.
“I won my first award for Champion Utility Fowl at the Dandenong Agricultural Show in 1954.”
George said he now also has a passion for mentoring and encouraging young chook breeders.
Decorated: Benalla's George Norman with some of his recent awards.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
“Whether it be as a hobby, exhibiting, or just having fowls around the backyard. I’ll encourage everyone. They can come here. I’ll talk to them and give them advice.”
George also supports up-and-coming breeders through sponsorship.
“In July 2023, we sponsored and donated to the Junior Country Championship,” he said.
“At this event, a record entry was recorded with the winner encouraged to exhibit at the Royal Melbourne Show.
“The winner was a young man, aged ten, Oliver Jones, and he entered his birds in the Royal Melbourne Show winning Grand Champion Junior.
“I say congratulations to young Oliver on his success.”
If you would like advice on your chickens and are keen to tap into George’s vast knowledge, give him a call on 0477 567 088.
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