Mr Lawrence M. Dugdale
Origins of the Dugdale Theatre and Cattle Sale Ring
The man behind the record-breaking prices in the Dugdale beef cattle sale ring and free kids entertainment at the Dugdale Theatre is none other than Lawrence M. Dugdale.
A sound cattle judge and enthusiastic community spirit, Mr Dugdale had been a member of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria since 1922 and was elected a member of the Council in 1946, going on to serve six terms as Vice President.
Mr Dugdale had a firm interest in beef cattle breeding which saw him win a number of championships at both Melbourne and Sydney Royal Shows with cattle from his stud ‘Banool,’ which he had established in 1940. He was also internationally recognised for his judging skills at many Royal shows across Australia and New Zealand.
Then, in 1945, he took on the role of president of the Victorian branch of the Shorthorn Society, serving for four years before being elected Federal president in 1951.
His passing in August 1957 at age 60 was a great loss to the society and to the beef cattle industry of Australia.
In honour of his contributions, the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria erected the beef cattle sale ring and the Dugdale Children’s Theatre.
Lawrence M. Dugdale. Photo source: Pastoral Review and Graziers' Record, 16 September 1957.