History

In 1938, members attached to clubs situated in the northern and western suburbs of Melbourne defected from their governing body, the Victorian Homing Association, to form their own Federation, “the Victorian Racing Pigeon Union”. There were over 200 members competing during the racing season.

The purposes for which the Victorian Racing Pigeon Union was established at this time and still remain as important today are:

1. To encourage the breeding and racing of racing pigeons.

2. To encourage the staging of combined races between all affiliated clubs.

3. To encourage an interest in and increase participation in the sport of pigeon racing.

4. To promote the highest ideals of sportsmanship and honesty in the sport of pigeon racing.

5. For the protection and improvement of pigeon racing and encouragement of Federation races.

In 1972, a number of clubs situated in the western suburbs left the Victorian Racing Pigeon Union to form their own Federation.

Current era

Today, the Victorian Racing Pigeon Union consists of approx. 75 flying members from the Brimbank, Broadmeadows, Coburg, Footscray, Glenroy, Northcote, Northern Suburbs, Pascoe Vale, Fawkner, Regent and Thomastown Homing Clubs.

The season commences on the last Saturday in June with a race from 160 kms and ends in early November with a race from 1000 kms. Included in the race schedule is a race from Tasmania.

The Victorian Racing Pigeon Union is managed by a President, Secretary and 9 committee members who act on behalf of the membership under the auspices of the rules and regulations contained in the constitution.

In 2000, the Victorian Racing Pigeon Union played a significant part in the development of the Victorian Code of Practice for the keeping and Racing of Pigeons. The principle effect of this code is to ensure the welfare of the pigeons remains the prime consideration in all activities associated with the sport of racing pigeons.

A continuing challenge to all racing pigeon federations is that the wide variety of leisure activities available to the population, decreasing housing lot sizes, council restrictions, initial costs to enter the sport, has seen the sport of pigeon racing fail to grow. It is essential that a unified membership assists to educate the general public and encourage persons to participate in this great sport of ours.