CULCAIRN, Holbrook and Walbundrie in southern NSW are considered a breeding ground for top talent in the shearing and wool handling industry.
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Jenni Turner has carved out a career in the industry and says prices for wool are currently at historic highs and now was a great time to put more emphasis on fast and efficient shearing and wool handling.
In recent times junior shearing sensation Charlie Dunn, 6, has put the region on the map after making his debut on the popular television program Little Big Shots.
In fact, encouraging young people to test their shearing skills is just another area that is being catered for at the Culcairn Show.
Ms Turner said the Show Society and the Men’s Shed had worked together to design some “wooden sheep” and some little hand pieces for the kids to use.
“If the kids are going in this I would encourage Mums to bring a towel along because the (wooden) sheep will be covered in shaving cream for the kids to shear off,” Ms Turner said with a laugh.
Because of the following Sports Shear competitions enjoy organisers are expecting about 50 people to travel from throughout Australia to compete at Culcairn. The fact another shearing competition is scheduled to take place at Walbundrie Show on the Monday has been described as a further draw-card for the region and potential competitors.
“Sports Shear is a crucial showpiece of best practice in the industry and spectators can enjoy blow-by-blow commentary from an announcer,” she said.
In addition to catering for the spectators the competitors are able to test their skills in a bid to win some $5500 in prize money.
Ms Turner said the support from local businesses throughout Culcairn and southern NSW was overwhelming.
Meanwhile, a clash with the popular AFL grand final wasn’t considered a negative by Culcairn Show orgnaisers.
Ms Turner said a big-screen would broadcast the footy and there would be a bar in close proximity.
“People can watch the shearing, see the fleece exhibits and watch the wool handling and the footy all at once,” she said.
“It will be fun, we really want to do something for both the spectators and the competitors,” she said.
Rural journalist with Fairfax media based in the Riverina.
Rural journalist with Fairfax media based in the Riverina.
