February 2nd, 2024Quick go the shears at Clunes – for a cause

Showcasing the athleticism of one of the toughest jobs in modern agriculture,  Clunes Quick Shear has become a favourite competitive fixture on the calender of pro shearers both local and from across the ditch.

It may not  be included as a competitive Olympic sport just yet, but the Clunes & District Young Farmers are once again staging the niche competitive event at the town’s showgrounds with the date set for Saturday February 24.

“This is our our eighth annual Quick Shear, after a couple of prior test runs,’ Clunes & District Young Farmers’ treasurer Jenny Redpath says.

The main showcase spectacle of the day is the Quick Shear competition  featuring three different categories – novice, intermediate and open.

The competition has a reputation for being pretty robust, attracting gun shearers and plenty of top athletic talent from among the Aussie shearing and Kiwi shearing pro circuits.

There are some good cash prizes up for grabs and with various Quick Shear comps out there besides Clunes’, Jenny says top shearers have a tendency to follow the Quick Shear competitive circuit, supplementing their income when they make off with the spoils.

A main highlight of the day at Clunes is the Aussie versus Kiwi relay event, a crowd-pleaser, with the Aussies  likely to be out to settle the score this year and to avoid coming away feeling sheepish this time round.

There’s also a lively dash for cash competition, creating a second chance for those who missed out in the earlier main event to take another tilt at securing some prize-winnings.

It’s a family-friendly day and apart from anything else, offers an entertaining spectacle. Jenny says a barbecue will be among the on-site food options with drinks at bar prices and camping available at the showgrounds.

“The shearers are just amazing to watch, the way they move and position the sheep to make sure they’re safe and comfortable,” Jenny says.

“It is a skill we need to continue. We want to encourage the younger generations to get into shearing and build their skills.” 

Every year that it’s been held, Clunes Quick Shear has raised money to support a worthy cause or charity, carefully selected by the Young Farmers, and this year’s cause is the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Jenny says the event has built up a strong following attracting 54 shearers last year including a notable contingent of New Zealanders and even a couple of  visiting English shearers as well.

“Yes, we definitely get a lot. Last year we were ten shearers up on the year before and we even had a couple from England – a boyfriend and girlfriend who were both shearers. There is usually a good amount of women who enter as well.

“We also have an auction and raffles with lots of good prizes.”

There’ll also be a commentated blade shearing demo, children’s activities and live music featuring pub rock outfit, Cut Lunch.

Entry is by gold coin donation with the day set to get started at the showgrounds from 2pm.

Words & Image: Eve Lamb