Mathoura Speed Shear a cut above the rest

By Michael Lloyd

Nov 7, 2023

Mathoura came alive as the town hosted its annual Speed Shear on Saturday.

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About 500 people converged on Mathoura Recreation Reserve for a shearing extravaganza, which doubles as a yearly fundraiser for the Mathoura Bra Fence.

Speed Shearing at Mathoura Recreation Reserve. Shearers, left Jack Graver and Hayden Gardner. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Competitors across four divisions - open, intermediate, seniors and women - produced an entertaining spectacle, most shearing a sheep within 25-30 seconds.

Mathoura Speed Shear committee member Anne Robertson said a team of volunteers worked tirelessly over the past few months to ensure the day went off without a hitch.

“Today is one of our biggest days. It seems to be growing yearly, which we’re pleased with,” Mrs Robertson said.

Speed Shearing at Mathoura Recreation Reserve. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Despite a view the wool industry is struggling to attract the next generation, the many young shearers in Mathoura would suggest otherwise.

“This is a dying industry; (but) we need to work hard and keep it alive and the spirit of sheep shearing thriving,” Mrs Robertson said.

One such young shearer is Deniliquin’s Bobby Hall.

Capable: John Holschier, Jaidyn Druitt and Bobby Hall at the 2023 Mathoura Speed Shearing contest. Photo by Michael Lloyd

The 18 year-old was one of the participants in the day’s competition and spoke about his journey.

“I attended a couple of programs with school and learned the various techniques of shearing with mates,” Mr Hall said.

While school wasn’t for Mr Hall, he is considering a long and rewarding career in the wool industry.

“School wasn’t the path for me. After leaving school, I decided I would go into shearing, and I was able to get a contract in Deniliquin, and that was it,” Mr Hall said.

“The wool industry is a major contributor to the Australian economy, and it also supports my family and many other families in the region.”

Great day: Kym Strawhorn, Mark Connors, Dougal McKindlay and Jess Grundy at the Mathoura Speed Shearing contest in Mathoura, 2023. Photo by Michael Lloyd

Mathoura Football Netball Club president Melyssa Banks was another kept busy throughout the event.

“I would like to thank the Mathoura Speed Shear Committee, competitors and visitors who came and supported the day,” Mrs Banks said.

“We work with the speed shearing committee throughout the season to get this event up and running.

“I think the weather has helped all the people that have come out today.”

Mrs Banks was asked how important events such as the Mathoura Speed Shear are to country towns.

“An event like this is critical to small towns like Mathoura. A town like this, which has a population of just under 700 people, works hard to bring people in and show what industries are seeking to employ suitable candidates,” Mrs Banks said.

“The visitors who attend talk to their family and friends, encouraging more people to come up.