Shearers flock to Clunes
for a good cause
A group of passionate young farmers have enlisted the generosity of their fellow country Victorians to raise significant funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in a quintessentially Australian way.
“THREE…” The adjudicator begins the countdown.
“TWO…” The competing shearers position themselves on the pavilion turned shearing platform, handpiece at the ready, sheep comfortably nestled between their legs.
“ONE…
GO!”
With the simultaneous pull of two cords an almighty roar erupts throughout the shed. The first heat of the Clunes & District Young Farmers' eighth annual charity is off to an impressive start.
At the same time the digital stopwatch races to life, each red illuminated second flashing across the screen as the two shearers - with precision, skill and an impressive display of athleticism - compete to prove they can remove the wool in the shortest time possible. This is a practice that helps the livestock keep comfortable, cool and healthy.
Watching from the stands, the onlooking crowds’ cheers only add to the sheer volume erupting from the shed and singing out onto the Clunes Showground. The vibe is infectious.
It’s a warm day and the competition is fierce. Shearers from across the state, country, and even as far as New Zealand, have converged upon the historic goldrush town ready to claim the quick shear top spot – all the while raising money for essential RFDS Victoria services.
Clunes & District Young Farmers – a local group of fifteen dedicated young farmers – are the organisers behind the generous community fundraising event.
Secretary, Darcy Gervasoni, says each year the committee selects a different charity to raise funds for.
“We look at a range of different charities and we decide upon the values that they have, what they bring to the community and the Flying Doctor is one of those services that helps all throughout Australia, but really focusing in those rural and remote communities where they really need help.”
She says RFDS Victoria was nominated as the charity of choice for the 2024 event due to a near century-long commitment to providing essential and timely health care to rural communities.
"Everyone knows who you are, we know what you stand for and when we see you guys, we know what you will do - you will help."
It's a sentiment backed by fellow committee member, William Quartermaine.
“RFDS Victoria is a big charity that we look for out here, out where we are,” William begins.
“A lot of people we know use the RFDS, personally a lot of people in my family.
“It's just been a good charity to sort of get behind and one that we can all rally behind together and as a group.”
In its eighth year, the event is an important fixture in the calendars of shearers and spectators alike. This year was no different, with the event tallying a crowd of 485 attendees. An impressive feat for a town with a population of 800 people.
"It's great for the community…to be able to come out, catch up with people they don't normally get to catch up with. Everybody sort of gets to put the tools down and just come have a bit of a relaxing afternoon and a great evening,” Willam says of the importance of the event to the community beyond the competition.
Located in the central goldfields of Victoria, Clunes is an agricultural town steeped in history. It’s home to a tight-knit community in and surrounding the township. It's a fact evidenced by the many helping hands available on the day, from parents to younger siblings and members of the Clunes Show Society.
“We put it on every year with the sole purpose of bringing the community together, demonstrating some really good shearing skills and raising money for fantastic charities,” Darcy explains.
As a not-for-profit, community events are an important – and greatly appreciated – element of RFDS fundraising. This donation is made even more poignant by the fact those who contributed to the funds raised on the day are the very people who the RFDS provides services to across rural Victoria. It’s communities working to supporting fellow Victorian communities at its finest and a true testament to the Aussie country spirit.
In total the young farmers raised an impressive $5,873.05 which will help the Flying Doctor to deliver crucial primary health services and programs across the state.
And as for the competition, after 174 lambs were shorn by 50 competing shearers, ultimately Caleb Morgan secured the coveted win in the open category, taking a record breaking 22.22 seconds to shear his final sheep of the day. It’s the fastest recorded time in the history of the event!
Darcy says it’s a joy for the committee to see their hard work come to life for another successful year.
“It just makes it worthwhile that the blood, sweat and tears put in for the last 12 months actually all comes together, and people love it. People come back every year and it just gets bigger and better.”
This story was filmed and photographed on the lands and waterways of the Dja Dja Wurrung people.
RFDS Victoria pays respects to Elders past and present.
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