General News
23 February, 2023
Click go the shears for a good cause at Clunes
A afternoon of entertainment is a shorn thing this Saturday at the seventh annual Clunes and District Young Farmers Quick Shear event, with funds raised this year going to a cause very close to the community’s heart. The event has previously...
An afternoon of entertainment is a shorn thing this Saturday at the seventh annual Clunes and District Young Farmers Quick Shear event, with funds raised this year going to a cause very close to the community’s heart.
The event has previously raised funds for multiple sclerosis research but this year is turning its fundraising focus to Beyond Blue.
“We like to choose charities that mean something to the group,” Clunes and District Young Farmers treasurer Jenny Redpath said.
“One of our members, his brother died by suicide seven years ago.
“He was quite a young fella, it’s stayed with the group, and Beyond Blue really helped out their family in that time, and still do give everyone so much help. With the seasons we’ve been having recently, it’s been testing a lot of farmers.”
The talent of shearers will be highlighted with novice, intermediate and open categories — with last year’s winner finishing with a time of 26 seconds — and Ms Redpath said she hopes it’ll inspire young shearers.
“We want to encourage the younger generations to get into the shearing field and build their skills,” she said.
“The shearers are just amazing to watch, the way they move and position the sheep to make sure they’re comfortable. It’s a skill we need to continue.”
Ms Redpath said there are two exciting new aspects to this year’s quick shear.
“There’s a fellow who lives in Newstead with a beard down to his belly button, he has agreed to auction it off — the final bidder will get to do the chop. He spent a long time growing that thing and we’re hoping to raise $1000,” she said.
“This year we’ve introduced the Undie 500. It’s a 500 metre run with some obstacles, that entrants will do in their undies. I think it’ll be a crowd pleaser.”
Alongside the shearing, the event will feature a Car Show and Shine, raffle, blade shearing demonstration, food and beverages, children’s activities, and band Boots N All to finish off the evening.
The event will be held at the Clunes Showgrounds at 54 Victoria Street, with a gold coin donation entry fee. Gates open at 2 pm with shearing kicking off at 3 pm. The shearing competition entry fee is $50.
You can also donate directly to the quick shear Beyond Blue cause by searching for the ‘Clunes Quick Shear’ at https://fundraise. beyondblue.org.au
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.Contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 oronlinewww.beyondblue.org.au
You can also contactLifelife on 13 11 14.