General News
22 February, 2024
Shear fun at Clunes event
It’s promising to be a woolly good time tomorrow, at the annual Clunes and District Young Farmers Quick Shear event, which will mark its eighth edition by raising funds for a crucial Australian health organisation. The event has an extraordinary...

It’s promising to be a woolly good time tomorrow, at the annual Clunes and District Young Farmers Quick Shear event, which will mark its eighth edition by raising funds for a crucial Australian health organisation.
The event has an extraordinary history of supporting causes that have impacted the group’s members and local community — with donations previously made to a mental health organisation as well as for motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis research.
This Saturday afternoon, fundraising efforts will be directed towards the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), an aeromedical healthcare provider servicing rural and regional communities in Australia.
“Usually we pick something close to home to support — things that have affected us,” Clunes and District Young Farmers treasurer Jenny Redpath said.
“We have gone a little out of the box this time but we still chose something that’s helping farmers across the country.
“RFDS is a good solid charity.”
While the event has become synonymous with its philanthropic undertakings, none of it would be possible without the participation of talented shearers.
Competitors will be able to show off their skills in either of the novice, intermediate or open categories — going up against each other for the major $1200 prize.
“It’s great fun watching the shearers,” Ms Redpath said.
“What it also does is, it’s kind of highlighting the whole industry and showing that it’s not a dying field. Everything is going modern with technology these days, whereas I think shearing is something that will never lose that human touch.
“We also want to encourage the younger generation to have a crack at it because this is what Australia’s all about — being self-sufficient.”
Also making a come back this year, after its debut in 2023 is the Undie 500 race.
“People loved it last time, it was a great success,” Ms Redpath said.
“Basically, everyone who signs up, strips down to their jocks and does the run with a few obstacles in the way like hay bales and what not.”
Attendees will have plenty of other entertainment options on the day with the program featuring raffles, auctions, kids’ activities, stalls, food and beverage stands, and a live concert by Cut Lunch.
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.