The Mathoura Speed Shear is celebrating its 10th anniversary on October 31 at Mathoura Recreation Reserve.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
The Mathoura Speed Shear is marking its 10th anniversary on Saturday, October 31 at the Mathoura Recreation Reserve, with shearing kicking off at noon and registration open from 9.30am.
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Mathoura Speed Shear organiser Anna Robinson said the milestone was hard-earned.
“I don't really know how we kept it going for 10 years; we were ready to throw our arms up in the air with drama, but we persevered, and we got through it,” she said.
Ms Robinson is expecting a strong turnout from both competitors and spectators.
“I reckon we get between 80 to 90 shearers entering on the day,” she said.
“We probably get five or six hundred people turn up.
“It is a good day, a big day.”
Anticipated strong participation with 80 to 90 shearers and around 500 to 600 spectators expected.
Photo by
McPherson Media Group
Competitors travel from across the region.
“We have had them come from Bendigo, we have had them come from Hay, we have had them come from Warrnambool, Hamilton,” Ms Robinson said.
“The shearers are not just from Echuca or Deniliquin.”
The event is open to both men and women, with categories including fastest shear of the day, open, seniors and intermediate.
In 2025, Jimmy Samuels took out the fastest shear with a time of 24.38 seconds.
The Trans-Tasman challenge, Kiwis versus Aussies, also returns this year.
In 2025, the Kiwi team of Jimmy Samuels, Marlin Heke and Sheyenne Taiki claimed the title.
“I think the Aussies are down by one,” Ms Robinson said.
“And anything could happen this year.”
Local community groups also benefit from the day.
“The football club gets to do the bar and the canteen; they get to raise some money,” Ms Robinson said.
“We have a community group do the gate, so they get to raise a bit of money for their group.”
Kids’ activities are also planned, with kite flying a firm favourite.
“We sell kites to the kids for a couple of dollars and they love them,” Ms Robinson said.
“We sell out of kites every year and the kids just fly kites around the footy oval.”
