South Australian shearers and wool handlers enjoyed a competitive visit to Perth at the weekend for the 2018 Sports Shear National Shearing and Woolhandling Championships.
The event was held from September 21 to 23 as part of the Perth Royal Show, with competitors from across Australia and New Zealand.
The state team of 16 competed across the novice, intermediate, senior and open shearing categories, with an SA representative in almost every final across the two days.
On Saturday, Brandon Waters, Waramboo, placed first in the senior final, while Benn Heinrich, Robertstown, finished third in the intermediate final and Nathan Meaney, Kapunda, placed third in the open shearers.
Novice shearer Corey Waters, Waramboo, also placed third in the all state shearing finals on Sunday.
tafeSA Shearing and Wool Program coordinator Glenn Haynes said the team performed brilliantly against many more experienced shearers through the grades.
In the woolhandling, Molly Whittaker, Minlaton, placed third in the all state finals.
Mr Hayes said the woolhandlers all performed well despite being “a little out of their depth” with limited practice available in the lead up.
“It’s a bit hard for them as SA only has three woolhandling events a year for them to compete in, whereas the other states have 10-plus events to get that extra experience.”
SA also placed second in the state teams final and Australia edged out NZ in the trans-Tasman event.
The SA contingent featured shearers and woolhandlers from across the state who have taught or trained through the variety of programs offered through tafeSA, which included Shannon Warnest as an instructor.
Mr Haynes was “absolutely rapt” and “very proud” of the performance of the team and said they presented themselves like true professionals, so he could not be happier.
“The whole group gained an enormous amount of experience and made a lot of friends and great contacts Australia-wide to keep in touch with,” he said.
