SMASHING stereotypes out of the shearing shed, a group of determined ladies have banded together to form a formidable all-women shearing team.
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“We want to draw a bit of attention to the shearing industry,” said team organiser Emma Billett, Nevertire.
“There’s not enough shearers or rouseabouts around.
“It’s also about showing that anyone can do it – it’s not just a job for men.”
While the idea has been on the cards for a few months, the recent flooding rain across the State had put a bit of a dampener on things.
“We were supposed to start on Monday but the property got rained out; luckily, we managed to pick up work at “Parkdale” (Dubbo) for yesterday,” Ms Billett said.
The team is made up of girls from NSW, Victoria and Western Australia.
“There’s a lot more female shearers out there and in the industry all together (rousies and classers) than there used to be,” she said.
“I’ve noticed a lot of young girls coming in to rousie; it’s great to see.”
Ms Billett hoped their team would draw attention to the shearing and wool industry.
“The good season the last few years has meant more people are going out and buying sheep,” Ms Billett said.
“Wool and mutton prices are good and hopefully we can get more sheep into Australia and encourage more people into the industry; sheep have been the backbone of Australia for years.”
She thanked the team’s supporters, in particular: Don and Pam Mudford, Parkdale Merinos, Dubbo; Steven Mudford for organising the sheep; Narromine Hotel; Troy Briggs; Helen and Craig Barber for the singlets, and Lister for equipment.
There are further plans to grow the team, so any girls interested in joining should contact Ms Billett.
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