By OLIVER BROWN 

AFTER a six-year hiatus, the community of Carinda were thrilled to see the return of a popular local event in the Carinda Quick Shear. 

Sixty shearers from across regional Australia and beyond gathered in the small township on Saturday 25 June to compete for a crowd of between 250 and 300 onlookers. 

One of the event organisers Rhonda McLellan said the event was a fundraiser for the Carinda Rugby Union Club, who play a big part in keeping Carinda's social and economic scene active.

"During the year, the Carinda Rugby Club sponsors a lot of community events including the Let's Dance, the local races and the community Christmas tree so this was about getting some funds back into the kitty," Mrs McLellan said.

"Funds were raised through shearers' nominations, they had to pay $20 to register, a merchandise stall at the event and proceeds from a bar and barbecue on the day." 

Other organisations also set up stalls on the day, including the local Far West store and public school, with the day raising over $1000 to go towards the purchase of some new sports equipment. 

With more than 50 sponsors behind the event, there was the lure of $8000 in prize money, spread across multiple age categories. 

Competitors came from both near and far, including New Zealand, Western Australia, Dubbo, Coonamble, Warren, Nyngan, Brewarrina and Walgett to name a few. 

Shearing of the locally donated sheep commenced from about 11am with the final set of clippers set down just before dark. 

Female shearers are increasingly competitive at Quickshear competitions throughout NSW. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

In the Open category, victory went to Western Australia's Ethen Harder. Second place was Dylan Beer while Hugh Cliff came in third. 

In the Intermediate category, Annie Dyer from Cowra came in first, followed by Travis Mann and William Sharwood. 

Warren's Scotty Bell came up on top in the Senior category with second going to George Blyde and third to Mike Hemmi. 

There was also a Beginner shearers competition, which had nine take part to show what they had learned so far. First in this category was Reggie Davis from Cowra, second went to Aiden Craig and Coonamble's own Gabby Smith came third. 

Mrs McLellan said the competition judges Wayne Lunn, Don Chad and Ernie Campbell were particularly impressed by the quality of the shearing in the Beginner category. 

While ongoing drought and then COVID-19 meant it had been a number of years since the rugby club had organised a quick shear, Ms McLellan said she hoped to see it become a biannual community event in the future. 

"I think it was a really successful day with a large crowd, including many past residents of Carinda who came over for the day, which was great to see," she said.