WATTLE Range Council has thrown its support behind the Blades of Glencoe shearing event, which is expected to attract hundreds of people to the rural community on March 10.
Council will provide $2200 in sponsorship for the event, which highlights old-fashioned shearing methods while raising money for the Beyond Blue Foundation.
It is an initiative of the Blade Shearers Heritage Foundation (BSHF) which was established by blade shearing enthusiasts across Australia to promote, preserve and tutor the skills and culture of blade shearing.
The BSHF has decided to re-establish the Blades of Glencoe event, which was last held in 2015.
In a report to elected members, council economic development manager Roger Babolka said the BSHF would finance the event from a combination of registration fees, entry charges and sponsorship.
“The BSHF is seeking to establish the Blades of Glencoe as an annual event, with consideration to extending it to a two-day event,” Mr Babolka said.
“The 2019 event will feature a minimum of 50 blade shearers, both male and female, from across Australia and New Zealand.”
Councillors endorsed the sponsorship at last month’s meeting.
Councillor Graham Slarks said he had no problem with the sponsorship.
He said multiple community events would boost tourism and he hoped Blades of Glencoe would become self-funding in the years to come.
Cr Dale Price said it would create international interest and was worthy of support.
“Glencoe is the heart of the South East,” Cr Price said.
