“We have won against strong competition from other organisations in NSW and Queensland,” committee spokesperson Jann Harries said.

Mrs Harries said the committee set out to conduct a shearing competition to complement the popular open days at Old Errowanbang Woolshed.

“Then we learned the organisation conducting the championships was looking for a venue,” she said.

“I thought this would be an ideal opportunity to showcase top class shearing and woolhandling during the open days.”

When committee members found out they were  successful in securing the championships,  they quickly set about securing the 2000 sheep needed for the competition.

“The support has been tremendous so far and everyone is thrilled to be hosting such a major event in Carcoar,” Mrs Harries said.

She said the program for the event, to be held from November 21 to 23, wwould not only include the championships but also training and mentoring workshops for the next generation of shearers and woolhandlers.

“This is to educate, train and encourage better techniques in shearing and woolhandling,” she said.

While the Old Errowanbang Shearing Championships will be conducted over a range of open events, it will also inlclude the first Australian Junior National Shearing and Woolhandling Championships across lower grades.

“We have received tremendous support for these championships and we already have one major sponsor signed up,” Mrs Harries said.

She said the committee would work to secure more sponsorships and called for volunteers to help out on the weekend.

“This weekend will provide a unique opportunity for all businesses and sheep-based industry to raise their profile in the central west,” Mrs Harries said.

Anyone wishing to become involved should contact Jann Harries on 0400 667 231 or Kacee Artridge on 0439 260 215.

Alternatively you can find Old Errowanbang Woolshed on Facebook, or you can email errowanbangwoolshed@hotmail.com. Competitor registration forms are available on the website and Facebook page.