Timber Creek Pine Kangaroo Island Speed Shears

HISTORY

The Kangaroo Island Speed Shears first started in 2002 when a local shearer, Rob Venables, approached the Parndana Community Hotel to host a Speed Shears event, raising money for the local charities.

The then Manager, Jane, who knew and still knows nothing about sheep, thought she could give it a go. With Sean Gaskin, Bar Manager, past shearer, Jane and Rob a committee was formed with periodic meetings discussing how this could all work and make a successful event. We decided to make a Womans event, and a Veterans event as there is so many older shearers around and Grubs favourite. Rob thought a night show would be good, Jane did not. A day event was planned on the Hotel Lawns just outside the Front Bar. Rob and Sean organised everything to do with the set up and sheep and Jane organised the sponsorship and marketing. Humble beginnings.

The second year, Marron Races (fresh water lobster) was introduced and a Shearers and Shedhands Ball making a three day event. Tourism KI was involved from the very first speed shears and have been ever since, making this a great event for the Island. The first four years Sealink was our Major sponsor of $1500 for 1^st Prize of the Open. Then Monnax Mining came on board with $3000 and last year Timber Creek Pine for $3000. This year Timber Creek Pine has donated the Open 1^st Prize of $7500. In 2006 we won the KI Community Event award which we are very proud of. Six years later and a larger venue, Parndana Recreational Oval, a larger committee, Sharon Gaskin, Ted Speed, Nigel Brown (new boy), Rose Benney, Hector Sullivan, along with the old Rob, Sean and Jane, being a sub committee of Parndana Progress Association.

Every year local and off Island sponsors have come on board and there is so many, and without them we would not have been able to make this day as great as it is.

The KI Shearers are still committed to making this event so special to Parndana and Kangaroo Island.

We thank everyone, sponsors and volunteers.