Shear Outback was officially opened on Australia Day, Saturday 26th January, 2002.

The official opening was carried out by Kay Hull, the Federal Member for Riverina.

There were an estimated 3,000 people in attendance for the opening ceremony.

An easy-to-read transcript of this article appears below the picture.

Windmill an icon for Shear Outback

Transcript

THE WINDMILL acquisition for Shear Outback was a great coup. Tim Matt f Pastoral Construction Hay found the dismantled mill lying in the grass on a property at Cassilis NSW.  After some negotiation Shear Outback were able to purchase it and Tim and carrier Rex Thomas donated their services and made the trip to bring it to Hay. The mill is a Southern Cross with a 25’ wheel which is the second largest SC mill made, and stands on a 45’ tower. Many of the working parts had to be rebuilt by local engineers Hurst Engineering.

Captions

THE ERECTION process was undertaken by Tim Matt and Keith Bolitho with the crane assistance from Rivtec Engineering. Erected beside the dam, the mill pumps water to the overhead tank which under all but the hottest conditions will supply sufficient water for landscaped areas.

THE SHEAR OUTBACK logo on the windmill tail immediately attracts the eye. It was painted by Paul Canavan who divides his time between Bourke and Hay and who has painted many of the larger signs.

COMPLETED at last. Keith Bolitho and Tim Matt happy with the task well done.

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Extracts reproduced with permission from The Riverine Grazier