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.

Transcript

Meet the professional team

 Shear Outback general manager, Austin Smith heads an enthusiastic team of staff members who are all excited about being a part of such a dynamic project.

Verity Robinson has been appointed assistant manager and visitor coordinator. She has seven years experience with Westpac Private Bank, working with High Networth clients and focusing on customer service and public relations.

Rejeana Rhoderick is the cafe manager and has experience in the field having managed a bakery and owned a cafe and giftware business before moving to Hay.

Billy Garner with 17 years experience in the shearing industry, is the shearer shed manager and Bruce Beattie, a retired station manager, will be co-ordinating volunteers.

Kerri-Anne Reid has been appointed accounts administration officer and recently completed a Bachelor of Economics, majoring in econometrics.

Misty Fitzgerald and Jill Chapman are involved with ticketing sales, and Jill is also the membership officer, having worked with Shear Outback for almost a year.

Former wool presser, shed overseer and expert Dick Tomkins is the assistant curator and one of the instigators of the Shearers’ Hall of Fame project, Enid Black has been appointed tour guide. Chris Shalders, who has shorn extensively in Australia and New Zealand and has found Riverina sheep to be most challenging, is the shed hand and tour guide. Jacqui Vance, Jessica Weymouth and Rochelle Hicks are the cafe assistants and Trinette Reid a cafe trainee. Retail assistant is Jackie Anderson. Well known popular chef, Lui Wells is the cook, and has extensive experience in the field.

 Caption:

The inaugural Shear Outback team (from left) Rejeana Rhoderick, Trinette Reid, Jackie Anderson, Kerri-Anne Reid, Lui Wells, Jill Chapman, Verity Robinson, Misty Fitzgerald, Billy Garner, Austin Smith, Dick Tomkins, Enid Black and Chris Shalders. Absent Jacqui Vance, Bruce Beattie, Jessica Weymouth and Rochelle Hicks.

Previous

- 19/20 -

Next 

Extracts reproduced with permission from The Riverine Grazier