CLICK GO THE SHEARS
GIRLS!
Four women have taken part in TAFE NSW Riverina Institute’s
Shearing School at Shear Outback in Hay.
In a school where one female enrolment was worthy of comment,
Riverina Institute staff were thrilled when an unprecedented six women
enrolled, with four going on to successfully complete the course.
The women have learnt how to prepare and carry out shearing,
crutching, how to prepare their hand pieces, combs and cutters in
addition to covering Work, Health and Safety procedures.
Wool classing Teacher at Riverina Institute’s RI@Hay Campus, Ms
Stacey Lugsdin was supportive of the women in the class.
“It’s a dynamic industry and it’s great to see more women branching
out”.
“I first walked into a shearing shed as a 17 year old to a comment of
‘Ducks on the pond’; code for ‘women in the shed – watch your
language’. Of course I looked over at the dam and said “No there isn’t!”
“Shearing School has changed a lot since then; the girls love it. It’s
physically tough, however there is so much more equipment available
now, designed to help shearers get the job done quickly and safely”.
“Amongst our female students we have a Beauty Therapist, a Retail
Store Manager and two Shed Hands; while amongst the men we have
a nurse, a butcher and a pizza maker. All the students have been
getting on well and working as a team”.
“As a shearer you’re judged on your skill set. If you’re good enough, it
doesn’t matter what your gender is.” said Ms Lugsdin.
Four local students attended the shearing course. They are Chrissie
Welsh, Lizzy Filmer, Morgan Cox and Patty Miller. All said they
enjoyed the course and are looking forward to
working in the industry.
Visiting Shear Outback Bruce Ward from
Cootamundra. Bruce has been a wool classer for fifty
years, and couldn’t resist getting in amongst the wool.
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Two local girls attended the two week shearing
course: Chrissie Welsh and Lizzy Filmer “I
didn’t have a clue lasy Monday,” said Chrissie,
who is also studying Wool Classing. “Now I
can competently shear a sheep without help.”
Lizzy Filmer, with her first fleece said, “The
course opens up job opportunities.”