General News
9 August, 2023
Mifsud to depart Speed shear after decades
COREY Mifsud will step down from the Mortlake Speed Shear after more than a decade at the helm.
COREY Mifsud will step down from the Mortlake Speed Shear after more than a decade at the helm.
The popular event has been a big part of Mr Mifsud’s life, having taken over the role of organising the event from his father around a decade ago.
“I’ve spent 10 years in charge myself but I’ve been involved for 20 odd years with dad running the show,” he said.
“I haven’t shorn full time over the past 18 months, and other commitments are starting to get in the way so I don’t have time to put my full heart and soul in to running the event properly.
“I thought it best that I step away and hope for someone to take it on.
“Hopefully someone can step up and take it on because we certainly don’t want to see it die; there is a lot of history there.”
The Mortlake Speed Shear was recognised as the first event of its kind in Australia, having first been held in 1989.
Over the years it has proven an economic boost for the community, drawing in shearers and spectators from across the world.
“I remember as a kid running around and having a great time, I’m lucky to have been born in to a shearing family and I loved the competition of it,” Mr Mifsud said.
“The event has been held out the front (of Mac’s Hotel) a couple of times on the street and started in the old train carriage out the back.
“To expand to where we are today with a stage set up out of the back of Mac’s hotel is definitely a sign of the progress the event has made.
“We’ve been told by world-class shearers who have travelled to Mortlake that aside from the Welsh speed shears, ours is the best atmosphere they have experienced in the world.”
Mr Mifsud said watching the event grow over the years in line with modern expectations had been an exciting aspect, especially as the time it takes for the best to shear a sheep began to plummet.
“We’ve had some world-class shearers travel to Mortlake over the years such as Sir David Fagan, who along with Alan MacDonald created our inaugural event along with the publican at the time, Daryl Richardson, back in 1989,” he said.
“You look at where we are today, including hosting the current Australian record.
“You see the progression of the shearing times over the years, from over a minute back in the day to now down to a bit over 17 seconds; it’s pretty cool.
“It’s also a solid economic boost for the town, a lot of people come through for the event.”
Mr Mifsud said times had been tough during COVID-related cancellations, but he felt the speed shear was in a good position to enjoy growth moving forward.
“We nearly didn’t get back after COVID,” he said.
“To get back up and running, and to push the date back to late November to avoid clashing with the Mortlake Cup as that’s already such a busy time for Mac’s, was massive.
“We’ve collaborated a little with Hamilton Speed Shear for the events to align, so last year we had around 120 shearers and 400-500 people in attendance.”
Mr Mifsud encouraged anyone interested in taking over the organising to put their hand up.
“The biggest thing from my side is facilitating where we can get suitable sheep, so someone with the knowledge of farms and farmers would be ideal,” he said.
“Jodie and Richard at Mac’s take care of the sponsorship side of things, they do a great job every year, so what we need is someone who can take care of the shearing side of things.
“If people are interested in taking it on, pop in to see Jodie and Richard at Mac’s Hotel or message myself at www.facebook.com/mortlakespeedshear.
“I’d be more than happy to be able to come along this year as a spectator, to have a beer and not stress, but I’m happy to offer advice and handball whoever takes over in the right direction.”