STUDENTS in the South-West continue to line up for the Blue Light Shearing program thanks to a sheep grazier near Wyandra.
In the past week, 18 young people including students from Cunnamulla P-12 State School have been on the boards at the Warrego Park shearing shed.
It’s all part of a highly successful program, instigated several years ago by policeman Laurie Bateman to help the youth in our regional and remote areas to develop life skills and attitudes that they could carry throughout their lives and into the workplace.
This is the sixth year that Alistair Webb, owner of Warrego Park, has hosted the Blue Light Shearing program.
“I think it’s a fantastic program, very positive and teaches good work ethics,” Mr Webb said.
“Laurie is a great bloke and he has a way of bonding with these children and really making a difference. You see them grow in self-confidence, learn team building, respect for others, it’s much more than just learning how to shear a sheep.
“There’s plenty of laughter above the sound of the shears and I think it’s wonderful we can run this right here in the Paroo Shire.”
Cunnamulla’s Zoe Land was delighted to take part and said her three days in the shearing shed at Warrego Park had been “amazing”.
“Shearing can be hard work but there was plenty of fun. It was an amazing experience,” she said.
The program is expected to continue in 2027.
PHOTO: Some of the young people, with teacher Mitchell Blashak (centre), in this year’s Blue Light Shearing program at Warrego Park.
POSTED: Saturday, September 19, 2026