Nominations are now open for the 2012 SRS® Classic Shearing Encouragement Awards it was announced today.

The SRS® Classic Ram Selling Group established the Awards in 2011 to help talented young shearers and wool handlers in the Central West region of NSW get ahead in the industry.

President of the SRS® Classic, Norm Smith, said that the group was delighted with the response to the Awards last year and looks forward to receiving more nominations from up-and-coming shearers and wool handlers in 2012.

“The Shearing Encouragement Awards are really important in recognizing and retaining talented young shearers and wool handlers in the industry at a time when the national flock is building again,” Mr Smith said.

“We were amazed by the energy and enthusiasm of last years’ winners, Tom Hutchinson of Gilgandra (shearer) and Samantha Gordon of Dubbo (wool handler) who have gone on to achieve great things in the industry.”

Nominations are currently being sought from young up-and-coming shearers and wool handlers in the Central West region of NSW and the Awards will be announced at the Dubbo Show on Saturday 19 May 2012.
Awards

1. SRS® Classic Shearing Encouragement Award
   Open order to the value of $1,000 to be spent on shearing supplies and training 
2. SRS® Classic Wool Handler Encouragement Award

Open order to the value of $750 to be spent on shearing supplies and training
The SRS® Classic Ram Selling Group consists of seven Central West Merino breeders who work together to promote the many benefits of SRS® Genetics.

They are Bella Lana, Boxleigh Park, Glenwood & Mumblebone from Wellington; Gullen Gamble from Yeoval; Hilltop from Mudgee; and Parkdale from Dubbo.
Thanks to TAFE NSW Western Institute and Shearing Supplies for their support of the Awards.

The 8th Annual SRS® Classic Ram Sale will be held on Saturday 13 October 2012.