The Next Generation

seven young teenagers standing with arms crossed and looking at the camera. They are mostly wearing brightly coloured shearing singlets and shorts.

Act Belong Commit Darkan Sheepfest President, Jodie King, cannot have more passion for sheep, wool and involving young Australians in the industry.

“I’m so excited to see The Next Generation Hub at Sheepfest this year. There are so many young people getting involved in the wool industry, this is our future for the next 50 years and I think it is in very capable hands!”

Jodie King

The Next Generation Hub is set to be a buzzing meeting place for youth at Act Belong Commit Darkan Sheepfest. There will be interactive activities as well as industry representatives present for meet and greet opportunities. These include Rural Ambassadors and Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia Next Gen Committee members Lauren Patane and Chloe Blight, WA Shearing Ambassadors, and Western Australian College of Agriculture representatives.

photo of smiling blonde woman wearing pearl stud earrings and blue and white striped shirt with arms resting on gate in a shearing shed. She has a broad smile and is looking at the camera.
Jodie King, Act Belong Commit Darkan Sheepfest President.
a teenaged boy wearing blue long-sleeved worksheet holds a sample of fine white merino wool in his hands as he looks at the camera. Behind him in the shearing shed, blurred in the background, shearers are bending down shearing sheep.
Ag College student Zaine Cuthbert, from Darkan, will be competing at the 2024 Darkan Sheepfest.

A Show That is Good for a Town

photo of farmer wearing a pink shirt being followed by seven sheep being herded by a kelpie sheepdog at Darkan Sheepfest 2023

Act Belong Commit Darkan Sheepfest is now more than a sheep and wool show. The event is a testament to the cultural and economic value that a show can provide to a community and town.

Act Belong Commit Darkan Sheepfest was held on Saturday 11th February at the Darkan Town Oval, hosting a record crowd with estimates of over 2,800 in attendance. The theme this year was ‘Putting Wool Back on the Table’ and included the promotion of an online media campaign called #woolworkforce.

Special guest presenters Emily Riggs, creator of South Australian clothing label Iris and Wool, and Steve Noa, owner of The Merino Polo company, both shared their personal stories and passion for wool. Both animated and at times emotional, it made for a unique broadcast around the entire showgrounds.

Photo of sheep parading in the Best pet Sheep competition at the Darkan SHeepfest 2023, judged by Heather Ewert of the ABC Backroads program.
Best pet Sheep competition at the Darkan SHeepfest 2023, judged by Heather Ewert of the ABC Backroads program.


Act Belong Commit Darkan Sheepfest President, Pam Stockley, sees the benefits firsthand of what a local show brings –

“Ironically a locally run rural show is very universal. It brings together a diverse range of volunteers from different ages, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds. Everyone contributes varying skillsets, knowledge, and experiences to enhance the show. In the lead-up to a show, there is a buzz of energy in the community and a swelling of pride for the town and surrounding shire they live in. A visitor at Sheepfest made the comment that our show wasn’t just about sheep and wool it was about our people.”

An influx of visitors to a town often leads to return visits, generating an increase in economic growth for businesses and in turn benefits their employees and families. Shire of West Arthur CEO, Vin Fordham Lamont, explains –

“A rural show does involve a lot of planning and work to put together, but it is definitely worth the effort. The tourism that a show generates, and the spending tourists do in small towns are invaluable. The recent demand for short-term holiday rentals in our Shire has increased greatly and it is starting to have a flow-on effect with a renewed interest in long-term rentals and business opportunities. Small country shows like Act Belong Commit Darkan Sheepfest certainly have their rewards.”

Darkan has recently been given the opportunity of being highlighted on the Australian tourist map by featuring in the next season of ABC Television Back Roads documentary series. ABC Producer, Louise Turley, can attest to shows being good for a town –

“Back Roads is a very successful television program that celebrates rural life and communities. Many of the towns we visit have an annual show or event that brings everyone together. In often remote places, these occasions are vital to the health and well-being of the community. Sheepfest has become synonymous with the town of Darkan and is an exemplar of how transformative events like this can be. The towns on Back Roads can be very isolated yet after the episode airs, people have been known to travel from the other side of the country to visit them. I am looking forward to the time that Australia gets to see Darkan.”

Putting WOOL Back on the Table

Darkan Sheepfest poster for 2023 with words "Putting Wool back on the table".

It’s that time of year again! Time to start talking about Darkan Sheepfest! This year it’s all about ‘Putting Wool Back on the Table.’ Please help us spread the word by sharing this post.

A vital driving force of the wool industry are the ones working everyday in our shearing sheds. Shearers, wool handlers and shed staff. Sheepfest is set to showcase their talents and tenacity in our Sportshear and Wool Handling competitions.

man shearing a sheep watched by judges

Young Volunteers Get the Job Done

Young volunteers with stencilled wool bales at the Darkan town entry statement

We couldn’t be prouder of some of our younger Act Belong Commit Darkan Sheepfest ‘Wool Work Force’ who have been hard at work over the weekend.

The biggest colouring in they’ve ever done in a day and the itchiest they have ever been!

The filling of our roadside wool bales (albeit with harvest chaff!) is the signal that the show countdown has begun! Thanks to the lovely local farmer who was happy to help out again!