At the Australian Sheep and Wool Show held in Bendigo from 20th-22nd July, a quality line-up of Polwarth sheep produced healthy competition among exhibitors. The breed was represented by Catherine McAuley College, Fairview, Moorabbee, Riverview (Tasmania) and Taljar (Kangaroo Island). Judge, Geoff Risbey awarded Supreme Champion Polwarth to Fairview Henry with Taljar taking out Grand Champion Ewe. Riverview won the National Polwarth pair, as well as, Champion Polwarth fleece. Moorabbee featured in the fleece competition winning the Most Valuable Commercial Fleece (Group of 5) section. Some seventeen students from Catherine McAuley College participated in the Junior Fleece Judging section and Junior Handler section. The overall winner of the junior sections, Will Cole, was awarded the inaugural Geoffrey A. Kemp Memorial Trophy.
Supreme Champion Polwarth, Fairview Henry with from left, Greg Potter(Fairview), Geoff Risbey (Judge), Judith Nicolson (Sponsor of Class) and Fairview Stud Master, Sam Potter.
Taljar Junior Champion and Grand Champion Ewe with Catherine McAuley College student and Taljar’s Jared McArdle.
Wayne Walker of Riverview with his Senior Champion Ewe.
Junior Handler section placegetters were 1st Chloe Holmes, 2nd Joel Renton-Keen and 3rd Xav Cole.
Following the Junior Fleece Judging section the overall winner was Will Cole who won the Geoffrey A. Kemp Memorial Trophy, 2nd Jack McDougall and 3rd Connor Pearson
