As the sun rose and the dew on the outside of the Corydon Shearing Shed in Wanalta slowly disappeared, the hustle and bustle inside was already alive.
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Alive with banter, determination, mateship and the drive to kick off the 12th annual Shearing for Kids with Cancer Day.
Inside the shed on Friday, July 31, the clippers were buzzing as 25 volunteer shearers shore a mere 440 sheep.
About 25 other volunteers worked alongside them, picking up fleeces, sweeping the floor and classing wool, all donating their time and skills to support the cause.
Event organiser Katrina Ogden said there were 10 active shearing stands in operation, with shearers taking turns throughout the morning.
"The boys started shearing at 7.30am, but everyone would have been at the shed before 7am to make sure everything was set up and ready to go for the day," Katrina said.
"We had a bit of a chat around the fire, just to say thanks to the workers before everyone else arrived for the day."
The pace inside the shed was remarkable, with most of the 440 sheep shorn before morning smoko.
Outside, the atmosphere was just as lively.
Hundreds of people gathered to watch the action, catch up with friends and support the fundraiser, while volunteers cooked, sold raffle tickets, served food and drinks and kept the day running seamlessly.
It was a huge team effort, united by a shared determination to raise as much money as possible for children fighting cancer.
And their hard work paid off, with this year's event raising a record-breaking $103,977.84 for My Room Children's Cancer Charity.
"The day has gotten bigger and bigger every year. More and more people and businesses are jumping on board every year," Katrina said.
"Bill and I are extremely proud of everyone's hard work and dedication that has been put into the last 12 years, but it is great to see all the young ones coming through and having a crack at everything, shearing, auctioneering and more."
The ever-popular auction once again drew plenty of interest, with 17 loads of firewood going under the hammer. One load sold for an impressive $2300.
Three young men also shaved their heads to raise money, while two young boys presented a cheque for $3500 after cutting off their mullets in the weeks leading up to the event.
Families enjoyed the community atmosphere throughout the day, with children bouncing on the jumping castle, kids kicking footballs around the grounds and visitors relaxing while enjoying burgers, fresh roast rolls and drinks.
Katrina said it was a ripper day and one that would not have been possible without the generosity and support of the local community.
"We would like to thank all the wonderful businesses and amazing people around our community that donated all the items and prizes for our auction and raffle," she said.
"And all the workers inside and out who donated their time and skills for the day, and everyone that supported our day by buying raffle tickets, making donations and coming out to the day.
“We sincerely thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We would not have been able to raise this amazing amount without your dedication, generosity and the fantastic effort shown by everyone involved.”