The sound of clippers and the power of community combine once again at Bill and Val Barlow’s shearing shed, supporting children and families impacted by cancer.
The heartbeat of the bush can often be found in a shearing shed.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Beneath corrugated iron roofs, they are more than just timber and tin; they are places where hard work, stories and community come together.
And this July will be no different when people from across the region gather at Bill and Val Barlow’s shearing shed in Wanalta for the 2026 Shearing for Kids with Cancer Shearing Day.
It was in 2015 that the Barlows first opened their shed doors to support the cause after Wanalta couple Katrina and Bill Ogden decided to donate a day’s shearing to help a young local girl battling cancer.
Today, the event brings together shearers, wool handlers, farmers, local businesses and volunteers in a united effort to raise funds for children battling cancer and their families, with all proceeds donated directly to My Room, a children’s cancer charity.
The event has grown into a much-loved fixture on the community calendar over the past decade, proving that remarkable things can be achieved when country communities come together.
Katrina said she believed one of the reasons the community continued to support the event each year was because people could see exactly where the money was going and who it was helping.
She added that more businesses were getting involved each year, which was something she and Bill greatly appreciated.
“To me, it is really important to support the organisation My Room,” Katrina said.
“They look after the whole family, not only the child who is fighting their hardest battle, but everyone around them.
“The money we raise and donate helps make a real difference, with at least 95 per cent of every dollar going directly towards supporting children with cancer and their families.”
This year, visitors can expect shearing throughout the morning until noon, while hot soup, a barbecue and meat and gravy rolls will be available from 11am.
A jumping castle will also keep younger visitors entertained, while the popular auction will begin at about 1pm.
“If we didn’t have the volunteers helping both inside and outside the shed, we simply wouldn’t be able to run this day.
“If businesses didn’t donate, we wouldn’t be able to run this day either.
Around 10 shearing stands will be operating throughout the morning, with approximately 700 sheep expected to be shorn.
The shed will once again be filled with the sounds of clippers, laughter and conversation, all driven by a shared desire to make a difference.
Around 20 shearers will take turns throughout the day, supported by about 30 volunteers working both in and around the shed.
“The hard work everyone does in the shed is exceptional,” Katrina said.
“For all the people who have helped over the years, Bill and I truly appreciate their hard work and ongoing support.
For more information about attending, making a donation or participating in the online auction if you can’t make it on the day, visit the Shearing for Kids with Cancer Facebook page.
The event will be held at 3380 Bendigo-Murchison Rd, Wanalta on Friday, July 31, starting at 10am.
Katrina Ogden proudly holds a My Room fundraising tin, continuing years of dedication to raising funds and awareness for children’s cancer support through the annual shearing day.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Shearing for Kids with Cancer returns to Wanalta on Friday, July 31, bringing the community together once again for a day of fundraising, shearing and support for My Room.
Photo by
Sharon Perry
Community spirit in action at the Shearing for Kids with Cancer event in Wanalta, where shearers, volunteers and locals come together to raise vital funds for My Room.
Photo by
Sharon Perry
12°C