Travelling Exhibition - Kevin Sarre - Shearing Legend

KEVIN SARRE BIOGRAPHY

"In the Pursuit of Excellence - The Life and Career of Shearing Legend Kevin Sarre" was launched at Hay, NSW, on Sunday 27 January 2002, in conjunction with he opening of Shear Outback. Kevin was one of the first five shearers inducted into Shear Outback's Hall of Fame that same day. The book is available to purchase at the Heritage Complex (cost is $25.00 per copy).

Who Was Kevin?

Kevin Sarre was arguably Australia's greatest 20th Century machine shearer. He was well-known and widely recognised, having spent 30 years in the shearing industry.Kevin began shearing in the late 1940s, and went on to win many shearing championships including five Australian Titles. Later, in assosciation with the Australian Wool Board, He was instrumental in the development of the revolutionary Tally-Hi shearing technique, and went on to supervise the training of this technique throughout Australia.

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A Travelling Exhibition?

In 1997, the Complex decided to feature a small exhibition on Kevin who grew up in Lockington. However, difficulties were encountered when attempting to access information about his achievements. There was no ready source of information available. After further research, and discussions with a number of people associated over the past 50 years with the wool industry, it became evident that there is a definite gap in the historiography which needed to be addressed as soon as possible. As information was gathered from various sources, including Kevin's family, former colleagues, friends and associates, interest in the program gained momentum. This brought realisation that there is a need to make Kevin's story available to the wider community in the form of a travelling exhibition.

Why Now?

It is appropriate that this exhibition be produced now, while many of those who shared Kevin's experiences are still available to add their contribution to the story. Little has been recorded of developments within the industry during the 1950s and since, and much has been lost as it was not considered 'historical'. This exhibition is a timely reminder and will hopefully encourage a greater respect for memories and memorabilia which might otherwise be overlooked.

Purpose of the Exhibition

The purpose of this exhibition is to honor Kevin and record his endeavours, his dedication, and his enormous contribution to one of Australia's greatest primary industries.The display is intended for visiters of all ages, and is expected to fulfill an educational function as well as provide opportunities to reminisce and be entertained.

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About the Exhibition

The physical exhibition has been designed in conjunction with honors students at Swinburne University Design School. A graphic designer has been contrcted to prepare layouts of material to be printed. It is intended that this exhibition be professional in it's production and therefore experts in their own field are being untilized when and where necessary according to budgetry restrictions.

Proposed Itinerary

This exhibition will be launched at Lockington and will tour agricultural shows, field days, museums, educational institutions and other venues for a period of at least 18 months. Expressions of interest have been received from prospective venues in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia as well as in Victoria. These include Shear Outback, The Stockman's Hall of Fame and the Royal Melbourne Show. We are keen to reach as many people as possible in regional areas and are still seeking potential venues. Please feel free to make suggestions to us!

Sponsorship

Many voluntary hours have already gone into the planning and research of this project. All further management of this exhibition will be an in-kind contribution from the Complex volunteers. It is hoped to raise enough funds to produce and tour the exhibition through sponsorship. A number of sponsorship packages are currently being offered: Gold Medallion, Silver Medallion, Bronze Medallion, Blue Sash, and "Friends of the Kevin Sarre Touring Exhibition". For further sponsorship information, please contact the Complex.

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News

We gratefully acknowledge the sponsorship of Lindsay Nelson of Nelson: Australia's largest manufacturer of transportable silos; Pentreath's Of Lockington: Foodworks and Thrifty Link Hardware; The Lions Club of Lockington Inc.; Noel Maughan MLA, Member for Rodney; F. & M. Harrison; G. & W. Fiedler, and the Friends of the Kevin Sarre Exhibtion, in the production of the Kevin Sarre Biography.

Our great need at present is for funding towards the development of the Kevin Sarre Touring Exhibition. Donations of any amount will be received with gratitude. Sponsorship packages have been prepared and will be forwarded to interested organizations on request. If you can help please contact the Complex on (03) 54 862 515. If no one is available to speak with you, there is an answering machine, or faxes can be sent to this same number.

Travelling Exhibition Souvenirs

Kevin Sarre Biography

In the Pursuit of Excellance: The Life and Career of Shearing Legend Kevin Sarre

100 page bound book. First published January 2002.

Cost: $25.00

Polo Shirts

High quality shirts with the Exhibition Logo embroidered on the front.

Cost: $65.00

Souvenir Caps

Black or Green cotton caps with the Exhibition logo embroidered on the font.

Cost: $25.00

Special "Friend" Package

• A high quality polo shirt with the Exhibition Logo embroidered on the front.
• A "friend" of the Kevin Sarre Touring Exhibition badge
• The opportunity to attend the launch of the Exhibition at Lockington
• Updates on the progress of the Exhibtion in the form of a newsletter (please note this will only continue for the life of the exhibtion)

Cost: $70.00

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