Blackall set to mark a big 150

The iconic western Qld town will celebrate its 150th anniversary with more than a week's worth of events from August 24 to September 2.

Celebrity chefs and musicians, livestock events, food, art and even billycart races will be part of the celebrations.

Blackall-Tambo Regional councillor, Pam Pullos, said organisers wanted to showcase the events that would normally take place in Blackall throughout the year and roll them all into one big event. 

“We wanted to show off in other words,” Ms Pullos said. 

“There’s so much that is special about Blackall, I wouldn’t know where to start.

“There are a lot of people travelling to Blackall. Some lived or worked here and have moved away; some are coming to visit family and friends.

“There are some family reunions planned, others are returning because they’ve visited before, some will be drawn to an event we are hosting.” 

Here’s just a sample of what’s planned.

ONE of the landmarks to Blackall, the Black Stump, has received the royal treatment, receiving a major upgrade in the lead up to the celebrations.

Renowned Australian sculptor, Phillip Perides, was commissioned to create a replica of the original black stump in bronze based on photographs sourced from the Blackall Historical Society and staff at Rams Park.

The tribute to the Blackall icon will be unveiled at the official festival opening on Saturday morning, August 25.

New parking has been established for caravans and visitors to view the site. Local artist, Willow, from the Blackall Wool Scour has restored the mural artwork.

BLACKALL has been drought declared since 2013 so what better time to forget those troubles and have a party.

The newly upgraded Blackall Saleyards will host a stud ram and stud bull sale to celebrate the area's agricultural history on Tuesday, August 28.

A new viewing platform has been constructed to capture all the action. The morning will see the Terrick Merino Stud Ram sale followed by the Lambert Stud Bull sale.

Celebrity chef, Matt Golinski, will be showcasing the region's beef, lamb and goat, while music will be provided by locals Barry and Tammy.

Visitors are invited to join locals for a glass of Bollinger or whatever their preferred drink is at what is expected to be a memorable day. Bus services to the town and saleyards will be provided.

Entry for the "Lamb, Beef and Bolle" event costs $15 and bookings are essential through Elders Blackall, (07) 4657 8000 or GDL Blackall, (07) 4657 6000.

RUGBY league has a proud tradition in Blackall and in the year that the Blackall Magples took out the premiership after a 30 year drought, it is fitting the tradition be celebrated.

The Blackall Showgrounds will host a special Colts vs Whitehorse rugby league football game. The Colts and Whitehorse were the two local football teams in Blackall when football was at its prime.

Past players from across Qld are planning to come back to Blackall to watch the game and relive memories of glory.

Banners and club colours from that era will be on full display to re-create the atmosphere surrounding mighty battles from a by-gone era.

Officiating at the event will be former Qld State of Origin player, Shane Webcke.

Players from different eras will be gathering to talk over old times at a special get together on Friday at the Blackall Bowls Club.

The game will take place on Sunday afternoon, August 26, while the rugby league reunion will happen on Friday night prior, August 24.

FORGET the manicured horses of Doomben; the west's best station horses will compete at the Blackall Fast Horses Barcoo Blitz Equine Time Trial.

Held over 250m on August 29 at the Blackall Racecourse, the competition invites those who think they have the fastest station horse in the Blackall - Tambo district.

There is a Fender saddle up for the fastest local horse.

For more information contact Lee Prow on 0487 330 503.