“This is us” – these were the words of Blackall-Tambo Regional Council mayor, Andrew Martin, as he welcomed yet another huge crowd to one of the many pop-up dining events helping to celebrate Blackall’s sesquicentenary this week.
The region turned 150 on Saturday and is in the midst of a 10-day party to end all parties to celebrate.
One of those was a Lamb Beef and Bolle dinner held under lights beside the Blackall Saleyards complex, described by Cr Martin as one of only two on the planet accredited to sell organic product, and as one of the premiere selling complexes in Australia.
It followed a unique ram and bull sale combination put on by the Keogh and Bredhauer families for Terrick Merinos and the Lambert Charbray and Hereford Stud.
Cr Martin congratulated both for the risks they took with the new format, which produced a wonderful spectacle for the many people returning for the 150th birthday party.
“We’re producing the stuff going round on your plates and the jumpers you’re wearing,” he said. “This is us.”
He congratulated chef, Matt Golinski for the wonderful job he’d done with the product of the region.
Matt in turn said he was already plotting how he could return, so much had he enjoyed his time.
“It’s been amazing to see a community that’s so into everything,” he said.
Billy cart racing and lunches with rugby league celebrities were just some of the events marking the occasion so far.
The Blackall Livestock Agents Association organised the lunch, which was well received, bringing in attendees from all over the west.
Another event just across the street that also had faces from all over western Queensland was the annual Shockwave youth festival.
On Sunday 150 people turned out for a morning colour run, followed by the popular barbecue cook-off, won for the second consecutive year by Emerald couple Penelope and Jamie Black, this time with a lamb rack judged by Matt Golinski.
Last year it was Asian beef ribs that won them the prize.
Penelope said they sourced their meat from Fair Dinkum Meats at Springsure and Emerald, who bought in their lamb from Walgett.
Blackall’s Cam Russell and Sean Headland were runners-up in the competition with their rolled rib fillet, basted with basil pesto and red wine.
People smelling the cooking aromas were able to have their hunger busted with a spit roast luncheon prepared by 2015 MKR contestants, Tony and Lynn Woodbourne.
Following the afternoon of rugby league memories, Graeme Connors serenaded the crowd.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
