Beefy slate set for Clermont Beef Expo

Hoch & Wilkinson (H&W) in conjunction with Clermont Agencies CRT will again be hosting the event which H&W director Jake Passfield said has been recognised as a great way to bring the local community leading to the events increasing popularity each year.

"The day will start with a big breakfast followed by a cattle sale and trade displays," Mr Passfield said.

"Our theme for this year 'Drought Proof your Dollars', is a topic which will be discussed at length by our guest speaker Noel Whittaker AM, one of the world's foremost authorities on personal finance," he said.

Close to 1000 head of store and prime cattle will be judged and auctioned at the Clermont Saleyards during the day, which Mr Passfield said will comprise of a mixture of breeds, mostly from the Isaac region.

"With $14,000 being offered across the 14 classes being judged, we're expecting vendors will be selecting great quality cattle for the sale. H&W will also be donating $500 per class to a charity of the class winners choosing.

"Long-term expo supporters Isaac Regional Council is again sponsoring the Grand Champion Exhibit."

In conjunction with the expo, Clermont Agencies CRT will be holding a fundraising breakfast again this year after it proved to be a resounding success last year.

Clermont Agencies' Leonie Keune said the $1750 raised in 2018 from the trade display site fees and the breakfast was presented to the QCWA Queensland Drought Appeal.

"This wouldn't have been possible without the generous donations from NAB Qld Regional and Agribusiness, Clermont Butchery, Bluemac Bakehouse, Beales IGA Clermont and Clermont Agencies CRT who all contributed to the breakfast," Ms Keune said.

She said this year the same sponsors have come back onboard to help raise money for 'Smash SMARD' a charity which is close to the hearts of Clermont residents.

SMARD stands for Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress (also known as SMARD1). There is little known about this ultra rare and often fatal disease.

"Its rarity is of no comfort for the families affected by the disease, including Clermont couple Dean and Crystal Williams whose baby son Jovi, who succumbed to SMARD on January 14 this year," she said.

The 'Smash SMARD Breaky' will start at the showgrounds from 7am on and everyone is invited.

From 8am onwards visitors will be able to shop up a storm at the trade display, with a broad selection of products and services to be offered at the showgrounds by 50 businesses from far and wide.

"Every year the businesses involved go to great lengths to present us with fantastic exhibits," Ms Keune said.

She said the Clermont QCWA ladies will again put in an enormous effort in the kitchen preparing delicious food for everyone to enjoy on the day.

"We ask our amazing community to show your support by coming to the expo and doing a little Christmas shopping while your here."

The slate for the 2019 Clermont Beef Expo and Trade Display doesn't knock-off at sundown with the ever-popular blokes-only Jugs and Jocks to take place from 6pm at the Commercial Hotel.

Clermont Pharmacy's Grant Oswald is coordinating the event which was established to bring together men from the region for a beer and chat with the aim of bolstering mental health awareness.

"It's a good fit for the expo, where it was first held three years ago, and provides a great opportunity for blokes have a beer and a laugh with their mates," Mr Oswald said.

"Mr Whittaker will be fronting the event and engaging guests with anecdotes from his life, we'll then have a mini workshop for those in attendance to ask Noel any questions they might have," he said.

Mr Oswald said tickets are available from Clermont Pharmacy for $15 which covers entry, a burger, a beer and nibblies, with all proceeds going to the Clermont Men's Shed.