'World of wool’ photo gallery
Have you got any interesting photos that you’d like to share with other readers of Beyond the Bale? If so, please email the image and a brief description to AWI Communications Officer, Kate Rice, at kate.rice@wool.com.
Shearing for Hope
Home to just over 250 people, the small town of Wanalta in Victoria comes together each year for a very special event. The initiative of local Katrina Ogden, Shearing for Kids with Cancer, is an annual fundraiser that wrapped up its eleventh event in July 2025.
Shearers, young and old, along with a crowd of locals and supporters, make their way to the Barlow family farm, ‘Corydon’, showcasing what being part of a small rural community is all about.
The fundraiser began when the 3-yearold daughter of a local family was diagnosed with a Wilms tumour. Needing treatment, the local community saw an opportunity to assist, holding a goods and services auction. At this auction, Bill, Katrina’s husband, donated a day of shearing and from there the event grew.
In 2025, the event raised $84,377.84 for My Room Children’s Cancer Charity, totalling well over half a million dollars since the fundraiser's inception. The 2025 fundraiser was captured beautifully by Lill Daley Photography (lovedbylill.photography). Lill is a photographer based in Central Victoria who enjoys capturing rural farming families.
A day’s work at Delatite
Situated at the foot of the Victorian high country, Delatite Station (@delatite_station) is a fourth-generation family-operated grazing enterprise. Established in 1861, the property boasts a rich history with many of the original sheds and buildings still standing. During a day of jetting Merinos, Amelia Bruggy (@ameliabruggy) caught Kelly Walker in action.
Living history in the shearing shed
Holowiliena Station (@holowiliena_station) is the only South Australian pastoral lease still held by the family of the original lessees, dating back to 1852. With forth, fifth and sixth generations actively involved with the station, history is alive and well; ingrained in everyday life.
Generations in the Shed
Rural photographer Tanya Eather (@fitzroyflats_photography) captures the family affair that is a day in the sheds with the family-owned and operated South West Shearing.
Based in Southwest Victoria, South West Shearing is owned and operated by Brett Caldwell. Here, Tanya captures Brett in action. With his son keeping a close eye on business, the image tells a story of how rural knowledge is passed on – not through words, but through presence and a shared passion for the rural way of life.
Racing Santa’s sleigh
The hustle, bustle (and dust) of shearing two days before Christmas. With Santa and rain on the horizon, the race was on. Amid the action, photographer and Southwest Victorian sheep and cattle grazier, Edwina Moutray (@e.m.images_) snapped this beautiful shot.
Galari bila Embrace
Mary-Ann Wright discovered felting 15 years ago and has been hooked ever since. On her mixed family farm near Cowra, NSW, Mary-Ann makes wearable art using 17–19 micron Australian wool.
Now branching into felt sculpture, pictured here is Mary-Ann’s latest creation. Winning the judges' award at her local gallery, the piece, entitled ‘Galari bila Embrace,’ is an ode to the Lachlan River.
This article appeared in Issue 105 of AWI’s Beyond the Bale magazine that was published in March 2026. Reproduction of the article is encouraged and should be attributed as follows: This article was first published in Issue 105 of AWI’s Beyond the Bale magazine.
