Racing, Revelry, and Regional Spirits; Reliving the Blackall Beef Producers Race Day

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending the Blackall Beef Producers Race Day, a local event that showcased the best of the region. Hosted by the Barcoo Amateur Race Club, this year's event was particularly special as it highlighted the contributions of local suppliers and producers who were representing their exceptional products.

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The centerpiece of the event was undoubtedly the VIP tent, generously sponsored by Hewitt Company, specialists in sourcing and onselling organically grown beef. This was the first year they introduced the VIP tent, and it added an extra layer of charm to the day. The lunch they served was a gastronomic delight—a Beef Poke bowl featuring Hewitt's organic beef, locally sourced and char-grilled to perfection. Accompanied by a salad mix that included chickpeas, carrots, raisins, and other locally inspired ingredients, the meal was a testament to the quality of Hewitt's products. Montana, the certifications and compliance officer from Hewitt, shared insights into their numerous local suppliers in Blackall.

As a photographer capturing the essence of the event, I couldn't help but notice the exquisite meat on display. It was sourced from a local supplier called Bull Creek, renowned not only for their organic practices but also for their commitment to regenerative farming. It was heartening to see a local business like Bull Creek featured prominently at the event, highlighting the region's agricultural excellence.

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The VIP area also hosted a cocktail bar operated by a local gem, Western Queensland Distillery, established only a few years ago in Roma, Queensland. They added a unique touch to the event by supplying all the alcohol for the bar. Their impressive range of spirits, including Lemon Cillo and a specialized Bottlebrush vodka named after the iconic Australian flower, showcased the diversity and creativity of the local distillery scene. Two staff members from Western Queensland Spirits ran the bar, sharing their enthusiasm and plans for expanding their presence in Western Queensland, including being the main supplier for the upcoming Mt Isa Rodeo—a significant boost for the company.

The Fashions of the Field competition was a highlight of the day, featuring participants of all ages. From trendy youngsters to the more seasoned generation, everyone showcased their best fashion-forward looks, demonstrating that Blackall has style that can rival any capital city competition.

One of the most heartwarming and amusing moments of the day occurred during the Gentleman of the Track competition. It was a showdown between a father and son, both competing against each other with a spirit of friendly rivalry. Ultimately, the son emerged victorious, and their post-competition hug was a touching testament to the camaraderie and family bonds fostered by such events.

As the day came to a close, I live-streamed the final horse race and began packing up my equipment. I couldn't help but envy those who stayed behind to enjoy the night's festivities with the local band, Beer Pressure. It was a truly unforgettable day that celebrated the essence of Western Queensland, with local suppliers and producers proudly representing their wares.

The Blackall Beef Producers Race Day was a true showcase of the region's talent and dedication to quality. From organic beef to unique spirits, and fashionable attire, the event exemplified the sense of community and pride in Western Queensland. Until next time, Blackall!