Graeme and Michelle Freebairn, John Grainger and NZ Shearing Champs patron John Fagan. PHOTO BRETT WALKER
King Country News’ Michelle Freebairn’s long term support for the New Zealand Shearing Championships was recognised on Saturday night with a life membership.
Michelle was also awarded a 20-year medal, and the Keith and Maureen Wilkie Memorial Award for services to the NZ Shears committee.
Michelle said the Wilkie Award was very special because she knew Keith and Maureen well and worked with them when they were on the committee.
She was “blindsided” when, with John Grainger, she was given the life membership honour.
John had been there for 37 years since the shearing champ’s inception, Michelle said.
“As Gavin Rowlands said on Friday night, ‘you don’t get involved in these events or stay for a long period of time in the industry for the accolades or the awards’ so to be recognised for your individual contribution is very special but the NZ Shears truly is a team effort so thanks to everyone on the team,” Michelle said.
“I love being a part of this event and have met some awesome people over the years, made a lot of friends among the competitors, supporters and committee, learnt a lot about the industry, especially how hard shearers and woolhandlers work, how they support one another – they really are just one big family.”
