WA Youth Cattle Handlers Camp cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions but hopes remain for 2023

A popular three-day camp for youngsters keen to learn about WA’s vibrant cattle industry has been cancelled for a second time due to the risk and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. Organisers of the WA Youth Cattle Handlers Camp recently announced the event — this year scheduled for April 23 to 26 — had been cancelled despite all 100 places being fulfilled. WA Youth Cattle Association chairwoman Billi Marshall said while the committee was had hoped to hosting the event this year, the McGowan government’s COVID-19 mandates made it simply impossible for it to continue. “We had been monitoring the regulations closely and it is with great disappointment we had to announce the cancellation,” she said. “Due to dining and housing arrangements, it made it very difficult to surpass the seating and attendance regulations.” It is the second WA Youth Cattle Camp cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions after the 2020 event was also mothballed. Last year’s event was a success, with Woogenellup youngster Rori Skinner bestowed the Christopher Ferguson Memorial Award for being the Highest Beef Achiever. The camp, established in 2005, is designed to educate young people aged between eight and 25 years old in various aspects of the cattle industry. It attracts 100 entrants every year who spend three days at the Brunswick Showgrounds gaining skills and experience handling cattle in either the beef or dairy field. In addition to being hands-on with their cattle, students take part in sessions that are both educational and fun. Under direction of the committee, the participants gain knowledge and hands-on experience in cattle handling skills in and out of the show ring, safety, cattle health and nutrition, and public speaking. Ms Marshall said the 2022 camp was set to take on a more commercial approach with the improved infrastructure available at the Brunswick Showgrounds. “It was the committee’s goal to incorporate a realistic trade-like exhibition for entrants to assess cattle in a saleyard situation,” she said. “We would like to thank all our entrants and their families for their understanding and support this year. Cancelling the camp was not an outcome any of us wished for. “We would also like to thank all of our sponsors, new and existing, for their generous support in making our event possible and I strongly hope to see you all again in 2023.”