Things

Importance of shearing

Sheep farming was a major industry in the Kelly country.

Australia's wool industry was well developed and the expression about the country 'riding on the sheep's back' was in use. More correctly it rode on the back of thousands of shearers and other bush workers.

The size of the wool clip (Argus19/1/81)

Shearing in progress (Alexandra30/10/1868)

Would your school like to find out about shearers from the Kelly country in the 1870s

The KellyGang's involvement with shearering

Sgt Steele suggested that many young men when shearing. He said, 'I think when they have attained a certain age they go to shearing, and then return to their friends and idle about for a few months in the year; but they all work more or less.' (RC8853) see also (RC2983)

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16-jan-12

Find the hiding places and sites where the KellyGang found fame and fortune and where their friends indulged in horse stealing and tried to make a life against the challenges of the squatters and banks. Let the KellyGang show you the places where they found safety from the law in the bush.