FOR the first time ever, the annual Bedourie Camel Races boasted the addition of an afternoon of pig racing that, combined with Bedourie’s famous camel races and a range of novelty events drew over 500 people to the remote outback town of 140 people.
With wood chopping competitions, a camp over cook-off, foot races, golf putting contests, music, dancing and the hilarious camp oven throwing contest also on the program, the weekend was jam-packed with activities to suit people of all ages and interests.
Instigated by local businessman Doug Cooms, the Bedourie Pig Races were held at his establishment, the Simpson Desert Oasis Roadhouse, on Friday July 11.
“I wanted to introduce another event to Bedourie that I knew would interest people, especially those who come to the outback for a unique experience and a bit of a laugh,” he said.
“It was great seeing people get involved and back the pigs, especially as a large part of the proceeds were donated to children’s charity Variety.”
Mr Cooms said that the pig races were well-received by travellers and locals alike.
“Because it’s such an interesting event, travellers came to Bedourie from all over Australia and were able to mingle with our locals, which meant that there was a very friendly and festive atmosphere throughout the afternoon and night,” he said.
Camels were off and racing at the Bedourie Race Track at 11am on Saturday July 12.
Run by a group of hardworking local volunteers of the Bedourie Golf and Leisure Club, the seven race event concluded with the Bedourie Camel Cup, won by Don Anesbury’s Hookmup and the 2014 Bedourie Plate, won by Calico, also owned by Don Anesbury.
Between races, the crowd was entertained with a variety of activities, including the hotly-contested putting competition, won by traveller Dawn Thompson who scored the day’s only hole-in-one.
President of the Bedourie Golf and Leisure Club, Trevor Stewart, said that the 2014 Bedourie Camel Races were one of the biggest yet, and the event is set to grow even more in future years.
“Camel racing is growing throughout the outback and Bedourie, along with Maree and Boulia, is one of the prime race meetings of the camel circuit,” he said.
“Now that Bedourie boasts the pig races in addition to the camels, I think we’ll be seeing an increase in crowd numbers every year.”
Mr Stewart said that the community of Bedourie is dedicated to supporting the event and seeing its growth.
“We’re a completely voluntary group and we couldn’t run this type of event without the support and assistance of our community,” he said.
“We’re a very tight-knit community and all have the best interests of our town at heart and that’s an important factor in running a successful event of this scale.
Our generous sponsors, including the Diamantina Shire Council, also play a huge role and we can’t thank them enough for their support.”
Young cooks came out on top in the camp oven cook-off with Dean Woods, in grade four, taking first place with his tasty damper, Bridey Cramer, also in primary school, came a close second.
The other novelty event that caught the crowd’s attention was the camp oven throwing contest.
Visiting Mt Isa policeman Jake Lacy won the men’s title with Bedourie local Tegan Hall winning the women’s.
Mr Stewart said that the camp oven novelty events are a nod to the town’s history.
“The Bedourie Camp oven was invented by stockmen in Bedourie and is now a nationally recognised bush icon,” he said.
“These events are bringing attention to the Bedourie Camp Oven in a fun and unique way.”
With Diamantina Shire events continuing to draw record crowds, despite the ongoing regional drought, the Bedourie Pig and Camel Races continue a trend that locals hope will last until the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival, which kicks off in August and travels to all three towns within the Diamantina Shire.
“We’ve had a great run with events this year,” said Mr Stewart.
“It’s a great year to come to the outback and we’re here to make anyone’s visit a memorable one.
“We hope that this year’s Simpson Desert Racing Carnival attracts the large number of people that our other events have because we have some fun surprises in store at all three race meets that make up the carnival.”