Women in Shearing: Breaking Barriers

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is Sydney News Today. Brittany Bayesley swapped her career as a beauty therapist for life in Australia's sheepsharing sheds 15 years ago. Starting as a teenager in New Zealand, shadowing her sheer adead, she climbed to Wool Classor and second in command at a station near Waga Waga Inn, New South Wales. The industry remains mostly male, with women making up less than 5% of the workforce according to the 2021 census. Members of women in shearing have grown lately, especially after COVID lockdowns kept out overseas workers. Nikki Lyons from New South Wales grabbed headlines last October by setting a world record, shearing 502 marino lambs in 9 hours near. Marnewin Victoria, she trained hard for the feet, loving the physical challenge and travel that drew her in from agriculture school days. These women handle more than just the blades. Bayesley's sorts and greys wool to boost its sale value, while Jazz Townoa keeps everyone

1:00fueled as the shed cook. Up at 4.30 every morning, she whips up five meals a day. Breakfast, Smoko, lunch, afternoon Smoko, dinner, and dessert for the hungry crews. The job pulls them in with solid pay, worldwide travel, and tight knit teams. Mini-share New Zealand roots, building family around the lifestyle, like Bayesley raising her son, Thomas, right in the sheds. It's tough foot rewarding, letting them chase big goals and inspire the next generation. As more women step up on the stands and behind the scenes, the shearing world keeps evolving, proving grit and skill open doors everywhere.