Boars and Barras Reels in Big Crowd at Clare

Burdekin Boars and Barras made its highly anticipated return to Clare on Friday, 6th February, with three days of fierce competition culminating in a well-attended final weigh-in on Sunday. The biennial event, running since 2014, saw competitors battle it out over a range of hunting categories, with Sunday’s weigh-in drawing hundreds of spectators for an afternoon of music, activities and the final awards presentation. Event coordinator Sarah Hollywood said the impressive turnout made this year’s iteration of the event was one to remember. “We were very, very happy with all the community support,” said Hollywood. “We are very fortunate to have such a supportive community in Clare, the wider Burdekin, and even outside of the Burdekin supporting the event.” Read more on page 25 Tribute to Jaiden Booth Highlights Big Weekend Continued from cover This year, the Senior Heaviest Barra award was dedicated to the late Jaiden Booth, a long-time participant in the competition who is remembered for his passion, resilience and the joy he brought to fishing and the wider community. Hollywood said the tribute was especially meaningful for the club and Jaiden’s family. “It meant a lot, not just for his whole family, but for the community as well,” said Hollywood. “Hopefully, it's something we can keep going, because Jaiden loved the event—he was a big part of it.” The winner of the award, Nick Malone, graciously opted to donate the $1,000 prize money back into the club. The Clare Sports & Recreation Club’s hallmark fundraiser, the event was vital in bringing the community together and supporting the club’s ongoing operations, said Hollywood. “The Clare Club is majority volunteer-run. Whatever we make with the club goes straight back into the club,” she said. “Without events like this, and without the volunteers that we are very fortunate to have, we wouldn't have a community club.” Results: Senior Categories: Heaviest Barra—$1,000 & $416 COSTA Sunglasses—Nick Malone (15.86kg) Secret Weight Barra—$500—Brayden Jaques (6kg) Heaviest Mangrove Jack—$250—Brodyn Cosalegno (2kg) Biggest Catfish—$250—Ashley Hiscox Junior Categories: Heaviest Barra—$500—Dani Broadhead (11.64kg) Secret Weight Barra—$250—Matt Laidlow (2.28kg) Heaviest Mangrove Jack—$150—Keaton Jarvis (1.06kg) Biggest Catfish—$150—Lexi Widderick (4.36kg) Open Categories: Heaviest Boar—$1000—Joshua Russell (101kg) Heaviest Sow—$700—Cooper Lennox (88.7kg) Heaviest Crab—$250—Zac Begg (1.43kg)