Draft sample content — pending organiser review before publication
The world titles are coming home. From 1–4 November 2029, the Golden Shears World Championships will be contested at Geelong Showgrounds, Victoria — the event's return to Australian soil and, remarkably, the return of Merino competition to the world stage after almost twenty years.
The Championships are awarded through a highly competitive international bidding process overseen by the World Sheep Shearing Championships Council. Geelong's winning bid, developed in partnership with Shearing Sports Australia, was built on the city's world-class venue, rich wool heritage and experienced event team — and carried the endorsement of national federations and industry leaders across the international shearing community.
More than a sporting milestone — a celebration of the people, communities and industry that have shaped Australia's wool story for over 240 years.
Competition will run on the Showgrounds' six-stand raised board in front of up to 3,000 spectators, shorn on Fine Wool Merino sheep of 21 micron or less, with live streaming and digital scoring built into the venue. The event will be delivered with Sportshear, the Royal Geelong Agricultural & Pastoral Society and the Royal Geelong Show Shearing Committee, drawing on the training expertise of SCAA Shearer Woolhandler Training Inc.
A broader festival window is proposed around the titles — taking in the Royal Geelong Show & Shearing Competition, the Geelong Cup, the Euroa & Warrnambool Shears and a gala dinner, with the Melbourne Cup following two days after the final. Program details will be confirmed as planning progresses.
The Road to 2029 starts now. Register for updates to follow every milestone.