The shock withdrawal of motocross riding from the upcoming annual Millicent Show has left organisers scrambling for an alternative attraction.
The Mount Gambier Junior Motorcycle Club has had a major yearly meet in Millicent for around 30 years but has cancelled its participation scheduled for November 4 and 5.
Hundreds of riders and supporters would attend Millicent each year but insurance problems have prompted the cancellation.
A spokesperson from the motorcycle club said it was very disappointing the Millicent Stadium Cross will not be going ahead for 2022.
“The Mount Gambier Junior Motorcycle committee are devastated the event could not go ahead due to insurance issues and other reasons and have tried to obtain insurance from another company with no luck and are committed to riders, committee, spectators and officials’ safety first and without the insurance we could not commit to holding the event,” the spokesperson said.
“We look forward for a bigger and better event in 2023.”
Millicent Show Society president Neville Copping said his committee members were disappointed when they were informed of the situation by the Mount Gambier club on Wednesday.
He said the shearing would be re-scheduled to Friday while the other drawcards for the 145th Millicent Show like the fireworks, sideshow alley, demo derby and lawn mower racing were unaffected.
Mr Copping said the club from the Blue Lake city was unable to obtain insurance and the situation was beyond their control.
“I understand the insurance situation has affected all motocross events across Australia at the moment,” Mr Copping said.
“Motorbikes have been a big part of the Millicent Show since the 1990s.
“There had been working bees at the track this month and the club has responsibility for it.
“There was a major upgrade in 2021.
“The track was all ready to go.
“The Mount Gambier Junior Motorcycle Club said it might still be possible to stage a meeting in Millicent later this year or early in 2023.”
Due to the cancellation, the Millicent Show Society has decided to bring forward the speed shearing contest from Saturday to Friday night.
The event would start at 7pm and continue for around three hours.
The contest draws shearers from across the region and beyond with large crowds keen to see the skill, strength and stamina of the participants in play.
Mr Copping said it would be the first shearing contest at Millicent for a few years.
“The Millicent Show was cancelled outright due to COVID in 2020.
“Last year, we had a show but the shearing was not held.
“There were border restrictions in place a year ago and so shearers could not come to Millicent from Victoria.
“Shearing has been a popular event at Millicent over the years.
“The Mount Burr United Football Club will be manning the bar while the Millicent Lions Club will have a barbecue.”
