The family theme was running strong at the NSW Whipcracking Titles in Gunnedah earlier this month.
Held at Wolseley Park, many of those attending started whipcracking because of family and stay on because they love it.
Among those cracking true to that tradition was Gunnedah’s Alison Kelly who started whipcracking when her children were young.
Long after the young ones have moved on to other pursuits, Alison is still carrying the whipcracking baton.
“I enjoyed it when the kids were little – we did it as a family,” she said.
“I liked it and so have continued doing it here whenever it’s in Gunnedah.
“It’s physical but it’s fun.”
Alison was also enthused by the next generation of talented whipcrackers rising through the ranks.
“There’s fantastic young ones coming through now which is great because it keeps the sport going,” she said.
Another drawn to whipcracking through family was Kerry Whibley.
The grain farmer from Pallamallawa, east of Moree, said the whole family is involved including his wife, and his children who are now young adults.
Occasionally, Kerry also gives the competition a crack.
“Sometimes in the men’s, sometimes in the over 45s [division] – my kids and wife are good at it, I just follow them,” he said.
