This year’s R.M.Williams and Packer Leather 2025 Australian whip cracking Titles and World bullock whip titles, were held at the EKKA Brisbane and attracted competitors from throughout Australia.

Gunnedah and Tamworth were well represented by the Wicks, Sozou, and Groves families. The Pee Wee 8 years and under saw Abbie Sozou (7) place 2nd, Macey Wicks (4) 3rd, Robbie Wicks (2) 5th, Alice Groves (5) 6th, Georgia Sozou (4) 8th, and Henry Sozou (18months) in 9th place.

All the Pee Wee competitors cracked great and were given television, radio and newspaper coverage during their stay at the Ekka. A highlight was to see all the children show maturity way above their years and go out when it was their turn with confidence and impress the judges with their 10-trick routine.

In the Juvenile 12 years and under, Gunnedah was well represented by Elise (9) and Grace Groves (11) competing in their first Australian title. Grace placed 3rd and Elsie Groves 4th in a hotly contested display of whip cracking. Both girls have already been practising for next year’s event with determination to learn harder routines.

Brooke Wicks (Middlemount QLD) and Katie Sozou (nee Wicks) were in the women’s division with Brooke placing 2nd and 3rd in the World Bullock Whip title, and Katie in 4th placing in the women’s division.

Daniel Wicks had a great Ekka placing first in the Australian Accuracy title and 2nd in the Men’s division. He also took out his 11th consecutive World Bullock whip title. This was Daniel’s 27th consecutive year competing at the AWPA event. Steve Wicks won his 12 Australian title in the over 45’s division and placed 7th in the World Bullock whip title.

Steve said it was great to see the younger children with so much confidence to get out there and give it a go, particularly the Groves family with their children improving and enjoying this sport.

Those wishing try whip cracking, whip cracking is programed at the Weeks of Speed in March 2025, the Gunnedah Show in April and at the Drovers Campfire weekend in Boggabri. Whitehaven Coal have really got behind this truly Australian sport and we do appreciate their sponsorship.

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