Community
19 June, 2024
Boulia families well prepared for this year's camel races
It's all hands on deck in Boulia as they prepare for an influx of thousands of people in July.
With excitement building for next month’s Boulia Camel Races, three generations of local families are leading the charge to the race track.
President Shelley Lorensen, and event coordinator Beck Britton have turned the event into a family effort with the support of dedicated Boulia community members.
Shelley Lorensen was talked into joining the event committee back in 2007 by Bob Spilsbury, co-founder of the Boulia Camel Races in 1997.
Since then she has been an active member of the event committee, whose members have grown the event into a premier attraction in the region and a staple on the camel racing circuit.
The spirit of the races runs deep in Shelley’s family, whose father Geoff Norton previously served on the committee and is the namesake of the event’s Camel Tagging competition.
Shelley’s mother Jan Norton and aunt Lynnie Hutchins, both photographers, have worked tirelessly over the years to capture the spirit of the Boulia Camel Races.
“This is an event that’s deeply rooted in our community, it’s been great working with so many people over the years and the numerous Boulia families involved in making the event what it is today,” said Shelley.
“It’s more than just a sporting event, it embodies a joyful celebration of our shared community spirit and cultural heritage.”
Building a Boulia Camel Races legacy of their own is the family of Beck Britton, a driving force in pulling the event together each July.
Her family has been involved for years, with step-dad Phillip driving the local shuttle bus across the weekend and mum Julie helping to run the merchandise store.
The spirit of the races is in good hands with the youngest Boulia generation, currently being led by Britton’s eldest sons Jake and Zac.
“The kids have practically grown up with the races, so it was almost expected that they would join in,” said Beck.
“The boys thoroughly enjoy participating in the event, and undoubtedly their younger siblings will follow suit ... once your family gets into it, there’s no getting out.”
Tickets for Boulia Camel Races are available online now, with the event to run from July 12 to 14. For information, visit www.bouliacamelraces.com.au