Currently at Equitana, and what a fabulous surprise. Â I thought the figures given on interstate visitation were probably overstated (45% from outside Victoria) but in actual fact I think they are understated, at least for Equitana 2010. Â I have met truckloads of visitors from Western Australia (including the Kimberleys), the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland (including Townsville), and Tasmania. Â Fewer people from New South Wales and not so many from Melbourne, but then perhaps the latter aren’t wandering past my site so much. Â Quite a few from regional Victoria (Gippsland, Western District, and along the Murray River to the north) have arrived for the weekend, while most interstate visitors are here for all four days. Â There are a huge number of New Zealanders here also. Â No wonder Tourism Victoria sponsor Equitana – a profitable investment for them.
Amazing to meet so many people at Equitana who have at some time lived on cattle stations, and those who still do. Â The record was set on the first day when I saw someone we worked with in North Queensland in 1985. Â But I’ve also come across chopper pilots, contract musterers and station owners from all over the place. Â People who are in the books ‘A Million Acre Masterpiece’ and ‘Life as an Australian Horseman’ and people who know many of those who are. Â Have had a great time jawing, signing books and talking to customers who I’ve never met in person.
Today is the last day – until next time.
Tags: Fiona Lake Photography