Currently at Equitana, and what a fabulous surprise. 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. I have met truckloads of visitors from Western Australia (including the Kimberleys), the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland (including Townsville), and Tasmania. 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. 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. There are a huge number of New Zealanders here also. 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. The record was set on the first day when I saw someone we worked with in North Queensland in 1985. But I’ve also come across chopper pilots, contract musterers and station owners from all over the place. 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. 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