Blue Light Shearing in the Paroo

Published on 17 September 2026

Blue Light Shearing in the Paroo

Over the past three days 18 young people from around south west Queensland, including students from Cunnamulla P-12 State School, have been on the boards at Warrego Park shearing shed near Wyandra participating in a Blue Light Shearing program.

The Blue Light Shearing program was started by police officer Laurie Bateman to assist regional and remote youth develop life skills and attitudes that they could carry throughout their lives and into their chosen workplaces of the future.

Zoe Land from Cunnamulla said the three days had been ‘amazing’. Shearing can be hard work, but Zoe said there was plenty of fun involved.

Above: Some of the children from Cunnamulla who attended the Blue Light Shearing at Warrego Park with Cunnamulla P-12 State School teacher Mitchell Blashak (center)

This is the sixth-year Alistair Webb, owner of Warrego Park, has hosted a Blue Light Shearing program.

“I think it’s a fantastic program, very positive and teaches good work ethics,” Mr Webb said.

“Laurie is a great bloke, and he has a way of bonding with these children and really making a difference. You see them grow in self-confidence, learn team building, respect for others, it’s much more than just learning how to shear a sheep. There’s plenty of laughter above the sound of the shears and I think it's wonderful we can run this right here in the Paroo Shire.”

Above: Alistair Webb, owner of Warrego Park, thinks the program teaches positive ethics.