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Header drivers converge next month

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If you have driven a header, seen a header or seen a picture of a header, you are welcome at the annual Header Drivers Convention in Narrandera on February 3.

Main organiser of the event for the past 20 years, Neil Seidel, said the night was a great opportunity for farmers or anyone interested in a good night out, to tell lies about the harvest just gone, harvests past, and to have a laugh about the ups and downs of agriculture, which can at times be a hard industry.

There are awards that add to the fun including the Troy Parry Memorial Trophy for the biggest stuff up of the year with the winner staggering off with the axle of a 7720 John Deere Header. The driver who got bogged the most in the past 12 months also gets an award.

“There’s one driver who’s apparently up to 53 times this year and he has the marks scratched on his header for every time,” Neil said.

“It’s been an exceptional year for wet paddocks. We have a different theme each year and this one is ‘Mud, Sweat and Tears’.”

The theme is captured for eternity on stubbie holders that are handed out to convention participants.

Neil said he usually travels seven kilometres from home to his woolshed but in 2022 found himself having to go ‘the long way’ around floods up to 56kms at times.

“You do what you have to do,” he said.

While the convention has been running for about 20 years, with help from his secretary, Matt Anderson, in the past five to six years it has made serious profit for Can Assist Narrandera.

Neil said the entry fee plus the increasing sponsorship meant that last year they gave $20,000 to the not-for-profit.

With the major sponsor of Riverina Ag and more, smaller sponsors coming on board, Neil is hoping to raise even more this year.

“All the profits go to Can Assist. The money stays local and there is no admin costs, it’s all volunteers. We just donate the money to be used here. Neta Close (Can Assist) is a legend.”

Riverina Ag principal, Shane Mathieson, said he got on board as the major sponsor because, “it’s an extremely good cause with what Can Assist do with the local community.

“I found it a good opportunity to support, through Neil, with that charity.”

The entry cost includes top quality barbecue and cold beer and is at the Narrandera Racecourse from 6pm. Raffles with prizes from Cummins Leeton will be held through the night.

Narrandera Argus 19 January 2023

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 19 January 2023.

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