Every second Saturday in October, locals and visitors gather to boot a football over the Mirrool grain silos, competing to win prizes in a number of categories.
The Mirrool silo kick challenge has grown into a regular post-season pilgrimage since Geelong’s Billy Brownless thumped home the first silo kick in 1992.
The silos, along with a double storey pub and a couple of houses, make up the town, which is located between Narrandera and West Wyalong on the Newell Highway.
Ariah Park’s Mitch Haddrill cleared the 32-metre silos this year to take out the competition and claim $1500 in prize money.
Josh Murphy of Temora was runner-up, with a number of the area’s local Australian rules footballers taking part in the event on 10 October 2015.
NSW Regional drumMUSTER Consultant Vernon Keighley was on hand to present the winners of each division with new footballs and caps. Enthusiastic participants in the junior divisions also received drumMUSTER soccer balls and netballs on the day.
“About 250 people attended the event this year,” said Mr Keighley. “It’s not a bad effort for a tiny Riverina wheatbelt village.”
Organisers of the silo kick challenge have been involved with drumMUSTER since 2007, operating a collection site next to the giant silos in an effort to raise some extra money.
More than 33,000 drums have been inspected and recycled, with $6,700 raised for community projects.
Mirrool’s drumMUSTER compound is also famous for collecting the state’s five millionth drum in 2009.
Local drumMUSTER inspector Eric Robinson believes the program has been a huge boost for the town and the event.
“drumMUSTER is one of the best waste disposal programs available – farmers recognise that,” he said. “The crops have gone in and farmers are waiting for harvest, so we’ve been busy keeping up with the drums coming in.”
Money raised previously through drumMUSTER has funded projects such as a new toilet and shower block for the local caravan park, as well as park upgrades and a shed extension.
Silo Kick Committee President Jason Bryce, who won the over 40 division, was delighted with the day, saying $13,000 was raised to support Can Assist as well as Neale Daniher’s national campaign to fight Motor Neurone Disease.
Mirrool is just one of the six community groups that organise drumMUSTER collections around the Bland Shire.
The other groups are the Yalgogrin Progress Association, Tallimba P & C, Kikoira Public Hall Trust, Ungarie Sports and Rec Centre and Naradhan Transfer Station.
For more information on drumMUSTER and collection sites around Mirrool, contact Mr Keighley on 0406 745 030.
