Biggest Blokes Dayout!

The tiny township of Deniliquin has a long and proud history. Nestled on the edge of the New South Wales Outback, and long associated with the grazing and irrigation industries the local community is feeling the undeniable effects of a prolonged and particularly nasty drought.

Concerned at the effect the drought and associated stress was having on the male population, many of whom spend weeks at a time on isolated properties with little or no social contact. It was decided to put on a "Blokes Day Out". Over two thousand Aussie males crowed onto the Pretty Pine Sports Oval, to enjoy a day just looking at "Boys Toys", chatting, being entertained fed and watered all for FREE. Thats right free entry, free food, free soft drinks and water, plus an array of talented performers all for free.
The outback photographer was sent by his good wife Robyn, just to have a look around and to catch up with old friends. "You might take a few photos while your there! You just never know what you might come across." were her parting words as I headed out the gate of our Yelta based studio, crossed the Murray River and headed south.

Now I know the ladies are going to think the idea of a Blokes Only Dayout is a little unfair, but statistics indicated that the male population is having more difficulty coping with drought related stress than the girls. This born out by the increasing numbers of men taking their own lives in drought ravaged rural communities. Ladies shouldn't be too concerned though as I hear there is to be a "Ladies High Tea Day" to be held near Deniliquin some time in November. A day of fashion and fun for all women.

Among the many attractions at the "Biggest Blokes Day Out" were line up of vintage Indian Motorcycles in all stages of repair and disrepair. The image above of the blue Indian Motorcycle was shot by holding my camera at ground level while attracting more than a couple of strange looks from passers by. This bike caught my eye not because it was all that outstanding but because it had a split personality. The bike is an India, but the motor was very clearly out of a Vincent. Now I'm a photographer and not into bikes but I know the Indian is American made, and the Vincent was a British cycle, which to my mind makes this bike a bit of a character. And characters there were quite a few, including the bloke with the beard above.