In 1921, at a combined mustering camp, which was the custom in those days, a number of stockmen from stations in Milgun, Mt Augustus, Mt Seabrook, Erravilla and Landor were having a day off. These men were resting and doing their washing when they started to argue about who had the fastest horse. Following discussions with interested parties from the surrounding stations, the Eastern Gascoyne Race Club was formed, and the Landor tradition was born.
Held annually in the remote Gascoyne region of Western Australia, the Landor Races are one of the state’s most iconic outback events.
Far more than horse racing, the event features barrel racing, gymkhana events, fashions on the field, tug-o-war, foot races, trade days, live music, a ball and the famous two-up ring. Camping under the stars and sharing in the rugged station atmosphere are all part of the experience. Known for its strong sense of community and true bush spirit, the Landor Races celebrate the resilience, camaraderie and traditions of life in the Australian outback, making it a much-loved annual pilgrimage for many.
Located about 800 kilometres north-east of Geraldton and near the towering Mt Augustus – often described as the world’s largest rock – the races bring together station families, locals and visitors for four days of red-dirt country hospitality and racing action.
Getting away from it all in the Outback of Western Australia has earned a goldrush of cash for the Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton, WA, over the past five years.
Working the bars at the annual Landor Races, 800km north-east of Geraldton by road and in the shadow of the biggest rock in the world – Mt Augustus – the club has earned $100,000 to spend on regional causes.
A handful of club members, boosted by more than 25 Friends of Rotary have diligently trekked to the remote Landor location annually for four days of red-dirt horse racing, barrel racing, music, gymkhana (run by the East Gascoyne Gymkhana Club), fashions on the field,
tug-o-war, foot races, a ball, two-up and trade days.
The club manages the two bars from noon to midnight with a two-hour break in the middle for dinner from Friday until Monday.
“Station hands are thirsty drinkers, keeping the club members on their toes,” says Peter Sukiennik, the Rotary club’s organiser for the past four years.
“Last year was our fifth year and brought us to $100,000 raised. This allows us to fund many organisations and just causes, and we have made a significant contribution to Cancer Council WA Crawford Lodge in Perth, the accommodation wing of Ronald McDonald House.
“The house allows regional members to stay close to their loved ones as they undergo surgical and medical procedures.
“At last year’s races, the Cox family came as a group to celebrate the life of Clinton Cox – son and brother – who died three years prior after attending Landor as a Rotary volunteer. His family stayed at Crawford Lodge during his treatment.”
There are newcomers each year, who love giving back to the community. It gives them a chance for fellowship and camaraderie.
“Many use the opportunity to drop in while on holiday trips around the state with some coming from as far south as Perth and east to Merredin,” Peter says.
The work of Rotary does not go unnoticed, with Eastern Gascoyne Race Club secretary Sandy Wendt saying the club does a “fantastic job”.
“We are very grateful they come as it takes a lot of pressure off us. For the first 100 years we had to use volunteers, with committee members doing their shifts at nighttime. On race days (Saturday and Monday), we had to rely on volunteers.
“People come from far and wide with Bunbury in the south, Moora in the east, Newman in the north and Geraldton and Carnarvon in the west.”
The two days of racing is on the TAB and horses have to be district qualified, especially for the Landor Cup and Bracelet.
“Horses have to be in the hands of the trainer by 20 May and can’t race until Landor. Track riders are professional riders and not licensed jockeys. A large amount of the horses come from Geraldton,” Sandy says.
For Rotary’s part, Peter says it’s easy to organise, with people working on a roster, selling tickets, stacking or dispensing drinks, ice, race cards and the like.
“Many keep coming back each year,” he says.