Shear Outback, The Australian Shearers' Hall of Fame, was officially opened on 26 January 2002 by Member for the Riverina, Kay Hull and the project's Patron Mr Tim Fischer.

The concept of Shear Outback was hatched in 1997 by a committed group of individuals from Hay, who believed that the contribution of Australia's Shearing Industry to the country's folklore, culture and economy should be recognised.

Initial funding for the project development was obtained through dedicated fundraising and a small grant from the NSW State Government to undertake a Feasibility Study and produce a Business Plan. Fifty per cent of the cost of the Plan development was also met by local sponsorship.

Based on the strength of the Feasibility Study and the Business Plan, the Commonwealth Government of Australia awarded Shear Outback $4.66 million from the Federation Fund to take the project from dream to reality.

The Shear Outback development team enlisted the help of professionals from the building, architecture, exhibition design and museums sector to successfully develop the concept and build the infrastructure over a two-year development period.

Shear Outback Ltd is registered as a company limited by guarantee. It has approximately 250 voting members and is managed by a voluntary Board of Management. Board Directors are nominated and elected by Members of Shear Outback Ltd for a three year term. Up to four Specialist Directors, with specific expertise, can be seconded to the Board by Directors.

Shear Outback operates within a network of strong partnerships at national, state, regional and the local level. One of our strongest affiliations in promoting the shearing industry is our partnership with the Sports Shear Australia Association Inc.

Our partnership with Sports Shear Australia Association(SSAA) commenced in 2005 and in 2006 Hay was selected to host the 2006 Sports Shear Australia Shearing and Woolhandling Championships. Shear Outback and Hay will once again host the 2008 championships in November 2008.

Sports Shear Australia Association Inc was formed in 1995 when Euroa Shearing Association Inc., a founder member of Golden Shears World Council brought State entities together into one National body. Now its autonomous membership covers all of the wool producing states, NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and TAS.

It is a not for profit voluntary organization which depends on its members and supporters for every aspect of the competitions and management of the national organization. This reflects a strong level of professionalism derived from the high standard and experience called upon from a hugely diverse background Australia wide.

Sport Shear Australia’s primary objective is to promote and encourage excellence within the shearing industry, interest in wool and an appreciation of the art and skill of sheep shearing and woolhandling through the staging of competitions. These competitions showcase the professional work ethic and standards, which contribute to an efficient wool harvesting and optimum clip preparation that in turn will benefit end users of Australian wool.

SSAA events are open to all Shearers, Woolhandlers and anyone interested in the preparation of wool; Novice, Intermediate, Senior and Open classes for shearing, Novice, Senior, Open and Pressing events for woolhandlers. The majority of SSAA competitions are held in conjunction with the local/regional Agricultural and Horticultural Society Shows, with over 60 SSAA associated shearing and woolhandling competitions Australia wide. These competitions give competitors the opportunity to represent their State at a National level each year; therefore, providing them with the chance to represent Australia on the International stage.

The National Championships are conducted every year with a full complement of events. They are held in the last quarter of the year and bring together all 6 States for 1 day of formalities and 2 days of competition. A typical Championship would include 120 competitors, 60 officials and over 500 spectators.