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The inaugural meeting of the N.S.W. Branch of this Australia
wide association took place at Cowra on the 11th February 1978. From here,
the Association expanded throughout the State, forming 5 regional groups:
Northern N.S.W, Central Tablelands & Central West, the Hawkesbury Region,
the South Coast and Southern Tablelands and the Monaro - South West Slopes.
The main aims and objectives of the Association are to encourage the
owning, breeding and improvement of black and naturally coloured sheep; to
produce and promote quality wool suitable for hand spinning, weaving and
allied crafts; to provide communication and encourage co-operation between
those involved with coloured sheep; and to increase members' knowledge of
sheep husbandry, selection and appraisal of sheep.

The Association also organises and sponsors classes for sheep and fleece
at local agricultural shows and provides information and encouragement to
secondary schools which teach Agriculture.
Membership is open to any person interested in Black & Coloured Sheep and
their products and the Association publishes the newsletter "Black Sheep Rising",
three times per annum, as well as Regional newsletters on a regular basis.

Regional meetings are held 4 times a year and the Branch's involvement in
local shows and field days is planned as well as marketing strategies for
members' fleece and handcrafted products.
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