The village of Binalong first brought together the swimming communities from around the region for the inaugural Shine Shield, a community organised sporting competition that will this year celebrate its 50th anniversary. The ET Shine Shield, donated by the late Buster Shine, a local Binalong grazier, is a friendly, inter-town swimming competition between five towns in the local area and was established to encourage a friendly, competitive swimming carnival. The regional carnivals also provide some fun family entertainment over the long summer holidays, as well as providing an opportunity for families to meet and socialise with people from neighbouring towns. The first round of the ET Shine Shield was held on December 18, 1966, where the local towns of Binalong, Boorowa and Yass competed. Harden and Jugiong joined the competition in the following years, with Boorowa bowing out of the competition in 2007. The event showcases the strength of community spirit in the region, according to Yass Valley Mayor Rowena Abbey. “The Shine Shield is a rare survivor of community organised sporting competitions and is a reflection of the community spirit of our small towns,” Cr Abbey said. “The competition is all about participation, with children and adults swimming for their town, having fun and meeting new people.” Binalong NSW Swimming Club Coach, Belinda Pigram, has fond memories of her time participating in the Shine Shield. “It was one of the few opportunities I had as a girl growing up in Binalong to meet children from other towns. I formed friendships at the various Shine Shield carnivals over the years, which have endued to this day,” Ms Pigram said. “I have been involved in the event for many years and without the wonderful volunteers and help from Yass Valley Council and Harden Shire Council this event would not be here today to celebrate this 50th year milestone.” The first meet of the carnival kicks off tonight in Harden. A 50th anniversary celebration will be held at the closing carnival in Binalong on Saturday January 30 with games, jumping castle, face painting, BBQ and lots of family activities to celebrate the milestone. 2016 Shine Shield Carnivals: Harden: Wednesday January 13 – 6pm start Jugiong: Saturday January 16 – 5pm start Yass: Wednesday January 20 – 6pm start Binalong: Saturday January 30 – 3pm start