Written by subcommittee member Lauren Pow, CRM Officer, Cannings Purple.
This WA Day long weekend will see Leonora’s historic streets come to life for the sixteenth annual Golden Gift celebrations.
The town will be transformed as elite athletes travel from around the country to chase their share of $50,000 down Leonora’s dusty bitumen main street.
Shire of Leonora chief executive Jim Epis said the iconic annual event wouldn’t be possible without the support of the gold industry.
“Several GIG members have shown their support for the event, which celebrates hard work, community spirit and the positive impact of gold mining and exploration in the Australian outback,” he said.
“We are very thankful for the support of businesses such as Gold Fields, St Barbara and Saracen Mineral Holdings.”
The Elite Mile is recognised as Australia’s most iconic mile-long running race, which will see men’s and women’s winners take home two gold ingots, sponsored by Gold Fields.
But it’s not just athletics. The Golden Gift is a family affair. There are concerts, fireworks, kids’ entertainment and activities, a racing carnival with fashion shows, market stalls and much more.
Being situated just outside Leonora, in the historic mining town of Gwalia, St Barbara is a great supporter of the event, this year sponsoring the St Barbara Community Concert. The concert will feature WA blues legends Blue Shaddy and launch the Demos From the Northern Goldfields compilation CD.
Following the concert, at about 8pm, the Saracen Fireworks will light up the skies, thanks to the support of Saracen Mineral Holdings.
The Leonora Golden Gift also features the finish of another great local event, the Goldfields Cyclassic, sponsored by Evolution Mining.