Community spirit at the heart of Leonora Golden Gift

West Australian

03-06-2025

This year's Leonora Golden Gift was again one to remember as some of nation's fastest athletes joined Goldfields residents in a series of races that kept spectators entertained.
The gold mining town's main drag came to life on Saturday with the much-anticipated work boot sprint, as well as children's activities, a fireworks display and performances from Coterie and Renegade.
Sunday played host to junior athletics events and 120 metres, 600m and mile events for all ages before the headline men's and women's elite mile races.
The total prize pool this year was $65,000.
The iconic competition was formed in 2003 when athlete Raf Baugh and former Shire of Leonora president Graham Dawes floated an idea for a running race to reinvigorate the Goldfields town.
Current shire president Peter Craig said this year's carnival went off without a hitch with perfect weather and a bumper field of competitors from all age groups.
'This is an opportunity for everybody, regardless of what age you are and your ability, to partake in the running,' he said.
'There's a lot of money on the table for the (elite runners) but there's certainly opportunities for the younger generation to show their wares and come through them as well.'
On Friday, a youth basketball tournament took place and the Leonora Art Prize was opened.
A bowls tournament and emergency response challenge also took place at the weekend.
The neighbouring ghost town of Gwalia was also a popular attraction with visitors wishing to explore the hessian miners' cottages.
Cr Craig said the Gift boosted the region's visitation and highlighted Leonora's rich outback history and heritage.
'Leonora has got a great history, we have Gwalia, the museum and Hoover House,' he said.
'It gives people an opportunity to visit our region.
'We certainly want to promote it and put it out there that the doors are always open to Leonora so come and have a look.'
The Golden Gift usually takes place in conjunction with the annual Goldfields Cyclassic, however this event was cancelled this year.
Cr Craig said Gift organisers hoped to see the return of the historic road race.
'Hopefully that does come back on the radar in coming years,' he said.
'We all know that everything costs a lot of money and you've got to have some good sponsors.
'We would certainly like to see it back on the cards again.'