The Goldfield Ashes cricket competition is boosting tourism to Charters Towers

In the historic gold mining town of Charters Towers, the biggest event of the year is a story of love, sweat and beer.

The Goldfield Ashes started as a modest cricket competition in 1948.

It has since grown into the largest amateur cricket tournament in the southern hemisphere, bringing thousands of people to the rural north Queensland town and injecting an estimated $4 million into the economy.

This year a record number of teams have registered from across Queensland and beyond.

“The fact that 266 teams showed up is just more than we could have ever imagined,” said organizer Kerri Forno.

Although a handful of A-grade teams take the competition seriously, for most players the three-day event is about so much more than just sport.

Ross Goodwin has been making the annual pilgrimage to Charters Towers to play at Yabulu Cricket Club for more than four decades.

“It originally started as members training at the Yabulu Nickel Refinery 50 years ago this year and we have been coming to the Ashes for 45 years,” he said.

“Initially everyone was coming from Townsville, but now we have people flying from Perth, we have a few people coming from Brisbane, we have Sydney, [and] a good friend of ours used to fly back from Vietnam.

“It's just such an iconic Australian event, to come to Charters Towers and play cricket and maybe have a beer or two.”

Before the start of each tournament, the team gathers on the field to toast their lost loved ones, including a former teammate.

“This is our annual get-together where we can be ourselves, have fun and have fun with our crowd,” says Mr Goodwin.

Breathing life into the city

With scorching heat waves all weekend, pub owner Jane Jesberg is doing a good thing.

'It is without a doubt the busiest weekend [of the year],” she says.

'It breathes new life into the economy and prepares companies for the next twelve months.

“They can put a little away for a rainy day or a not so rainy day when it's dry and things get a little tough.”

Ms Jesberg has flown in staff to meet demand.

“It's a very drunken weekend, but we've never had any problems. Everyone is really respectful and they respect the city too,” she says.

“It's part of our identity in Charters Towers.”

Mayor Liz Schmidt says the event is a major draw for the city.

“Sometimes we get a little frustrated when we have a hundred people queuing at the checkout, when usually there are three or four, but we understand the economic benefit and the reputational benefit,” she says.

“People come, they see what we do, and then they come back.”

'It's insane'

Accommodations in the city are fully booked and most beds are canceled a year in advance.

Tanya Chilton, who runs the Dalrymple Tourist Van Park, has 13 teams on site and has sent many more away.

“People come from all over, we have this guy, he books every year, he's from the [United] States,” says Ms. Chilton.

“It's a lot of work, it's very tiring, but it's a fun time.”

Ms Chilton has reservations about players spending three boozy days in the sun.

“I think it's crazy, I really do,” she says.

Next generation

The Goldfield Ashes has become increasingly popular among young people who embrace a quintessential country event.

Tara Frost is a member of the Crazier Graziers, a team of young men and women who work on stations across Central and North Queensland.

“It's just a buzz. I don't think I've ever seen so many ringtones in one place,” says Ms. Frost.

“We don't tend to do the whole club scene in the city, this is our blending.

“If it's not races, rodeo or camp draw, it's an event like this.”

The cricket is secondary to the fun with friends, never far from a cold drink.

“It's been so much fun so far and I definitely think we'll be back next year,” she says.

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