The TST (fire suppressant) Smart Hose creates a 300sqm-high wall of water, with one hose, 12-15m high.

The brain-child of WOMA Australia and patented world-wide, the TST Smart Hose prevents fires from spreading, makes firebreaks in forest fires, shields and absorbs hazardous heavy gases, is flexible and can be used anywhere and has a big extinguishing capacity with a minimum of personnel.

Once the water is fed and the water pressure has built up, the hose is automatically stabilised by the nozzles, which are positioned to the side of the hose’s centre line.

WOMA managing director Ian Blevin said it was a pleasure and blessing to win the $1000 New Release award, which was sponsored by Lord and Co, Perth.

“We were smitten with the win,” Mr Blevin said.

On a high from winning on the ABC’s the New Inventors program the week prior to Woolorama with his Shear-Ezy, Bill Byrne from Peak Hill Industries was delighted to win both the runner-up (sponsored by McDougall Weldments) and highly commended (sponsored by Advantage Feeders) for the Shear-Ezy and Immobiliser Sheep Worker respectively.

Peak Hill Industries from NSW also won Best Oval Exhibitor.

A farmer, Mr Byrne established his factory at Peak Hill, about 70km from Dubbo, where he employs 10 people manufacturing a range of sheep handling equipment.

“I have always enjoyed inventing and have won at the Hamilton Sheepvention,” Mr Byrne said.

“Our bread and butter has been the Peakhandler crutching machine with sales of about 2000.”

The Shear-Ezy is an air-operated upright shearing platform, which includes a short lead-up ramp, decoy pen, wool conveyor and tray.

The Immobiliser Sheep Worker is an air-operated handler, which is electric eye activated for accurate back-lining, drenching and ear-tagging.

Mr Byrne said it eliminated fighting and struggling with sheep and was quick, easy and fast to operate.

“We are trying to change the industry with the Shear-Ezy, but we are not going to do it overnight,” he said.

“We are trying to make the job easier and more attractive.”

Mr Byrne said the Shear-Ezy was geared towards the smaller operator and stud industry with a flock of two to 3000.

Head steward Tim Scott said there were 10 entries and the standard was exceptionally high.