We love sheep at Tambo Teddies and are so proud that our hometown, Tambo is a place where the sheep and wool industry has been at the heart of our community for generations.

A Woolly Beginning

Established in 1863, Tambo proudly holds the title of the oldest town in Western Queensland. Back in the day, our vast open downs country was ideal for sheep grazing. At its peak, the district was home to over 570,000 sheep! These woolly companions weren’t just livestock; they were the backbone of our local economy and the fabric of our community.

Challenges and Changes

The wool industry hasn’t always been smooth sailing. The 1991 wool market crash hit hard, leaving many in our region facing tough times. This downturn led to a significant decrease in sheep numbers, with current figures under 75,000. But if there’s one thing Tambo folks are known for, it’s resilience and innovation.

A Bear-y Bright Idea

In 1992, amidst these challenges, three local women—Helen Sargood, Charm Ryrie, and Mary Sutherland—put their heads together and came up with a unique idea: crafting teddy bears from locally sourced sheepskin. And just like that, Tambo Teddies was born! From our humble beginnings, we’ve now sent over 75,000 bears to loving homes around the world, even reaching royal palaces in England and Denmark. Not too shabby for a small-town venture!

Keeping Tradition Alive

Today, Tambo continues to honour our wool-producing heritage while embracing modern developments. Visitors can explore our rich history through heritage trails, local museum, and, of course, by stopping by the Tambo Teddies workshop. Here, you can witness firsthand how we stitch a piece of our community’s legacy into every bear we create.

The Tambo Spirit

Our journey reflects the broader narrative of Queensland’s sheep and wool industry—a story of growth, challenge, adaptation, and
resilience. As we look to the future, we’re proud to remain rooted in our storied past, as we LOOOVE wool.

So, next time you’re in Tambo, pop in for a chat. We’d love to share more stories and introduce you to our cuddly creations that carry the
spirit of Tambo in every stitch.