Australian fighters Richy Walsh and Brendan ‘Badger’ O’Reilly arrived in town on Thursday afternoon to start a three day batch of workshops.

One of the organisers, Tim Jeffrey, said the visit will be about more than just fighting.

“Basically Richy and now Brendan "Badger" O'Reilly are to coming to town to do talks with the kids at Gunnedah South School and Gunnedah High School to promote healthy lifestyle, training, reaching your goals and to discuss where their careers have taken them,” Tim said.

“We are really excited to have them come to our little town and think it’s a great opportunity for people to meet someone from a small rural town [Richy is from Warren, NSW] who now travels the globe competing at the highest level of mixed martial arts in the UFC.

“While the guys are here they will also be linking up with Greg from Battle PT and hosting some training sessions on Saturday at the PCYC. There are still plenty of spots open,” he said.

The pair has grown accustom to big city fights and fanfare attached but Tim believes they’re just as eager to head to the bush. 

“The guys have wanted to do a regional tour for a while now and after speaking with them, they decided Gunnedah would be a great place to start,” Jeffrey said.

The pair hit Gunnedah South Public School on Thursday with Greg Sams from Battle PT before they headed to Boggabri Rugby League Club for wrestling and grappling training.

They visited Gunnedah High School on Friday before making a trip out to the mines.

On Saturday, Richy and Badger will be holding three training sessions with the first a focus on MMA techniques, second a look at defence and techniques and the third is a youth class covering defence.  

There is a cost for each session and to find out more contact Gunnedah PCYC on 6742 1586.

“We feel that the visit is an amazing opportunity for Gunnedah and an experience no one should miss,” Tim said.