It was first because of international time differences, holding its 48th competition before three other Strouds, in England, Canada and the United States.

Stroud International Brick and Rolling Pin Throwing Committee secretary-treasurer, Rebecca Dickison, said more than 2500 attended the event at the weekend.

"People come from everywhere. They are attracted by the novelty of the event, but also because Stroud is a beautiful town and we have a full festival with market stalls, rides for the kids and bands," she said.

Mrs Dickison said the bricks and rolling pins were standardised so everyone was throwing the same weight and shape.

"The bricks come from the UK and the rolling pins were made by a local [Upper Hunter] woodturner and sent out to all the Strouds in the 1960s, when Australia introduced rolling pin throwing to the competition to be more considerate of women throwers.