DESPITE last weekend’s bracing – and wet – weather, the Spur Up Rodeo Challenge at Moonbi went ahead.
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The rodeo was organised by Challenge Community Services’ Challenge Choices general manager Chris Buckman and kindly run by the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association (ABCRA).
The rodeo was part of the Australian government’s drought-assistance package.
Mr Buckman said it was held to boost locals’ spirits during the drought – and the event went so well, they’re already thinking of running three more events this year – at Armidale, Gunnedah and Moree.
“The exciting part for us was that the day went off without a hitch,” Mr Buckman said.
“Feedback was fairly positive – nobody walked away saying we shouldn’t have done this.
“The day was all about giving back to Aussie farmers living in drought-affected communities.
“It was about putting an event on for farmers to give them something to do ... in a social setting.
“The crowd was fairly resilient ... (despite the rain) they stuck with it.”
Stalls were also manned by people from the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Medicare Local and Centacare.
Others to assist included the First Light Rotary Club and the Lioness Club of Tamworth.
Singer-songwriters Travis Collins, Kate Burgoyne and Liam Brew played to a crowd of about 550 people – not too shabby a turnout, considering the weather, Mr Buckman said. A total of 155 entrants, including 102 juniors, braved the wet and cold conditions.