MORE than 480 riders braved the weekend’s soaring temperatures to battle it out at the Bingara campdraft on Sunday.
Totalling more than 12 hours of competition, riders competed across a number of categories with the father-daughter combination of Rod and Brooke McKinnon claiming top honours in the open and junior categories.
Bingara Show Society president Russell Smyth said it “was a big day” for all of the competitors.
“All told we had about 480 runs, which took about 12 hours to get through,” Smyth said.
“I think it’s fair to say everyone will be feeling it a bit today given how hot and dry it was.”
Smyth said the “family friendly” event was well received by locals and visitors alike.
“There was a really good atmosphere around the event for the whole day,” he said.
“We received a lot of very positive feedback from some of the competitors, which is very important to us.
“The cattle were well looked after throughout the day and overall I think everyone really enjoyed themselves.”
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Riders from both the surrounding regions and from around the state took part in the event with the local riders more than holding there own.
“There was a lot of really impressive local riders,” Smyth said.
“With the McKinnons taking out both their events and several other local riders putting in good efforts as well.
“I think that is really impressive given some of the best drafters from around the state, who regularly participate in top-flight events were in attendance as well.
“The locals should be really proud of their efforts for sure.”
With a family friendly focus, the event also acted as a fundraiser for the Bingara Show Society.
“I guess the big thing for us, from a society standpoint, is to build a good reputation when it comes to events like these,” Smyth said.
“It doesn’t happen without the generosity of the surrounding businesses and farmers.
“For example Coates Hire donated a water truck to us to help limit the dust and keep the cattle going and our local Vinnies ran the canteen for us.
“A lot of our local farmers were really generous and gave us some animals to work with, so without those kinds of guys, these types of events just don’t happen.
“I’m always surprised by quickly the whole community gets behind events like this and we are really appreciative of everyone’s generous support.”
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
