As the region heads into what is shaping up to be an extremely dry summer, Rodeo Federation of Australia President Greg Frewin says that now more than ever, events like the upcoming Geurie Rodeo provide a much needed tonic for regional communities.
“Sport has always played a big part in the social scene in the bush, and rodeo is no exception,” Mr Frewin said.
“Rodeos provide an often much-needed social outlet, giving people the opportunity to get off the farm, get together, and blow off some steam, which can be crucial when times are a bit tough,” Mr Frewin said.
Below average rain in the winter months across most of NSW, compounded by a series of frosts, has resulted in barley, wheat and canola crops being downgraded, with many earmarked suitable for animal fodder only.
Similarly, with record cattle numbers through the Dubbo markets in the last month it would seem that destocking has begun in earnest.
“The effects of the big dry are starting to be felt across the district. Farmers are pretty resilient types, they have to be, but it can be tough to keep your chin up,” Mr Frewin said.
While having a strong presence on the national stage, Mr Frewin still finds the time to play an active role on the local scene, holding the seat of President for both Geurie and Gilgandra Rodeo committees, as he feels strongly about the important contribution that these local events have to their communities.
“These events provide a substantial boost to local economies, which can have a far reaching impact on the region as a whole,” he said.
“Competitors travel from all across the state, with all of them having to stop and buy fuel and food throughout the region,”
“Figures from Tourism Research Australia show that each visitor spends on average $127.50 per night, so if a rodeo attracts 1000 visitors overnight, that’s well over $100,000 that ends up in local coffers,” Mr Frewin said.
“Take Geurie for example. It’s only a small town, so an influx of 1000 people to a rodeo or campdraft has a very positive flow-on affect for the whole community,”
“Most of the preparation and work on the day is done by volunteers, and these events offer an opportunity for community groups like the local P & C to raise much-needed funds for their school,” he said.
“This money can then be used to provide sports equipment or technology for the classrooms or whatever else the kids need,” he said.
While having to cancel last year due to bad weather was disappointing, Mr Frewin said the Geurie Rodeo Committee are looking forward to delivering a world-class event for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.
“You can’t get much more country than a rodeo. It’s the kind of thing that tourists want to see when they come out bush, and it has been providing an outlet for the people who live here for generations. It’s part of Australian bush culture,”
“As an ABCRA affiliated event, the Geurie Rodeo attracts some of the state’s top competitors, and it’s always good to watch the cream of the crop in any sport give it their best,”
“So basically, whether it’s your first, or hundred and first rodeo, you’re going to have a good time,” he said.
“The atmosphere is always great, its family friendly, affordable and action-packed,”
The Geurie Rodeo will be held Saturday, October 7, at the Geurie Sportsground from 10am, with the main performance at 6pm.
