For many years, Aussie cowboys and cowgirls have been showcasing their talent at the Walgett Charity Bushman’s Carnival campdraft & rodeo and this weekend competitors from Victoria, NSW and Queensland are all descending on Walgett, ensuring that there will be plenty of rodeo thrills and spills on display. 

The 2023 Walgett Charity Bushman’s Carnival campdraft & rodeo has attracted competitors from as far North as Mareeba FNQ, Victoria and across western NSW, all lured by over $19,000 worth of prizes for the rodeo events alone, as well as the chance to take home the championship.   

This year’s event features an added incentive, with $1,000 on offer for the all-rounders - competitors who place in both arenas (campdraft and rodeo).

“We have people who have travelled a long way to take part in the rodeo, and some of them will also raise the bar in our campdraft arena,” explained committee secretary, Jordy Fenwicke. “Thanks to our generous sponsors, there is over ten thousand dollars in cash and prizes on offer the campdraft itself.   

“There will be several past Australian champs taking part in all of the rodeo events, as well as some very successful campdrafters, so there will be plenty of action for spectators across the whole weekend.” 

The rodeo events will take place on Saturday from 9am, with the main program kicking off at 3pm. 

Along with the open bronc, bareback and bull riders, there will be plenty of novice entrants wanting to make their mark. The rough stock for those events is being supplied by Gill Bros Rodeo, a family run business that is dedicated to producing the highest of quality rodeo stock.  

Spectators will also be able to watch the brave bull fighters and pick up riders risking life and limb to rescue competitors. “High quality competitors and stock will make it a great rodeo to watch,” said Jordy. 

Juniors will also be well represented at the rodeo, competing on stock supplied by a local farming family. 

“The Junior steer riders will be on Brahmin steers that range in size from 400 to 500 kilos each, very kindly supplied by a local farming family,” Jordy added.  Also competing are mini bull riders, aged from 8 years old up to 14 years old.  “The mini age groups will be riding miniature bulls that have all the sass of a bull, just in miniature form!”  

Adding to the excitement will be the barrel racers and ropers, showing off their incredible skills as they compete for the prizes on offer. “There is also likely to be a novelty event, featuring locals, held during the rodeo intermission. It’s always good for a laugh! Last year it involved local rugby players and a few steers, so let’s see what this year brings!” 

Steven Spinks from Gulargambone was one of the prize winning campdrafters at last year's carnival.

The campdraft will take place over three days on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.   For those who may not be familiar with the sport, a horse and rider attempt to isolate a steer from the herd and then drive that steer successfully around a set course. “The ability to work stock and to read and work cattle, is really put to the test in campdrafting,” explained Jordy. “This sport also celebrates horsemanship. A good horse is partner who can anticipate where stock will go and what the pressure zones are.” The stock for the competition has been supplied by generous locals. 

On Saturday morning, there will be a gymkhana for the kids, who will compete in novelty events including barrels, bending, and the intriguing sounding, ‘toilet paper race.’ “A number of competitors bring their children with them, and they have great fun taking part along with our locals.” The gymkhana starts at 9am and nominations can be made on the morning of the event. 

On Saturday, food vendors Mario’s Wood Fired Pizzas and Smoking M BBQ will on hand to keep the crowd fed. From 11am there will be a bar operating on a ticket system, with eftpos available, as well as a BBQ. A local coffee cart ‘Brew’ will be at the campdraft arena for the duration. 

Josh Barnett on Elroy took out third spot in the steer wrestling last year. IMAGE: facebook

Walgett’s own Maddie Warden, a talented young performer who first came to public notice when she was gifted a guitar by country music legend Keith Urban, will be performing on Saturday night after the rodeo. Maddie, who won the People’s Choice Busker’s award at the Tamworth Country Musical Festival in January 2023, will be sure to provide great entertainment. 

During the day there will be plenty of opportunity to get ‘suited and booted’ at stalls including Goulburn Western Wear, JP Western Wear, Pearls for Girls, and Desiree Country.  The Walgett Campdraft & Rodeo committee will also be selling their own ‘merch’, a popular souvenir of the weekend.  

Jordy says that visitors are welcome to camp at the showground, with no booking required. There are a handful of powered sites available, on a first come first serve basis. There are also amenities blocks for campers to use. “Bring your swag, your tent, your ute, or your caravan. Everyone is most welcome!” 

Of course, the greatest feature of this event is the contribution that it makes to the Walgett community.   “Profits go back to local community groups,” said Jordy. “Members of these groups also participate over the weekend, by volunteering on the BBQ or manning the gates.” 

Jordy, a busy mum of four children under the age of five, is typical of the hardworking volunteers that help to organise the event each year. Along with her husband, she competes in campdrafting and has also donated stock for use during the weekend. “The members of our volunteer committee are passionate about the community,” she said. “They work on the event throughout the year, and as well as donating their time, many of them also donate stock and sponsor events.  

“The weekend provides an opportunity for people to come together and connect whilst experiencing the excitement of the rodeo, and at the same time, giving back to the Walgett Community. It also creates opportunities for local competitors and juniors to mix with professional riders and competitors from further afield. The Walgett community is a great community that involves many people, be it competitors, sponsors or locals wanting a great day out. 

“I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank our major sponsors, IGA, Hunter’s Agricultural Services, KM Livestock Transport and Woodham Petroleum Services, as well as the many sponsors who support our campdraft and rodeo events. We are very grateful to them all.” 

The Walgett Charity Bushman’s Carnival takes place at Walgett Showground. Tickets are available at the gate and children under twelve are free. This year there will be a lucky gate prize; every ticket goes into the draw to win prizes that include one thousand dollars in cash and an Ezi Jak.