Tenterfield Campdraft Association will hold their annual draft at Rivo grounds on weekend 28 and 29 November.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Campdrafting nationally has been in recession most of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and Tenterfield have been unable to run a draft for four years, due to drought and 2019 bushfires.
It has taken a very big effort by Damian Bulmer and his committee to organise the draft.
They have sourced 1100 head of local cattle and whittled entries from 1700 to 750. Usually a weekend's drafting can comfortably see 650 runs but given the circumstance, the committee will start early and finish late to accommodate as many contestants as feasible.
While Bulmer understands the disappointment of riders who missed the cut off, he said - we have to be able to manage the whole weekend safely and compliantly.
It has turned dry here again and, in may aspects, it would have been easier to let another year slip by but we are doing what we can to bring entertainment and a sense of road to recovery to Tenterfield. There are a couple of bonuses to come out of the committee's determination. They secured a bushfire and mental health grant to assist run the event.
A mental health care specialist, Andrew Daley, himself an ex-resident, has volunteered his week end to the cause and will have a marquee on site.
He will be available for one on one meetings and do a brief presentation prior to Saturday night's entertainment. There were, and still are, many locals suffering from the effects of the drought, fires, COVID and tough times and many do not reach out for help.
The weekend presents a perfect opportunity to all horse and non-horse people to come to Rivo, see what campdrafting is about and have a confidential info session as need be. Hopefully as the means to getting better.
Bulmer stressed the townspeople are welcome and to seize the opportunity. Not only will there be on site discussion available, there will be food, a restricted bar and entertainment Saturday night. We will be strictly COVID compliant but we are excited this year's draft will be a great means for us all to band together and move on.
The ABC television program Back Roads will be in town this week and have taken a special interest in the draft and the bushfire and mental health concept. We understand the draft will feature heavily in a coming program, along with many Tenterfield locals, places and our rich history.
The committee realises we are still not out of the woods in many respects but here are a couple of opportunities to get involved, help or get help, promote own region and our sport.