The country sport of rodeo has become a focus for the tiny town of Mogumber in recent years – even for those who just like ‘horsing around’ rather than trying
their luck on a bucking bronco.
Not only does the Mogumber Tavern run a Bull Riding Series competition – but local volunteers from the Mogumber Outback Club Inc (MOC) now organise the annual New Years Eve Rodeo at the Mogumber Recreation Reserve – a popular event which drew a crowd of 2000 last year.
The members of MOC have spent many man-hours establishing permanent facilities at the Mogumber Arena so that the venue can be used for rodeo and equestrian enthusiasts all year as well as for the New Years Eve event which was homeless after the Bullsbrook Arena closed down in 2013.
MOC member Pauline Carr confesses to not being horsey herself, but supports the family-friendly event because of the social benefits and also the long-term potential for the event to put Mogumber on the map. “Towns like Mullewa have benefitted enormously from having a big annual rodeo which brings thousands of visitors and their dollars to the community,” she says. “ We have been fundraising at every opportunity to build up this facility for the benefit of the town, however we’re currently up against some opposition to the development.”
MOC has set a long-term plan for the Mogumber Arena venue and are seeking community support for its continuation after some residents and environmental groups complained about the arena’s current location – a recreational reserve and racecourse.
The MOC will present a formal deputation to council on 16 September to support continuation of the development. If you would like to see the arena and rodeos continue in Mogumber please sign the petition. Go to the clubs facebook page www.facebook.com/mogumberoutbackclubinc and follow the link to register on the online petition. Copies of the petition will also be at local businesses in the area for those without facebook and internet access.
The Tavern’s Bull Riding Series continues on the 8th August at 6pm and the Junior Rodeos are back at Mogumber on the 23rd August and the 20th September. Start is 10am and spectators are welcome. More information and entries for the Junior Rodeo through Julie Collins on 95714061.
There will be a big weekend of activity on the 26th/27th September, with a two-day Team Roping event held at the Mogumber Arena as well as night time action under lights at the Mogumber Taverns Bull Riding on the Saturday night. Entries for the team roping will be taken on the day from 9-9.45am. Start time 10am and spectators welcome. More info on that event contact mocinc@live.com or contact the Mogumber Tavern for more information on their Bull Riding Series.
