The small town of Mogumber welcomed an extra 2500 guests on New Years Eve as revellers travelled from all over the state to experience rodeo action and ring in 2018 in style!
Competitor entries increased this year, with third-generation rodeo competitors Tayde Dolby and Chayden Dolby (who placed third in the 14-U18 Steer Ride) travelling from the Kimberley to compete in the fifth year of this special event. Tayde is from the remote community of Galeru, 120 kilometres east of Fitzroy Crossing, and Chayden is from Halls Creek. The high calibre of entrants in the Mogumber Rodeo, and the distance they are prepared to travel, would not be possible without generous provision of prize money from sponsors, and our thanks goes out to them!
On the night, junior Samantha Collins won the 11-U14 Barrel Race, Madeline Spanjers the 14-U18 Barrel Race and Bindoon local, Lucy Oversby, won the U11 Barrel Race. In the Junior Steer Rides, Linkon Veitch won the 8-U11, Levi Metcalf the 11-U14, and Jack Collins 14-U18. Junior Breakaway was won by Trey Gallacher.
The winner of the Novice Bull Ride was Derryn Bonisch, who along with partner Sophie Hurst, have supported the Mogumber Outback Club with many volunteer hours. Emma Gibbs won the ladies novice barrel race from a field of 41 entrants. Local business Western Hay sponsored all the barrel race categories, which totalled 100 entrants.
There were some shining stars on the evening who completed a winner’s lap of honour on multiple occasions. Moora’s Wendy Harris took out the Ladies Barrel Race on horse Bindi with a time of 16.731 seconds. Wendy was also triumphant in the Steer Undecorating in a blistering 1.51 seconds. Amanda Oversby had a successful day, placing first in the Breakaway roping, second in the Steer Undecorating and first as heeler in the Team Roping. Amanda’s heading partner in the Team Roping was Mogumber local Grant Edwards.
Another double prize winner was Wade McCarthy, who came first in the bareback and took out the night’s largest prize money as winner of the Bull Ride. His score of 83 points was outstanding against second place Regan Langridge and Stuart Rae, both on 74 points.
The Mogumber Outback Club would like to thank all the volunteers involved in the event. It’s a massive endeavour for the small community, especially during the festive season. The event takes a year of planning, in addition to the four days to set up the venue and three days to pack it away again. Thanks to sponsor Ramsay’s Transport, who carted in all the equipment, including a whopping 20 lighting towers.
The event would not be possible without the generous amount of equipment locals provide —everyone pitches in something! The increase in attendance numbers, especially in the campground, stretched volunteer resources to the limit and the committee will be putting their thinking caps on, aiming to improve the overall experience for all attendees in 2018. The overnight campground was made available thanks to a local landowner and gold coin donations collected at the camp gate resulted in $1788 being donated to Telethon.
Lastly, the Mogumber Outback Club would like to thank New Norcia business Gilmac, who stepped up to Gold Sponsor for the 2017 event. Gilmac’s support showed our volunteers and community that five years of hard work can lead to great things, even in small towns.
