National Finals

Australia’s best rodeo competitors will head to the nation’s country music capital this week for the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association’s (ABCRA) National Finals Rodeo. 

The hallmark event will begin on Thursday, 19 January at the Australian Equine Livestock and Events Centre (AELEC) in Tamworth, NSW, kicking off three full days of rodeo action. 

ABCRA Executive Officer, Craig Young, says the event will showcase the very best of Australian rodeo. 

“The top 15 competitors from each rodeo discipline have been invited to compete at the National Finals Rodeo this week and we have some talented men’s, women’s and junior riders ready and raring to go,” said Mr Young. 

“These riders have accumulated points by competing at ABCRA affiliated events throughout the year, so they’ll be throwing everything on the line to take out top honours.” 

Among the riders competing will be Katina Matthews, who’s leading the Ladies Barrel Race, Travis Heeb in the Open Bareback, Wade McCarthy who’s leading Open Bull Ride, and Anna Crisp, in the Ladies Breakaway Roping.  

The country’s best junior and juvenile riders will also take to the arena, with the junior section of the National Finals kicking off at 8am each day in the main arena. 

“Our main event on Thursday will also be a dedicated family night with kids under 12 free, so I encourage everyone to get their tickets now and secure their seats,” said Mr Young. 

“Country music artist and former Golden Guitar Award finalist Liam Brew will also perform for crowds on Saturday night, ahead of the final round of the National Finals Rodeo.” 

The ABCRA’s National Finals Rodeo will also have a charitable side with the Tough Enough to Wear Pink Rodeo on Friday night to raise money for the NSW Cancer Council. 

More than $75,000 has been raised for the NSW Cancer Council since 2011 through dedicated rodeo events. 

Shaen Fraser from the Cancer Council said: “Pink Ribbon events raise both awareness around women’s cancers and funding for local initiatives and support services like Inala House and Cancer Council’s Accommodation support program, Transport to Treatment and Home Help programs. These are vital services for local women and their families as they undergo cancer treatment and as part of their recovery.  

“Donating just $10 can help pay for an Information Pack to help a woman cope after surgery, and a donation of $50 Can help fund a call to a cancer nurse on 13 11 20, that informs and supports a woman through a breast cancer diagnosis.” 

Saturday’s main event will be the Bruce Green Memorial, in aide of Lifeline and local mental health support services. 

“Representative from these organisations will be out and about during our main events, so I encourage everyone attending to dig deep and support them, as they provide critical services to our region,” said Mr Young. 

The junior sections of National Finals Rodeo will kick off at 8am each day and are free to enter. Tickets for the main events can be purchased via entertainmentvenues.com.au