Nationals Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke was on hand to help cut the ribbon on the new-look Marrar Campdraft Arena, which has undergone a makeover that will help ensure the longevity of the precinct.
Ms Cooke said the resurfacing works at the arena – made possible thanks to a $107,325 investment by the previous NSW Nationals Government – puts Marrar, to the west of Junee, on the map as a premier campdraft and rodeo destination.
“These improvements are essential to the expansion of the much-loved and growing sport in the local area, and will encourage increased participation from people of all ages, including locals and visitors alike,” Ms Cooke said.
“This project will greatly improve the safety for users and site competitors, and will provide the Marrar Campdraft Association members with added confidence to plan and run campdraft and rodeo events, knowing that the surface can withstand different weather conditions, and is safe for both riders and livestock to compete on.
“These kinds of world-class events see big visitor numbers to the area, which of course has a substantial flow-on effect in terms of boosting the local economy, which in turn helps build stronger communities across the entire region,” she said.
Marrar Campdraft Association committee member and immediate past president Brendan Halden said the resurfacing project is a “game changer” for the sport and for the community.
“We received up to 1000 entries for the three-day campdraft event over the weekend, so the resurfacing of the arena makes me very excited for the future of our two big annual events including the main Marrar Campdraft, and the Marrar Madness Rodeo & Campdraft. The future of our sport as a whole looks really bright,” Mr Halden said.
“It is incredible to think we can run world class events from our small community of Marrar. Both campdrafting and rodeos are growing sports, and the resurfacing of the arena will allow Marrar to facilitate that growth.
“We are beyond grateful to everyone involved in making the resurfacing happen; it’s a real game changer for our sport and our community,” he said.
