The Tambar Springs rodeo ground is having new life breathed into it thanks to the hard work of volunteers and the local community.
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The village is the latest of outlying towns in the Gunnedah shire that is revamping local recreation grounds to once again become a meeting and events place for those in the surrounding district.
A new committee is steering the project, which has seen new access to water, hot shower blocks, power and toilets. The old barbecue shed and bar area have also been refurbished and the grounds tidied up.
Tambar Springs Recreational Sports Club Committee President Bruce Hocking said the grounds are of historical significance, having been well known for its charity rodeos and campdrafts in the 1960s and 70s.
Buckjumpers and stock were donated by local farmers for the famous events, with actor and comedian Paul Hogan a guest there at one stage.
The facility, which is known for being an excellent all-weather ground, was also used as a racetrack with annual meetings drawing crowds from across the district.
It hasn’t been in use since the 1980s, however that is now changing thanks to the upgrade.
The ground was the starting point for the recent Liverpool Plains Harness Club sulky ride, with riders and their horses camping overnight and using the new facilities.
It follows plenty of hard work from the local community which has donated in kind support and voluntary labour.
The local hotel has also been a driving force, donating takings from its meat raffles every fortnight.
“It’s been great because it’s brought the community together working on a project, especially because everybody can see it’s self funded,” Bruce said.
“It’s been a community effort from everybody supporting the raffles to everybody pitching in to do the work. There’s been a wide-range of people involved whether it’s people from the village or local farmers.”
The aim is to continue working on the ring and two arenas to eventually host team penning, campdrafts or rodeos in the near future.
There are also plans to build a function centre later down the track.
“It’s not going to just be for horse sports,” Bruce said.
“We’ve got a few things on our wish list we want to tick off.”
The committee is also encouraging campers to use the grounds, with facilities, including some powered sites, already available.
