Saddle Bronc rider Jason Collins riding CMC rodeo company’s Buffalo Bill. (Photo: Kelly Martyn Photography)
Photo by
Kelly Martyn
A massive, estimated 4,500 people throughout Australia attended the Bundalong Rodeo on Australia Day 2024 in what was a huge three days of events at the Bundalong Tavern complex.
Lockington cowgirl Erika Quinn riding Georgia in the ladies barrel race (Photo: Kelly Martyn Photography)
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Chief organiser Brett Butler described the rodeo as unbelievable. “What a show!” he told the Yarrawonga Chronicle.
“It was amazing the number of people who came and supported it, right throughout Australia, from broncs to bulls, cowgirls and cowboys, the national anthem sung, everything was fabulous.
Avid Carlton supporter Craig Heffer meeting Collingwood Legend Peter Daicos at the Footy Legends night on Thursday.
“I thank the local community for their support and people throughout Australia for their support.”
Starting at 3.00pm, the program had it all – barrel racing, team roping, bronc and bull riding – with the best talent in the nation on display. The big event concluded at 9.30pm.
Wayne Carey with four-year-old son Carter and Bundalong Tavern and big weekend organiser Brett Butler.
On Thursday night, the Footy Legends and Comedy Night drew a crowd of about 250 football fans. Brownlow medallist Dane Swan was a late withdrawal but organisers came up with a tremendous replacement in dashing Victorian wingman and Footscray champion Doug Hawkins.
Noiseworks & INXS frontman Jon Stevens blew his concert out of the park. (Photo: Bundalong Tavern Facebook)
Hawkins joined Collingwood and North Melbourne champions Peter Daicos and Wayne Carey. “It was a great show,” Mr Butler said.
“They told some good stories and there was a bit of a laugh, especially with ‘Suburban Footballer Tom Siegert”, the comedian.
Doug Hawkins with keen Western Bulldogs supporter Jack Clarke.
On Saturday from 4.00pm, Jon Stevens – The Noiseworks & INXS Collection Tour entertained an estimated 2000 music enthusiasts for nearly two hours. “What a show!” the chief organiser said.
Jon belted out some of his most famous tunes in front of 2000 keen musos. (Photo: Bundalong Tavern Facebook)
“Jon and the band kicked it out of the park! They performed all their old hits. Jon’s a ripper guy. He mingled with the crowd which fans loved.”
It was a team effort by the Butler family to put on three excellent events, with assistance from Andrew McQualter Whyte and Tamlin Osborne with rodeo.
Queensland Team Ropers Aaron Leahy the header and Maddox Lovett on the heels in front of a section of the large crowd. (Photo: Kelly Martyn Photography)
Photo by
Kelly Martyn
“Kayla (Brett’s daughter) did a great job,” Brett said. Kayla responded: “Dad was enormous which resulted in three successful events. Mum (Leanne) and all the staff were very glad the rodeo came to Bundalong and all helped to ensure that success.”
The bucking bull event is always challenging and crowd pleasing action and this was the case with this Second Division Bull Rider hanging on for dear life. (Photo: Kelly Martyn Photography)
Photo by
Kelly Martyn
15°C