This was officially recognised at the APRA presentation dinner which took place last week in Warwick, Queensland.
Deniliquin Rodeo life members Jock Gray and Alan Calderwood attended on behalf of the Deniliquin Rodeo Committee.
“It was a good night, held at the Warwick Showgrounds, with a very knowledgeable MC who had been a past competitor at Deniliquin,” Mr Calderwood said.
“Jock and I were honoured to represent our committee on the night.”
Mr Calderwood dedicated the honour to “the great local support” the committee and event have received over its 75 years.
“It’s really thanks to our many sponsors that have been with us and supported us.
“They enable us to continue the great event and allow us to do what we do.”
Inclusion in the Hall of Fame recognises the storied history of the Deniliquin Rodeo, Mr Calderwood said.
The first rodeo in Deniliquin was held in 1951 under what was then called the North Deniliquin Rodeo Committee.
“The first rodeo was in 1951 where the Rams’ home ground now located in Hardinge St, then the showgrounds, then where Big 4 Caravan Park is now, to its current home at the racecourse.
“We’re fortunate to attract the very best of competitors in Australian rodeo because we are able to offer great prize money,” he said.
Mr Calderwood said the MC at the presentation dinner also read an article on the evening from the Pastoral Times, which appeared following one of the first Deniliquin rodeos in 1952.
The Deniliquin Rodeo Committee was entered into the Hall of Fame alongside Australian rodeo legends Dave Johnston, John Brearley, Mike Kenyon and Ray Townsend.
The honour is national recognition for the years of work by the Deniliquin Rodeo Committee over more than three quarters of a century.
It also reflects the important role the local rodeo has played in the Australian Professional Rodeo scene over that time, with several leading riders and horses having graced the Deniliquin rodeo arena.
The club has been associated with a national body since its early years, being affiliated with the Australian Rough Riders Association soon after its inception.
It also has a long and proud history of community support, donating funds to numerous local organisations over the years.
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