One of the few remaining sporting groups in Hughenden is seeking funding to attract people back to the town.
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After applying for multiple grants, the Flinders River Roping Club is in need of funding to complete their roping grounds.
Donations from members constructed the arena, chute, bathroom facilities and camping grounds but are struggling to continue paying for necessary facilities.
Flinders Shire Council councillor and roping club member, Clancy Middleton, leased his land to the roping club and helped establish the foundations for the arena.
“We are trying to make an area for both up-and-coming rodeo competitors as well as high level competitors,” he said.
“But it cost a lot of money when the facilities were not in the town and we had to put them there ourselves.
“We have received no funding for this complex and there is only a few things we would like to do to get it how we want it.
“We would like a shed to cater for canteen and shade, and a play area for young children.”
Although the Flinders River Roping Club only host three large events a year, the arena is used weekly by local competitors.
“We host a few big events throughout the year but some afternoons during the week, you’ll drive past and see 10 to 20 people here just practicing and enjoying themselves,” Middleton said.
“There are no other events like this in Hughenden.
“After we lost the rodeo, and we are back to an annual show, campdraft and our roping events; that is it.
“We don’t have a proper rodeo arena so we have lost a lot of western cowboys because we don’t have adequate facilities.”
Mr Middleton hopes with some funding, that the roping arena will attract cowboys and girls back to the Flinders region.
“A complete arena and grounds will definitely attract people back to the town, but there just always seems to be a loophole with our application,” he said.
“Our events already attract competitors from north to Normanton, west to Cloncurry, east to Townsville and south to Emerald.
“This is a sport that anyone can do or be a part of.”
With an upgrade comes the potential to expand the use of the facility, and Mr Middleton would like to see the facility used to cater for youth camps on weekends.
Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
