One of the aims of Goulburn Rodeo Club has always been to turn money it raises back to the community.

The first Goulburn Rodeo was held in 1942 to raise funds for Legacy. 

In 1968 the Goulburn Rodeo Club was formed and the clubs first rodeo was held on February 11 that year. John Goff and Bill Dutaillis were the instigators and that first rodeo was run to aid the Sisters of Mercy.

Present day Club president Jeff Rowson told a gathering at the Goulburn Workers Club on Saturday they were disappointed not to match the money raised in some previous years; however, they were glad to be able to assist wherever possible.

“The cost of staging the rodeo has increased every year and this year it was over $68,000,” Rowson said. “But with the help of the community, sponsors and the other organisations that pitch in, we were still able to give money back to the community.

“In the past 20 years the Rodeo Club has donated over $140,000 to the local community and we are aiming to continue showing our support for the community, which supports us.”

This year’s recipients included: Tirranna Public School, Angels for the Forgotten, the Goulburn Prostate Cancer Support Group, Trek for Kids, Parkesbourne Rural Fire Brigade, Goulburn Pony Club, and the Goulburn Base Hospital surgical ward.

At the thank you afternoon tea, the Club also made several presentations. Shana McLean was awarded the Gloria Smith Trophy for the most money raised by a rider participating in the November charity ride.

Gloria Smith, who still has an active interest in the club and was for many years one of its biggest fundraisers was at the function to make the presentation. Smith can no longer ride, due to her health, but it did not stop her getting a photo taken on her pony a couple of weeks ago, surrounded by family.

McLean, also the youngest rider, received the Adele Smith Memorial Award, which was presented by Adele’s first cousin and Rodeo Club secretary Sybil Lucas. The oldest rider on the ride-a-thon last year was Carol Robertson.

Fiona Battiste, who had been treasurer for considerable time but decided to step back a little in her club duties, received a bunch of flowers in appreciation of her service.

In 2018, the Club will celebrate its 50th rodeo and planning is well underway. The Club has a small band of dedicated members and meets at the Goulburn Recreational area (near the rodeo grounds) on the first Monday of the month (except public holidays). They are always looking for new members.