Stands and the grass area on both sides of the hill were covered with spectators keen to watch the events that brought riders from as far as Queensland to Goulburn for Saturdaym February 17.

By the evening there was not much space for spectators to unfold portable chairs.

Many had opted for the soft grass to sit and watch the action unfold.

Goulburn Rodeo Club president Jeff Rowson said that by early evening the gate takings had surpassed 2017’s takings and people were still streaming through the entry point hoping to catch the main event action.

Goulburn’s proximity to Canberra, Sydney and the Illawarra means the annual rodeo has become a major tourist and visitor attraction.

On Saturday, a huge number of people had travelled to Goulburn to take in a slice of country Australia and the traditional bush men’s and bush women’s sports. 

One former Goulburn resident who used to attend the Goulburn Rodeo quite regularly commented on how much work had been done to improve the facilities.

He pointed to the grassed spectator areas that were once just rocks and dirt, the shade and windbreak trees that had been grown on land that was once thought impossible to support them, and the fencing that had protective strips to reduce the risk of injury to livestock.

Some visitors also had intentions to stay for the Roo Arcus show once the arena action concluded.

If it was thrills and spills that the audience wanted to see, they were certainly not disappointed as more than a few riders were thrown.

Some hurtled more than a metre into the air above the bucking equines and bovines.

One highlight of the event was the novice bull ride, with the Wayne Robson Memorial buckle going to the same rider who won last year, Dylan Weir.

On hand to make the presentation were Wayne Robson’s brother Brett, their mother Shirley and Mackensi Robson.

Brett Robson said his late brother had been all about giving young people a boost in the sport.