Under crisp autumn skies, the Maules Creek Campdraft roared to life over the weekend of May 30 to June 1, drawing riders, families, and spectators from across the region for three thrilling action-packed days of campdraft, rodeo and community connection.
The committee is community driven, and a huge thanks to all involved in making the weekend as successful as it was. The Maules Creek committee take pride in the facilities that we have built and continue to upgrade every year to make it safer for volunteers, committee, spectators and competitors, and really appreciate the fabulous comments from everyone that attends our draft each year.
The weekend kicked off on Friday morning with the Novice A and Novice B Campdraft. This lead into the Sunday afternoon finals and the eventual winners of the two drafts running off for the hotly anticipated Mark Dampney Memorial Draft — a tribute to a much-loved local committee and community member. The winners of Novice A and Novice B faced off in a Sunday run-off to determine the overall champion. Adding further value, the Knight family and Finlay Farming donated a superb line of Wagyu weaners to support the event.
In Sunday’s showdown, Sally Clarke, a valued committee member, rode her gorgeous mare Marmalade Oak to win Novice A, while Craig Ervine and his home-bred mare Ervines Pearl, also a hard working committee member secured the Novice B. It was fitting that two committee members battled it out for a lawn mower and whipper snipper, generously donated by Chaffeys Mowers of Gunnedah—a prize pairing that brought a uniquely rural flair to the competition. With Craig Ervine and Ervines Pearl being the eventual winner and taking home the Lawn Mower.
The Encouragement Draft offered a close and entertaining contest, culminating in a family face-off between Jack Brennan, a dedicated committee member, and his cousin Clay Sadler. Clay came out victorious in a thrilling final.
Friday’s events wrapped up with the challenging Open 4 Open, where a clever line of Angus heifers donated by the Brennan family kept competitors on their toes. Adam Sadler returned to the winner’s circle, this time aboard Reldas Cash.
Saturday morning began with the first round of the Open Draft, with the final held Sunday. After a tough weekend of drafting, Brent Smyth and his ever-reliable gelding Lenard took the win, showcasing exceptional consistency and style.
The Ladies Campdraft followed, delivering a standout moment with a massive run from Maddy Teague and her impressive mare Guccis Destiny. Thanks go to the Capel family for supplying excellent cattle for the event.
Crowd favourites, the Junior and Juvenile Campdrafts, saw young talent shine. In the Junior Draft, Joseph Clarke and his horse Pearla Clicka came out on top, while the Juvenile Draft was won by Zara Kelly on Jack. The Clarke Family generously provided top-notch cattle for these much-loved youth events.
Campdrafting concluded Saturday afternoon, but the fun continued with the Junior Rodeo, featuring a high-energy barrel race and thrilling junior steer rides, which kept the crowd entertained well into the evening.
Winners of the Junior Rodeo as are follows:
Barrel Races: 14 u 18 Hannah Fulton and SP Top Gear Request, 11 u 14 Tiana Abbott and Doncha, 8 u 11 Cate Barnett and Indianna Style.
Steer Ride: 8 u 11 Noah Lowe, 14 u 18 Dylan Taylor.
As the sun set, the Maules Creek Campdraft committee treated everyone to a delicious camp oven dinner, bringing together competitors, families, and friends in a relaxed, festive atmosphere.
Sunday morning kicked off with the Maiden A Campdraft, Adam Sadler was impressive with flawless runs on his talented colt Reldas Rave N Con. Cattle for this event were kindly donated by Tom Lampe and the Brennan family. The Maiden B followed, with Mark Palmer and his standout mare Sugar N Spice taking the honours.
The committee would like to extend sincere thanks to all sponsors, especially to our major sponsors in Whitehaven Coal and Boggabri Coal who have been with us since inception Their contributions have enabled ongoing improvements to the grounds and helped the club earn the prestigious ABCRA Committee of the Year Award for 2024.
We are appreciative to have the support of local business houses … Pursehouse Rural, Squarks Pest and Ag, Hamilton Mortimer Agency, Paul Wales, LA Contracting, JA Smith Solutions, Woodhams Petroleum, James Bradford Rural, Chaffeys Mower Clinic Gunnedah, Specialised Civil Services, Goodness and Gracious Gunnedah, Nutrien Narrabri, WTC Group, Paradise Fresh, Meats on Maitland, Simon Frater and Matt Weakley, Schwager Civil and Concrete, Namoi Waste Corp, and Davidson and Cameron. [as advertised in The Courier]
A special thank you goes to Bill Humphries Transport, a long-time supporter, for ensuring the safe transport of cattle before and after the event—a vital part of making the weekend a smooth success.
The committee would like to thank our judges, cattle donors and competitors, with strong competition, generous donations, and a vibrant community spirit, the 2025 Maules Creek Campdraft was one to remember. Planning is already underway to make next year’s event even bigger.
– PUBLICITY OFFICER
