Volunteers prep for rodeo

Volunteers from the Onslow Rodeo Association have been beavering away to prepare the grounds and have everything ready for riders for this year’s rodeo on August 15.

Residents have chipped in with the busy bees over several weekends and local businesses donated time and money to prepare for this year’s event.

Onslow Rodeo Association committee member Carol Stratford said workers from Laing O’Rourke, contracted to the Wheatstone Project, have been working with the committee and volunteering on their days off to help make the rodeo a reality.

“The volunteers are worth their weight in gold, not just the hard work they have put in but the friendships that have formed and the support that they have given has been fantastic over the last few years,” she said.

Onslow Rodeo Association president Shane Stratford said a new mechanical bucking bull, purchased through a Wheatstone community spirit grant, had already been put to good use.

“The mechanical bull will help local riders train for their events, giving first-time riders a real sense of the skill required to reach that magic eightsecond milestone,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to putting on a great day for Onslow residents and particularly welcoming everyone from nearby stations and Pilbara towns.”

The mechanical bull will be on the grounds on the day with other entertainment, including bands, a DJ, children’s entertainment, and headliner Korey Livy of Australian Idol 2006 fame.

Cash prizes will be up for grabs in 15 riding events, including saddlebronc, barrel, bareback and juniors.

Local riders will be raising funds for community groups from Onslow and the Royal Flying Doctor Service in a charity race.

Onslow resident Jeffery Benning won the local bull ride last year, while Luke Metcalf was the winner of the bareback bull ride.