A massive, estimated 4,500 people throughout Australia attended the Bundalong Rodeo on Australia Day 2024 in what was a huge three days of events at the Bundalong Tavern complex.
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Chief organiser Brett Butler described the rodeo as unbelievable. “What a show!” he told the Yarrawonga Chronicle.
“It was amazing the number of people who came and supported it, right throughout Australia, from broncs to bulls, cowgirls and cowboys, the national anthem sung, everything was fabulous.
“I thank the local community for their support and people throughout Australia for their support.”
Starting at 3.00pm, the program had it all – barrel racing, team roping, bronc and bull riding – with the best talent in the nation on display. The big event concluded at 9.30pm.
On Thursday night, the Footy Legends and Comedy Night drew a crowd of about 250 football fans. Brownlow medallist Dane Swan was a late withdrawal but organisers came up with a tremendous replacement in dashing Victorian wingman and Footscray champion Doug Hawkins.
Hawkins joined Collingwood and North Melbourne champions Peter Daicos and Wayne Carey. “It was a great show,” Mr Butler said.
“They told some good stories and there was a bit of a laugh, especially with ‘Suburban Footballer Tom Siegert”, the comedian.
On Saturday from 4.00pm, Jon Stevens – The Noiseworks & INXS Collection Tour entertained an estimated 2000 music enthusiasts for nearly two hours. “What a show!” the chief organiser said.
“Jon and the band kicked it out of the park! They performed all their old hits. Jon’s a ripper guy. He mingled with the crowd which fans loved.”
It was a team effort by the Butler family to put on three excellent events, with assistance from Andrew McQualter Whyte and Tamlin Osborne with rodeo.
“Kayla (Brett’s daughter) did a great job,” Brett said. Kayla responded: “Dad was enormous which resulted in three successful events. Mum (Leanne) and all the staff were very glad the rodeo came to Bundalong and all helped to ensure that success.”