Coonamble Challenge & Campdraft saddles up with Inland Rail support

Funding from Round 15 of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations program will help deliver a safer experience at the 2023 Coonamble Challenge & Campdraft event being held between March 23-26 at the Coonamble Showground.

Coonamble Challenge & Campdraft

Coonamble Challenge & Campdraft Inc received funding from Inland Rail and will use the money to pay for a paramedic to attend the event.

The Coonamble Challenge & Campdraft draws competitors from all over New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and the Northern Territory, and is fast becoming a notable event on the performance horse calendar in Australia.

Andrew Shearer, Treasurer, Coonamble Challenge & Campdraft Inc said:

‘It’s fantastic to get this support from Inland Rail. As a small town we have a limited number of businesses to support the wide range of events, sporting groups and organisations that make up life in the town.

‘Funding from Inland Rail means we can lighten the load a bit from our local businesses and supporters, and still be able to run an event that is growing and is set to bring in much needed expenditure to the town.

‘The Coonamble Challenge & Campdraft has been running since 2015 and has grown to be the largest event of its type in NSW. After a small beginning the event now attracts competitors from across the eastern states.

‘We are expecting this year’s event will be the biggest we have seen yet and invite everyone to come see some of the best horsemen and horsewomen in the country show their skills in the Stockman’s Challenge and Campdrafting during the day and the colt starting competition at night.

Stephen Jones, Inland Rail Director of Health, Safety and Environment, said:

‘We are proud to give back to the communities that are home to Inland Rail. The work these organisations do is instrumental to the wellbeing of regional communities.

‘I encourage other non-profit groups to lodge their applications for the next round of funding.”

The Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations program offers funding between $1,000 – $4,000 for organisations in eligible regional areas. The funding supports organisations that contribute to local and regional prosperity, wellbeing, and sustainability.

‘The latest round of funding takes overall support for local communities and associations along the Inland Rail alignment to over $1 million since the program launched in 2019.

‘Applications for the next round of funding close on 31 April 2023.

‘We encourage you to check your funding eligibility and apply. Please include as much information as you can to tell the story of what you want to achieve and how it will benefit your community.’

Check the Community Sponsorships and Donations program page for more information and to access the guidelines which explain eligibility. Any queries please phone 1800 732 761 or email: ircommunitysponsorships@artc.com.au.