Countdown Commences for Curry Challenge

This time next week all the action of the 2019 Curley Cattle Transport Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft will get underway; the iconic Outback event scheduled for July 10 to 14 in Cloncurry.

Marking its 35th year, the 2019 event will well and truly be living up to its reputation as one of Australia’s greatest horse events, with close to record numbers of competitors nominated “the highest number seen in at least the last six-years or more” according to Committee Secretary Stacey Robertson.

Consisting of 5 jam packed days of campdraft action at the Cloncurry Equestrian Centre, the 300 plus competitors and thousands of visitors will be in for a treat with nightly entertainment also included; ranging from the NRL State of Origin footy grand final on the big screen Wednesday, through to Friday and Saturday night live entertainment by former The Voice Australia contestants Trent Bell and Tim Conlon and a Saturday night rodeo.

A hard year for many of the graziers and land-owners from across the North West; after the devastating recent flood event, this year’s Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge event will also include a special visit from the Governor-General of Australia His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and his wife, Her Excellency Linda Hurley; attending Thursdays program and free community barbeque from 12 midday, hosted at the Equestrian Centre and supported by Cloncurry Shire Council.

“Linda and I wanted to make sure that our first community event after I became Governor-General was in the Outback. The Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge is about as iconic as it gets and we’re thrilled that we will be there on Thursday to spend time with the community and see some of the outstanding competition,” the Governor-General said.

“We are very humbled to be hosting His Excellency the Governor-General at our event next week, added Stacey Robertson.

“While the Stockman’s Challenge is very much about competition, this year the aspect of also offering entertainment and a break from the everyday is very important for us given the hardships experienced by many of our local and regional land-owners (and competitors and sponsors).

“The Governor-General’s visit and desire to meet with the local community shows that we really do have the support of all levels of government behind us”.

With entry to the 2019 Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft free for spectators, people from across the region are encouraged to head along and enjoy the program.

Full program details are available from the Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge & Campdraft website at www.currychallenge.com.au