What’s happening?
The Dingo Rodeo and Campdraft Club is marking a historic milestone — celebrating 80 years of tradition with the 2025 Dingo Campdraft from 15 to 18 May 2025. The event, taking place at the Dingo Rodeo Grounds, promises four days of action-packed campdrafting, community connection, and a showcase of exciting new facilities including freshly updated backyards and a brand-new junior arena.
Nominations open for just 24 hours on Monday, 28 April 2025 at 7:00am via Campdraft Central, with 10 first round runs per competitor (excluding Restricted Open and Futurity drafts).
Why it matters?
This event is more than just a competition — it is a proud celebration of the club’s deep community roots and its future growth. As Vice President Bill Cragg explained, “It’s very, very honoured and very special… I’ve always brought my children along to working bees and getting them interested in the community.” Keeping young people involved is essential to ensure another 80 years of success.
Watch Bill Cragg’s full interview here.
Local Impact:
The Dingo Campdraft remains one of the few signature events in small bush towns, vital for local fundraising. Committee member Trader Wilson said, “Campdrafting is one of the only events left, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to fundraise for the community.” Last year, the club donated about $10,000 to the Capricornia Rescue Helicopter Service, a crucial lifeline for the region.
By the numbers:
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80th year of Dingo Campdraft and Rodeo Club community celebrations
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Over $10,000 donated to the Capricornia Rescue Helicopter in 2024
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4-day event expanded to accommodate growing participation compared to a two-day event 50 years ago
Zoom In
The upgraded facilities signal a bright future for the Dingo Rodeo Club. As Wilson explained, “We’ve put a new arena in this year for the mini competitors. Hopefully, this will allow us to host barrel races, rodeos, and cow horse events.” The Mini, Junior and Gymkhana events are also CCA Affiliated, offering opportunities for young riders to get involved and keep the sport alive.
Bill Cragg also pointed out how the newly built facilities will open up new avenues: “Not only can it be used for children’s events, but hopefully cutting in the future.”
Watch Trader Wilson’s full interview here.
Zoom Out
The growth of campdrafting in recent years reflects a broader resurgence of bush sports and community gatherings. Cragg shared, “In the last 10 years, it’s had a bit of a resurgence. Especially campdrafting. It’s more of a family sport these days.” With nominations now filling faster than ever and events growing in size, Dingo is keeping pace by extending its draft to four full days — proof of campdrafting’s booming popularity across rural Australia.
Program Details:
📅 Thursday 15 May 2025 (1:00 PM Start)
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J’Mac Leather Ladies Draft ($500) — Nomination: $40
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HHH Partners Futurity Draft ($500) — Nomination: $40 (Proof of age required, horses under 4 years)
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D.F. Edmistone Memorial Restricted Open Draft ($1200) — Nomination: $60
📅 Friday 16 May 2025 (6:30 AM Start)
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Keith Charles Memorial Novice Draft ($2500) — Nomination: $55
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Keith Charles Memorial Novice Final
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Station Challenge
📅 Saturday 17 May 2025 (6:30 AM Start)
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W.H. Cragg Memorial Open Draft ($3500 + Trophy Saddle) — Nomination: $75
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Dave Cogill Memorial Juvenile Draft ($150) 13-Under 17 — Nomination: $10
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Rogers Family Junior Working Horse Draft ($150) 8-Under 13 — Nomination: $10
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Ashgrove Mini Draft ($100) Under 8 — Nomination: $10
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W.H. Cragg Memorial Open 2nd Round
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W.H. Cragg Memorial Open Final
Saturday Night Special
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George Hoare Memorial Cutout Championship
📅 Sunday 18 May 2025 (6:30 AM Start)
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Des Draper Memorial Maiden Draft ($2200) — Nomination: $40
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Des Draper Memorial Maiden Final
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Boombah Brangus Maiden 4 Maiden Draft ($500) — Nomination: $25 (Run in conjunction with first Maiden Round)
🏆 Maiden & Novice Lucky Competitor $1500 Jackpot (Sponsored by the Bolton Family)
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$50 for gated round
What To Look For Next?
The Paul Byrne Memorial Highest Average Competition will highlight top riders. Saturday night will feature the George Hoare Memorial Cutout Championship, raising funds again for the Capricornia Rescue Helicopter. Children’s Kreditable Horses Gymkhana promises more fun for the next generation of bush riders. The club hopes to bring back rodeo events, barrel racing, and cutting competitions in future years, ensuring Dingo stays a multi-sport horse facility.
