BERRIWILLOCK was a hive of activity on the weekend as thousands of people converged on the small Mallee town for the highly anticipated return of their rodeo.
Dubbed a resounding success, organiser Max Nunn said the rodeo revival — following a 35-year hiatus — was a huge achievement for the town and the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make it a reality.
“We did it and we’re over the moon,” he said.
“I’ve always said from the start, dream big, if we build it, they will come.”
As the campers and crowds began to flow into the town, Mr Nunn said it was quite emotional, watching it all come together.
“We were rapt,” he said. “It was unreal that it took off.”
Mr Nunn also said the event brought back a sense of nostalgia and community spirit, which was essential in ensuring small rural communities continued to thrive, despite population decline.
“If we don’t do something in these small towns, they will die,” he said.
“We organised this for the younger generation, the future of the town.”
Mr Nunn said the return of the event created a renewed sense of optimism, with the younger members of the community playing a key role in its success.
“They took the leadership on and ran with it,” he said.
Following a family friendly action-packed night, spectators were treated to a spectacular show, featuring different events, including the open bull ride, open bareback, open saddle bronc and women’s barrel race.
The evening also paid tribute to the late Gordon Godwin, who passed away in a motorcycle accident last month.
Renowned Australian country singer James Blundell led the moving tribute, honouring Mr Godwin who had been instrumental in helping to organise the event prior to his death.
Following the success of the event, Berriwillock has once again cemented its place on the rodeo circuit and organisers are looking forward to bringing the event back in 2026.
