Councillors attend Merrijig Rodeo Presentation night
Published on 15 May 2026
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie and Deputy Mayor Cr James Tehan recently attended the Merrijig Rodeo Presentation night.
At the event, which was held following a record breaking 50th anniversary 2026 event that drew a crowd of over 5000 people, the Merrijig Rodeo Committee handed out record profits to the community groups who make the event possible.
Mayor Cr Rabie was pleased to be able to attend the event and celebrated the hard work of the rodeo committee and the community groups who keep the significant Mansfield Shire event growing into the 21st century.
“As a proud member of the Mansfield Shire community, I have a lot of respect for the Merrijig Rodeo and its volunteers,” he said.
“It’s a valued Mansfield Shire institution that pays tribute to the history and tradition of our small part of the High Country.”
Community groups who were awarded funds on the night were the Bonnie Doon Football & Netball Club, Merrijig Campdraft Association, Mansfield Scouts, Mansfield Girl Guides, Merrijig Hall Committee, Merrijig & Boorolite CFA, Delatite Cricket Club and Mansfield & District Equestrian Club.
Donna Howton, Secretary of the Merrijig Rodeo and Sports Association, said the Merrijig Rodeo Committee is grateful for the volunteers and community groups who bring the iconic event together.
“The Merrijig Rodeo Committee would like to send a thank you to our army of volunteers and the community groups they represent who make it all possible each year,” she said.
“It was wonderful to come together at our annual presentation night to celebrate their efforts and share the event’s profits with those who play such a vital role across every part of the rodeo. Their incredible commitment and community spirit helped make our 50th anniversary rodeo a truly special event, filled with energy, pride and unforgettable moments at McCormack Park.
As beneficiaries, each community group received a of the share of the record profit the 2026 Merrijig Rodeo generated, $80,000. For most of the community groups, the rodeo represents their major fundraising for the year.
“I’m told the funds will allow the CFA brigades to purchase vital fire-fighting equipment, the Girl Guides to pay the costs of travelling to jamborees they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to attend and the Scouts to upgrade their camping equipment,” Mayor Cr Rabie said.
“I couldn’t be prouder to be a member of the Mansfield Shire community when I see this kind of generosity and community spirit on display.”