COOTAMUNDRA RODEO DELIVERS A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER
Tuesday, 10 November 2026
More than 700 competitors converged on Cootamundra across the weekend, with the annual Cootamundra Rodeo once again drawing strong crowds and cementing its place as one of the region's premier community events.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke congratulated organisers on delivering another successful event, with 520 senior entries and 220 junior entries helping to make the rodeo one of the biggest on the local calendar.
Ms Cooke said the strong turnout demonstrated the ongoing demand for rodeo events across the region and the important role they have in bringing communities together.
"The rodeo committee continues to do a spectacular job in putting on a professional, high-quality event that not only attracts competitors and spectators, but also preserves the traditions of such a historic event," Ms Cooke said.
"The strength of the entries this year shows just how much people value events like the Cootamundra Rodeo and the important role they play in keeping our country communities connected."
The event offered a full schedule of rodeo action, attracting skilled riders and competitors from across the Cootamundra electorate, New South Wales and beyond, while providing entertainment for people of all ages.
Ms Cooke paid tribute to the Cootamundra Rodeo Committee, led by President Steve Oddy, along with the many volunteers whose efforts behind the scenes ensured another successful event.
"The Cootamundra Rodeo doesn't happen without an enormous amount of planning and teamwork," Ms Cooke said.
"Every volunteer, organiser, sponsor and supporter has played an enormous role in
hosting an event that the community is eager to come back and support year after year."
Country events like the Cootamundra Rodeo also rely heavily on community support, with Ms Cooke thanking naming sponsors Albion Hotel Cootamundra and Akubra, along with the many local businesses and organisations that backed the event.
She said a highlight of the day came during the official opening when two long-serving committee members, Mick Axsentieff and Garry Luck, were presented with life membership in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the rodeo.
Mick and Garry have each dedicated many years of service to the event and played key roles in its return to Cootamundra in 2019.
"Well done to both Mick and Garry, who have both served as president and played an important role in shaping the club into what it is today," Ms Cooke said.
"Both men were the driving force in the return of the rodeo to Cootamundra in 2019 and have helped to build a strong foundation for the future of the committee and the club."
Ms Cooke said it was also an honour to spend time with rodeo stalwart Bob Holder, after whom the Main Arena is named.
"We are incredibly fortunate to have someone of Bob's standing associated with the Cootamundra Rodeo, and it was wonderful to see his contribution recognised throughout the weekend," she said.
Another memorable moment came when local performer Laney Fitzgerald delivered the National Anthem from the back of a ute before competition commenced.
"Laney did a beautiful job performing the National Anthem and the crowd absolutely loved it," Ms Cooke said.
"It was one of those special moments that helped make the weekend so memorable."
