I would like to congratulate the new Project Management team for the Barkly Muster and Goldrush Campdraft, Georgina Bracken and Shirleen Alum who took over the reins for this year’s major western style horse sports event in Tennant Creek.

Thomas and Alison Haines from the Tennant Creek Saddle Horse Club and Barkly Campdraft Association also need to be acknowledged for their great work over many years in community events and once again for underpinning this regional event.

Russell O’Donnell, Stephen Goddard and Jerry Kelly are the anchor men of the Barkly Rodeo Association and are also both generous with their time, energy and valuable community support for staging such major events.

The NT Government provides the financial resources that back the annual Barkly Muster and Goldrush Campdraft however it is the hard working committees led by community minded people that draw together the local sponsors and volunteers that make such events a reality.

Governments like to leave the management of such exercises to the community and Tennant Creek and the Barkly are great examples of where community based organisations and volunteers get involved to ‘give something back’ that ironically produces something ‘money just can’t buy’ that is, community spirit!

Volunteering can be fun however always comes with its challenges and you just have to ask the Barkly Muster and Goldrush Campdraft Committee about such challenges to understand how stressful the experience can become.

However, at the end of the event the committee members and volunteers know that it is all worthwhile because whether the ‘punters’ realise it or not working the community together to celebrate a cultural event is a powerful element within our society that brings people together and unites kindred spirits.

Volunteering can also value add to both the individual and community in the way of learning new skills and meeting people in addition to important fundraising opportunities for a community organisation that in turn ‘gives something back’ in relation to their own charter and service.

The Barkly Muster and Campdraft will involve many volunteers and supporters over the three day event however spare a thought for the people who keep the dream alive that brings both visitors and business to our town and community in addition to generating good vibrations!

So what can each and every one of us do in support?

Simple, just get on down to Jubilee Park at some stage this weekend and be part of the action!