Campdrafts cancelled in Tamworth, Gunnedah, Walcha

After estimates that about 180 campdrafts were cancelled in 2019, events in Gunnedah, Tamworth and Walcha have fallen victim this year to natural disaster.

And it costs a community in many ways, according to Gunnedah Show Society Campdraft president Mick McLoughlin.

He said the group had made the call to the Australian Bushmen's Campdraft and Rodeo Association (ABCRA) to cancel its event later this year.

It's the second year running the campdraft has had to be called off.

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"Obviously the drought is the main factor," Mr McLoughlin said.

"We need 900 head of cattle at least, probably more, and you weren't game to ask anyone because no-one had cattle on crops or nothing; most people are feeding them.

"It would have been nearly an insult to ask them."

Mr McLoughlin said it was "a shame" to call it off "because it's a good sport and a good couple of days".

"When the draft is on, we bring a fair bit to Gunnedah ... an extra 200-300 competitors, along with their families," he said.

"They've got to eat, they've got to drink and buy fuel, and we have a canteen out there, too ... We always make a little bit out of it, and we like to give a bit to one of the local charities."

ABCRA chief executive Craig Young said the revenue lost to these communities was into the millions; president Matt Weber said there was also a big social impact.

"It gives people in these communities who are doing it tough in this drought somewhere to go," Mr Weber said.

Walcha's Golden Gate, supposed to be held in the second week of January, was also called off due to the blows of drought and fires.

"We are one of the biggest events on the calendar, and it's a four-day event that brings a lot of money to our town," Walcha Bushman's Campdraft and Rodeo Association vice-president Harry King said.

"There are no cattle in this drought and we don't know when it will back back again running."

More recently, the ABCRA cancelled its campdraft national final scheduled for Tamworth this week, due to concerns about the current conditions and the impact on participants.

"This year the prevailing conditions have been extremely difficult for everyone: members, livestock, cattle donors, sponsors, the staff and the board," a statement said.

"We pray that the current conditions change for the better sooner rather than later."

Mr McLoughlin said things would have to improve quickly for the next one to remain a chance.

"If it rained and the season turned around now, we'd be looking at going next year," he said.

"We'll cross our fingers - and every other part of our body that we can - that the rain comes."