ABCRA cancels Rodeo Round Up event in Tamworth due to rising COVID-19 case numbers

ONE of the state's most highly anticipated rodeo events has been cancelled in light of rising COVID-19 case numbers.

The Australian Bushmen's Campdraft and Rodeo Association (ABCRA)'s Rodeo Round Up event was cancelled on Tuesday due to the strain the ongoing outbreak was having on services and entrants.

Slated to be held at the Australian Equine and Livestock Entertainment Centre (AELEC) in Tamworth, competitors from across the state were expected to flock to the country music capital, giving the region a much-needed economic boost in light of the Tamworth Country Music Festival's postponement.

However, ABCRA executive officer, Craig Young, said the ABCRA board made the tough call to cancel the annual showcase at a meeting on Monday night.

"Unfortunately, the growing number of COVID-19 cases impacting on many services and events state-wide, has also impacted the ABCRA and while this was an extremely tough and difficult decision for the board to make, we must prioritise the health and safety of our team, competitors, sponsors and spectators," Mr Young said.

"We want to run events and we want to have our athletes competing, but given the significant health and financial risk to the association, the board simply had no other option but to cancel this particular event."

Article courtesy of Australian Community Media and The Land