Welcome to Campdraft
Those of you keen on the sport of campdrafting, and for that matter even those of you who are not, mark 29th April to 1st May clearly in your 2005 diary.
These are the dates of the annual Paradise Lagoons Campdraft in Central Queensland.
The three day event conducted in conjunction with the inaugural Horse Australia expo will attract the best exponents of the sport from every mainland state of Australia.
The purpose designed and constructed complex is sited on Paradise Lagoons - one of the Acton Land and Cattle Company’s Central Queensland properties, owned by Graeme and Jennie Acton who are based at Paradise, and Evan and Kim Acton who live and work on another of their properties - the million acre Milungera Station, up in the gulf.
Paradise Lagoons is ideally located, just shy of twenty kilometres from the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.
Although Graeme suggests the river city could in years to come, also be tagged as the Horse Capital of Australia.
Graeme’s passion for horses is evident not merely by the many hats he wears in campdrafting - as visionary and designer of the complex, Chairman of the organising committee, and a keen competitor, but also in his role as Chairman of Horse Australia.
The Paradise Lagoons complex was officially opened by the Hon. John Anderson MP, deputy Prime Minister of Australia, and Ed McCormack, President of the national Campdraft Council, before a large audience.
During speeches, Graeme and Evan outlined their decision to dedicate the magnificent complex in honour of their parents, the late Val and Tom Acton MBE, both of whom shared a passion for horse sports of all disciplines.
The inaugural draft conducted in May 2003 was heralded a huge success by competitors, spectators and event committee members and attracted 1,200 plus nominations.
Competitors battled for a share of $130,000 in prizemoney and trophies, making it Australia’s richest campdraft.
With such a large purse on offer, the line-up included some of Australia¹s finest horsemen and women riding some of the nation’s best horses.
Competition was thrilling and extremely close with spectators treated to edge of the seat action and the finest displays of horse and rider working as one, in their efforts to complete the course and score well.
Through generous support of sponsors, in 2004 prizemoney was increased to $140,000 with the level of competition and rider and horse skills judged superior to the previous year’s event.
The weekend program included the $60,000 Acton Super Beef Australian Open Campdraft, the $50,000 Ridley Agriproducts Rockhampton Open Draft and the $10,000 Causeway Produce Agency Ladies Draft.
The weekend also featured the first ever National Campdraft Championship, sponsored by the National Australia Bank.
Stock for the event is specifically selected and supplied by Acton Land and Cattle Company, with in excess of fifteen hundred steers being transported from Moray Downs and Croydon Station.
The centrepiece of the all-weather, floodlit complex is a large entertainment pavilion housing a fully stocked bar and modern well-equipped kitchen.
Seating in the pavilion and adjoining terraced decks provides for around 600, complemented by portable grandstands for a further 300. A sponsors’ marquee with bar, increases total seating to over 1,000, with expansive lush lawned areas providing for families on blankets.
First class facilities for around 800 campers, their horses and vehicles include powered sites with water, showers and toilets, sited close to a large exercise area.
And whilst the complex has been acclaimed by many campdrafters as the best in Australia, Graeme and Evan are currently expanding the facilities. Additions include a second campdraft arena, and associated camp, laneways and coolers, plus a cutting arena.
During the 2005 event all areas will be operational, ensuring nonstop action for competitors and spectators.
So, why not make it a date - Paradise Lagoons Campdraft - the last weekend of April 2005.