Beef Bonanza Boost

ROBERT Smith ran the canteen at the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza and loved being part of an event that fostered a new generation develop a passion for agriculture.

Robert wanted to raise money to subsidise the canteen, to make the weekend event more affordable for children who had traveled to show their cattle and learn about the beef industry, but he passed away at the age of 51.

Keeping the canteen running for Robert Smith: workmate Ben Pittman, son Luke “Smerky” Smith, wife Sara Smith and Mick Carroll from the Liddell Lodge.

But Robert had worked with loyal mates from the Liddell Lodge for 20 years and they have donated $2,500 dollars for the canteen this year and will continue to do so for the life of the pit.

“I just think it is awesome that all his mates have stepped up to support all the kids of the Upper Hunter over the weekend as they show cattle,” said Robert’s widow Sara Smith.

“It can be expensive feeding children from a canteen when you are away from home for a weekend, so this subsidy will help people’s money stretch and the kids can have super doopers and enjoy their time at the Bonanza,” she said.

Doug Robertson, president of the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza said the donation was a great boost for the bonanza weekend.

“The help in funding the canteen for children to have more affordable food and to help raise funds for next year’s canteen and to donate $2,500 each year is a big help,” said Mr Robertson.

“The event was funded under Coal and Allied to get it up and running and we are now in our eleventh year and we now need to attract new sponsors,” he said.

“Last year we had more than 800 kids who competed over the weekend there were 36 schools competing in the steer challenge from Dorrigo to Terrigal and Condobolin,” he said.

“We want all kids to be able to participate and Waverley Station gives local schools a run of weaner steers for them to feed, break in and then bring them back 100 days later for the bonanza,” he said.

“The whole event is not just about showing cattle it’s about educating the next generation and it kindles an interest and something that becomes a passion for them,” he said.

“There are lots of stories like Tayla Miller and kids like her and that’s what we are wanting to support, to grow our agriculture, to be an educated work force at big pastoral companies and the more we can have the industry support those kids now the stronger it will be,” Doug Robertson said.

The Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza will be held at White Park, Scone on October 21 to 23 and organisers are keen to find more sponsors to make this year a success.

If you can help support the next generation of budding young cattle breeders please contact Brooke Manwaring on 0417 582 220.