AUSTRALIAN RODEO FEDERATION

 On the 18 March 2013 a meeting was held between the Australian Professional Rodeo Association, Australian Bushmans Campdraft and Rodeo Association, National Rodeo Association and the Central Rodeo Cowboys Association. These four associations formed the foundations and are committed to the Australian Rodeo Federation.

On the 19 march 2013 another meeting including the Queensland Rodeo Association, Professional Bullriding Association, Rodeo Services Association, a representative from the National Rodeo Council and including also Mr Steve Coleman NSW RSPCA, Mr Mark Townend Qld RSPCA, Jade Norris RSPCA Australia, Mr Daniel Young Chief Inspector Qld RSPCA and Mr Greg McDougall Qld DAFF.
Following a very positive meeting, with the support for the project from the RSPCA and DAFF reps all other associations offered their in principle commitment to the federation.

Once all commitments have been confirmed the new federation will represent approximately 450 rodeos per annum and more then 4200 members throughout Australia.

The aims and objectives of the federation include:
1: To have rodeo officially recognised as a sport by Government authorities
2: To develop and promote common guidelines and standards governing rodeos throughout Australia
3: to self-regulate Animal Welfare policies and procedures and to advise industry of any changes to regulations

The Board will consist of
President Mr Bill Urquhart (NRA)
Vic President Mr Greg Frewin (ABCRA)
Secretary Mr Glen Mansfield (APRA)
Treasurer Mr Darryl Baulch (CRCA)
Board members include
Mr Dale Frahm (NRA), Mr Steve Hilton (APRA), Mr Les Flohr (CRCA), with 1 member from the ABCRA, QRA, PBR, RSA to be nominated.

With the backing of the Federation, and being the Project Leader of the AAWS project to Develop Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Rodeos, I will continue with the project with support from the rodeo industry.
Already the project has the support from the Queensland Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Mr John McVeigh MP for the development for National Standards and Guidelines for Rodeos, and with the direction of the Federation, look forward to working with all states and territories regulatory authorities.

 
(Back row left to Right) Les Flohr (CRCA), Rick Ruland (PBR), Glen Mansfield ( APRA, Secrectary ARF), Bill Urghart (NRA, Presedent ARF), Darle Frahm (NRA), Yvonne Finger (QRA), Steve Bradshaw (APRA) Greg Frewin (ABCRA- Vic-Pres ARF), Col McTaggart (RSA), Pat Stains (NRCA), (Front row Kneeling Left to Right) Jody Ruland (PBR), Steve Hilton (APRA), Darryl Baulch (CRA, Treasurer ARF), Peter Barber (QRA)