Community
1 October, 2024
New era for small town
SOCCER grounds at Silkwood have been transformed into an equestrian mecca.
More than 500 visitors attended the recent Silkwood campdraft with more events being planned.
The Hinchinbrook branch of the Australian Stockhorse Society was granted a 10-year lease with the Cassowary Coast regional Council on August 1.
“The new long-term lease agreement with the Hinchinbrook branch is a welcome opportunity for Silkwood and the region and is set to bring in economic gains as well as community benefits,” a council spokeswoman said.
“It has also given the branch the area needed to expand its club to host more events and initiatives for horse enthusiasts,” she said.
Branch secretary Talena Young was pleased with the success of the event held on the last weekend of August, with 170 competitors and 720 runs.
“People travelled from all over FNQ,” she said.
“We had people from Croydon, Normanton, Charters Towers, Proserpine, Laura, Georgetown and everywhere in between. Our youngest rider was two and our oldest was in his 70s,” she said.
“We’re excited to establish this campdraft event as an annual highlight, taking place every year on the last weekend of August.
“Looking ahead, we would like to expand next year’s program to include smaller competitions and horse sports that will engage local kids and make the most of our facility.
“We also have plans to upgrade the facility which will mean we can introduce events like bull rides and rodeos.
“We will be applying for the council’s current grant round for community infrastructure to assist with the essential upgrades.”
The council leases over 50 facilities to not-for-profit organisations and clubs throughout the Cassowary Coast that benefit the community through sport or well-being activities. The community infrastructure program stream aims to support these eligible organisations to assist in facility upgrades and maintenance.
Eligible projects for community infrastructure funding include sports facilities (like lighting, goal posts, and scoreboards), upgrades to buildings, fences, grandstands, shade structures, seating and shelters, as well as refurbishing existing facilities.
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