Amongst the bulls and broncs at the Canungra Hotel Rodeo this year will be a tradition to honour one of the true legends of Canungra Rodeo.
When Terry Sharland passed away on 30 October 2016, he left behind a legacy in the town of Canungra through his association with the Canungra Rodeo.
Sponsored by the Canungra AH & I Society committee, the Terry Sharland Memorial buckle for the 2023 Junior Champion honours Terry’s memory and his contribution to the Rodeo.
Terry first became interested in rodeos while in agricultural college in the 1960s, where he, along with some friends, rode on the bulls and horses they were caring for.
Terry was a board member of the National Rodeo Association as well as a judge, along with his son Brett, who has lived in Wonglepong for the past 24 years.
He became involved with Canungra Rodeo after he and his son Brett competed in the campdraft and rodeo in the 1980s.
Although he never lived here, Terry called Canungra his ‘hometown rodeo’.
He was the main rodeo organiser for the Canungra AH&I Society from 1993 until his death in 2016.
His last Canungra Hotel Rodeo was the most successful rodeo held in Canungra in over 20 years – at one point the gates had to be closed because the Showground had reached crowd capacity.
Terry’s wife Marilyn said he was very involved with the junior rodeo riders.
“He always said ‘our juniors in rodeo are the cowboys and cowgirls of the future’ in the sport which he devoted so much of his time to.”
Canungra AH&I Society Secretary, Sharon Rafferty, said Canungra Hotel Rodeo attracted locals and rodeo fans from afar.
“About 50 volunteers and local community groups contribute to preparing and running the Rodeo,” said Sharon.
“Funds from the Rodeo and our generous sponsors go towards creating a fabulous show for our community to enjoy in August.”
Canungra Hotel Rodeo is on Saturday 8 July. Tickets for the event have sold out.
