Luke Bennett takes out the McKechnie Earthmoving Open at the Inaugural Willinga at Juandah Plains Campdraft 2023

Competitors and spectators experienced an action packed four-day campdraft extravaganza as Juandah Plains, the magnificent equine complex situated in the heart of Wandoan, Queensland, played host to its first-ever Willinga at Juandah Plains Campdraft from 6th to 9th September 2023.

This eagerly anticipated competition saw over 190 riders completing 1,460 runs across the four days, in the newly finished Campdraft arena set against the stunning backdrop of Queensland's undulating countryside.

Juandah Plains stands as the crown jewel of Willinga Pastoral's grazing portfolio, boasting an innovative off-grid energy plant that powers most of the buildings and a resort-style lagoon presiding over the main homestead complex. The state-of-the-art Equine Centre features both Campdraft and Cutting arenas, ten luxury horse stables, and cutting-edge training facilities.

This year’s program at Willinga at Juandah Plain’s Campdraft included the McKechnie Earthmoving Open, Colliers Agribusiness Maiden, Shepherd Electrical Maiden 4 Maiden, Sandon Glenoch Angus & Dulverton Ladies Shootout and Pumps and Solar Teams Event.

The McKechnie Earthmoving Open was competitive and won by Luke Bennett & MILLUNGERAS MOON BEAM for their spectacular performance, entering the final in 3rd position to claim victory with a 1.5-point margin. They clinched the title of inaugural McKechnie Earthmoving Open Champion with an impressive score of 267 at Willinga at Juandah Plains Campdraft. They took home $50,000 in prize money.

After two rounds, the inaugural Colliers Agribusiness Maiden was by Troy Palmer riding Willinga Park’s WILDCAT with a winning margin of 1.5 with a score of 179.5 Colliers Troy Palmer was awarded the prestigious Colliers Agribusiness Maiden Winner Trophy Saddle. Crafted by Taroom's own saddle maker, Terry Standing of 'T-J Saddles.

Charles Tapp & NOTORIOUS won the Shepherd Electrical Maiden 4 Maiden at the Willinga at Juandah Plains Campdraft with a score of 87.

On the Friday, 62 riders vying for victory, the competition was fierce in the Sandon Glenoch Angus & Dulverton Ladies Shootout. The winner was Willinga Park’s own Sarah Cookson & PARADISE with a score of 90.

This year’s event honoured the memory of a beloved camp drafting competitor through the Tom Strachan Memorial Open Cut-Out Aggregate Trophy. This perpetual Quart Pot Bronze Trophy, expertly crafted by the renowned Jaye Hall, was presented to Troy Palmer on Willinga Park’s HELLS A COMIN, HORSE NAME, with the highest cut-out aggregate score.
As the inaugural winner of this prestigious trophy, Troy Palmer took home a version of the Quart Pot Bronze trophy, alongside a generous $5000 cheque sponsored by Rural Property Livestock (RPL).

The McKechnie Earthmoving Open Opening Ceremony started with the Juandah Plains riders carrying the Willinga Park flag, followed by the Queensland flag and Australian flag. The 38 finalists and judges followed the lap of the arena. Willinga Park owner, Terry Snow welcomed and thanked all competitors and spectators and wished all finalist’s good luck.

Spectators were treated to Holly Tapp, singer-songwriter from the Northern Territory, and past contestant on The Voice Australia, sing the National Anthem.

“Staying true to our mission of elevating campdrafting as a spectator sport, we livestreamed the entire event every day at willingapark.com.au” Terry Snow said.

Over 17,000 viewers tuned into the livestream on Willinga Park TV where all campdraft enthusiasts were able to watch all the action and not miss a minute of the competition from around Australia and internationally, such as the United States. If anyone missed the livestream, they could visit Willinga Park TV YouTube to watch again.

Sponsors, competitors, and spectators had the privilege of experiencing luxury camping, courtesy of Oly Homes. Nestled within this stunning natural environment, the Oly Homes Glamping Area provided a unique fusion of comfort, style, and the great outdoors. With spacious, well-appointed tents and amenities guests were able to immerse themselves in a truly memorable campdraft experience.

On the Friday, the highlight of the evening was the auctioning of two semi-trailers laden with export-quality rotor-cut hay, valued at approximately $12,000 per semi-trailer.

Organized by Kate Scott, Chair of the Regional Advisory Committee for SW Qld LifeFlight, and the Willinga Pastoral Co. Team, the event illuminated the critical needs of LifeFlight services in Southwestern Queensland., the event raised $33,000 for LifeFlight.

Congratulations to Graham York from Wallumbilla who purchased both trailers, raising $33,000 for LifeFlight!

The Trade Village was busy with assorted goods for guests to shop, such as Ivy&Gus showcasing their beautiful leather designs of high quality, natural materials and hand stitching and women’s Boutique, Katie B. Also including, services and products such as Oly Homes, Revive Your Timber and Pump House Projections.

Guests enjoyed food from The Canteen and various Food Trucks such as the Road Roaster, Batesy’s Smoke n Grill and Pizza on the Run.

To go out with a bang on Saturday evening, we welcomed Holly Tapp and Queensland-based Country duo Route 33, closing off an action filled four days.