MP GRABS BULL BY HORNS FOR CHARITY
HINCHINBROOK MP Nick Dametto took on a raging bull to raise funds for charity at the annual Ingham Sugar City Rodeo on Saturday.
Four riders battled it out, with Jonty Collins-furber topping the leaderboard with a time of
6.7 seconds. James Stevens came in second place with 4.6 seconds, Mr Dametto placed third with
4.3 seconds and Casey Costabeber followed with 4.2 seconds.
The Ingham Sugar City Rodeo Committee and the four brave riders praised the community for their generosity after smashing their target and raising more than $5000.
The funds will be spilt among the riders’ charities of their choice, including Audrey’s Angels of Hope, Ingham Palliative Care, Ingham Riding for Disabled Association and Hinchinbrook Branch Queensland Blue Light.
Ingham Sugar City Rodeo donated an additional $500 to Ingham Palliative Care thanks to Jonty CollinsFurber for riding with the best time.
Mr Dametto said he enjoyed the friendly competition and was pleased to beat his personal best time of
3.5 seconds.
“What an atmosphere – it was fantastic to see the grandstands full and the community coming together to support this well-loved annual event,” he said.
“It was a beast of a bull that’s for sure, I’m still a little sore today after holding on for dear life.”
He said he could understand why people participated in the sport.
“It definitely got the adrenaline pumping; although, with my current skill-set I don’t think I will be giving up my day job anytime soon,” Mr Dametto said.
“I didn’t make the eight seconds, but I did make halfway, so I have some unfinished business. Bring on next year.”
Federal Kennedy MP Bob Katter said it was a pleasure to attend the event and it was fantastic to see it grow and evolve.
“If it keeps growing the way that it is, it will be up there with Mareeba and Mount Isa,” he said.
“More than half the audience came from Townsville and of course that will increase because people prefer a rodeo in a rural setting than a big city rodeo which has never had much success.”
I DIDN’T MAKE THE EIGHT SECONDS, BUT I DID MAKE HALFWAY, SO I HAVE SOME UNFINISHED BUSINESS. BRING ON NEXT YEAR. NICK DAMETTO