Grong Grong Horse Sports Pty Ltd has put a proposal to the Narrandera Shire Council for a five year lease of the old Grong Grong Rodeo Grounds.

The committee considers it a great space with so much room for growth and opportunity for the town of Grong Grong.

“The benefits to the town and outlying services are too numerous to mention, but I will outline a rudimentary plan. We have considered a well rounded, sustainable, community encompassing structure which is future focused, financially viable and with improvements, environmentally sustainable,” the committee said in its letter to the Council.

“We would eventually like to grow to an annual event which incorporates the famous ‘Grongy Rodeo, food vans, live music, lighthorse displays and a truly unique ‘Grongy’ event.

“We have the depth of ability in our committee, the drive to see our town thrive,” the letter reads.

The committee’s goals are to utilise the existing facilities for equine events to raise money for improvements in land management, to completely clean the facility of weeds, correct uneven ground, repair fencing and stock yards.

It pointed out that community participation would play a huge role in achieving this aim. Many businesses had already reached out to offer services, time and money to see the grounds up and running again.

“Equine enthusiasts travel miles to attend events like team penning, team yarding, speed penning, rodeo, breed shows, pony club, dressage, eventing, clinics and challenges,” the committee said.

“The space could also be utilised for Riding for Disabled with some small changes to the arena. People travel to Wagga Wagga and Griffith for this.”

In conjunction with Charles Sturt University the committee could offer a unique experience for students to continue Hybrid Indigenous Australian Studies subjects in Environmental Management.

“We have the depth of ability in our committee, the drive to do so and the absolute want to see our town thrive,” the committee spokesperson said.

The Grong Grong Horse Sports Incorporated president is well known lighthorseman and Grong Grong resident Mick Batchelor, who has run the Grongy Rodeo on the grounds for many years.

This article appeared in Narrandera Argus, 10 April 2025.