It’s been all hands on deck recently for the Grong Grong Horse Sports (GGHS) group as members throw their energy into reviving the town’s old rodeo grounds and plan a busy calendar of events.

The grounds are being rejuvenated thanks to the dedication and determination of a small, but passionate group of GGHS volunteers.

The team members have been rolling up their sleeves, spending long hours mowing, slashing, resurfacing and preparing the arena for events once again.

A recent big clean-up day saw volunteers and local businesses join forces to transform the dusty old site into a ready-to-go facility.

GGHS Secretary Kellie Wilson said it’s been a busy and exciting time for the group.

She thanked David Perram Concreting for volunteering time and the use of machinery.

“They have gotten our arena ready for action in one day,” Kellie said.

“Thanks also go to Terry, Kenny, Brett, Kellie, Renee and Abigail for all of their mowing and moving debris from around the grounds.

“Grong Grong Sports Club loaned us their slasher so we were out doing that too.

“Without everyone’s support, we would not be able to do any events.”

The freshly prepared surface is now ready for the first event - a gymkhana planned for 6 December - marking a major milestone in the team’s efforts.

Narrandera Shire Council granted a one-year licence agreement with GGHS, subject to no adverse submissions being received during the consultation process.

Councillor Jenny Clarke described the project as “a truly excellent proposal to put before council,” saying that  the team, led by president Mick Batchelor, had shown the drive to make it a success.

“We got a five-year lease from the council if we behave ourselves and they gave us our first year free, so that helped so much,” Kellie said.

“They’ve been wonderful at the council.”

Kellie said exciting times lie ahead now that the grounds seem to have a bright future with plenty of interest being shown in using them.

“There’s been some interest from the Riverina Stock Horse Society about using the grounds for an event and dog agility clubs are looking to hire it too, so we’re a bit excited,” she said.

“There’s so much going on - we also plan to have a community barbecue, but we haven’t put a solid date on that yet, but it’ll probably be early next year.

“There’s also ideas from Mick Batchelor about Lighthorse demonstrations and the Australian Barrel Horse Association is interested in having events.

“That would be nice as it supports the community with all the people who would travel here for these events.

“We have a few ideas for Australia Day and with a lot of things, we’re in the planning stages, just trying to support each other’s ideas.”

Kellie said plans are afoot to extend the ground which measures 60 metres by 40m to 80m by 40m.

“If we do that it can be used as a multipurpose surface, which means you could have two dressage events on at the same time and it’s better for Team Yarding too,” she said.

“Our aim is to get some grants so we can build a bank of four toilets and showers for both male and female and we’re looking into some grants for fencing too.”

The group is on the lookout for more members, volunteers and much-needed sponsors.

“We do a fundraising raffle on the first Friday of the month at the Royal Hotel to raise money, but we’d love to get some sponsors for our fence panels,” Kellie said.

The group’s ultimate goal is to grow an annual celebration that brings together the town’s signature “Grongy Rodeo”, food vans, live music, and Lighthorse displays.

It is being planned for a return in September 2026.

Anyone interested in joining GGHS, volunteering or sponsoring can contact Kellie on 0401 318 710.