About Us
The Gippsland Campdrafting Association was originally formed as the Eastern Campdrafting Association at a meeting of interested people on 3rd September 1973. At that meeting, Owen Waller was elected President, Christa Treasure was elected Secretary and Vice President was Ron Connley. The committee was elected from the areas of Orbost, Sale, Swifts Creek, Ensay, Buchan, Sarsfield, Black Mountain, Hazelwood, Tubbut and Benambra.
The name was changed to Gippsland Campdrafting Association in November 1974, and although some of the earlier drafts no longer exist, others have taken their place, and the GCA now incorporates drafts to the east at Salt Creek near Johnsonville through to Trafalgar in the north west and as far south as Wonthaggi and Yanakie, therefore making the GCA uniquely bounded by the mountains and the sea.
Due to many of these areas involving the dairying industry, quite a few GCA Committees are able to supply runs of lovely “soft” dairy heifers which many consider to be a bonus for the education of young campdraft horses.
The GCA is justifiably proud of all its members over the years, and the achievements of drafters such as Michael Hiscock (winner of Warwick Gold Cup in 2006 & again in 2013) (winner of the 2021 Willinga Park Gold Buckle), wife Vicki Hiscock (winner of Grandmother Clock at Chinchilla & Ladies Silver Cup at Warwick in 2016), Ken Boulton (Winner of 2 Grandfather Clocks), & his son Peter Boulton (winner of 2016 Grandfather clock), Mat Holz (winner Landmark Classic 2015) as well as the legendary achievements of life members such as Ron Connley in the Man from Snowy River, and Dennis Neal at all premier Stock horse events, and that’s just to name a few….
GCA membership continues to grow each year, with more and more people becoming interested in the sport of campdrafting. This true “Aussie” sport began in the cattle camps of the outback, where riders were required to select a beast out from the mob. This took the combined skill of horse and rider working together as one, as most cattle resent being separated from the mob. Over time, these skills were developed into the uniquely Australian sport as we see it today.
Campdrafting can involve the whole family, with events for 8 to Under 13, 13 to Under 17, Maiden, Ladies, Novice and Open drafts. There are practice days usually held at the beginning of each season which offer new and old drafters the chance to practice on cattle prior to entering an event.
The GCA is affiliated with the nationally recognized National Campdraft Council of Australia, and adheres to its rules. The GCA also offers Personal Rider Insurance as well as the exciting quarterly “Gippsland Campdrafting Association News” as part of its membership fee.