Boggabri Drovers’ Campfire was launched by Boggabri Lions Club in 2006 with 27 campers setting up at Boggabri Showground for the weekend.
This year, the ninth Drovers’ Campfire attracted 502 campers.
The event has developed into a major tourist attaction for boggabri and the wider Narrabri Shire.
Yesterday the Drovers’ Campfire was given a huge boost, and recognition of its value, with a $10,000 grant from the NSW Govenment’s Regional Flagship Events Program.
Narrabri Shire Tourism Manager Penny Jobling prepared a submission for funding which was compelling enough to have the Drovers’ Campfire win the grant.
“We are delighted” said Boggabri Lions president Geoff Eather.
“This will take the Campfire even further ahead.”
Penny Jobling said the $10,000 grant would be used for marketing across Australia - and even into New Zealand.
“The event draws people from everywhere” Penny said.
“And it is becoming more of a family weekend.”
The Drovers’ Campfire was designed to support business in Boggabri, but the influx of visitors brings visistors, and their spending money, into the whole shire befoe and after the event.
The Drovers’ Campfire will be held on the last weekend of April, 2015.