General News
8 April, 2026
Easter Gymkhana at Nyngan attracts Liberal leader
All roads led to Hermidale on Easter Sunday for the annual gymkhana.
The event has been an Easter tradition for longer than all but a handful of Hermidale locals can remember, and typically attracts a large crowd from across the region.
This year, probably due to the sharp escalation in fuel prices, the number of competitors in the horse events was down but there was still plenty of hot-blooded competition, which continued through to the family events in the afternoon and evening.
Gymkhana committee president Bryan Bubba Perry thanked his committee, volunteers and the sponsors who made the day a success.
“These people make the day happen and affordable. The preparation starts months out and all the proceeds go straight back into improving our facilities at the sportsground,” Mr Perry said.
There were 28 registered horse and rider combinations, from as far as Tottenham, Warren, Narromine, Cobar and the local area.
Sophie McLean from Warren was adult champion, Evelyn Greig from Tottenham won 12-17th champion; and Lily Baker and Hallee Pearce tied for the under 12.
The much coveted gumboot throw trophies were won by Will O’Leary (who out threw the 41 blokes entered) and Jemma Kennedy who beat 29 women.
Robert Pack’s “Packy’s Pullers” threw their weight right in to win the men’s tug-o-war and the “Nymagee Road” female crew won the ladies’ event.
There was also dog high jumping, a farmers’ challenge, running races, free face painting and a jumping castle.
Visit by Liberal leader, Kellie Sloane
Opposition leader, Kellie Sloane, surprised locals by attending the Hermidale Gymkhana on Easter Sunday, taking part in the activities, and meeting with community members, including Bogan Shire Council's mayor, Glen Neill.
Ms Sloane, who took on the Liberal leadership last November, spent the Easter long weekend touring central west towns and farming communities, as well as catching up with friends in Girilambone. “It was important to hear first-hand the issues facing farmers, including feral pests, invasive weeds, the cost of diesel and the dry conditions,” Ms Sloane said.
“This is a hard-working, resilient and innovative community, and I recognise how western NSW can feel out of sight and out of mind when it comes to this government. I look forward to continuing to work with NSW Nationals leader, Gurmesh Singh, and local communities to clear the hurdles that are holding them back and to make sure their concerns are heard loud and clear in the NSW parliament.”
Ms Sloane said the visit reinforced her view that regional and rural communities deserved better from the Minns Labor government, which she said had failed to deliver meaningful support for farmers and outback communities doing it tough. “Whether it’s the cost of fuel, the burden of feral animals, or the lack of action on water and infrastructure, people out here are carrying a heavy load, and they’re doing it largely without the support they deserve from the Minns Labor government.”
Ms Sloane also praised the Hermidale Gymkhana as a testament to the strength of the local community spirit. “Events like the Hermidale Gymkhana show exactly what makes these towns special. The effort, the pride, the sense of community - it’s something city MPs don’t always get to see, and I feel very lucky to have been welcomed in," she said.
Read More: Nyngan