A bit of history...
Members unloading poles for wood chopping- 1962
The land currently known as Hawthorne Rodeo Park was originally the South Grafton Racing Track, and was gazetted for this purpose in 1865.
The racecourse closed down during the war years, and then moved to Grafton. After leaving the army, Tom and Roy Hawthorne began to organise a South Grafton Rodeo, including drawing up the plans, donating timber to build the rings and yards, and coordinating working bees.
In 1955 the South Grafton Polocrosse Club began to use two fields on the reserve. In 1959, a Go-Cart track was also located on the grounds, which operated until 1966.
Around 1975, Federal funding began to support the expansion of infrastructure. A rodeo arena was added to the main ring, the first cutting arena was constructed by Big River Round-up, and the first stables completed. The Polocrosse expanded to 6 fields.
In the mid-late 1970s the use of the grounds diversified to include the Rugby Union Club. The diversity of equestrian uses was also increasing. Continuing the tradition of considerable voluntary contribution and commitment by the community, the canteens, enclosed sheds and roads were built, and stables extended.
In 1980 the area was renamed Hawthorne Rodeo Park in honour of Roy and Tom Hawthorne for their instrumental role in establishing the Rodeo Grounds.
*Adapted from 'Hawthorne Park- Plan of Management' by Sustainable Futures 2004
The racecourse closed down during the war years, and then moved to Grafton. After leaving the army, Tom and Roy Hawthorne began to organise a South Grafton Rodeo, including drawing up the plans, donating timber to build the rings and yards, and coordinating working bees.
In 1955 the South Grafton Polocrosse Club began to use two fields on the reserve. In 1959, a Go-Cart track was also located on the grounds, which operated until 1966.
Around 1975, Federal funding began to support the expansion of infrastructure. A rodeo arena was added to the main ring, the first cutting arena was constructed by Big River Round-up, and the first stables completed. The Polocrosse expanded to 6 fields.
In the mid-late 1970s the use of the grounds diversified to include the Rugby Union Club. The diversity of equestrian uses was also increasing. Continuing the tradition of considerable voluntary contribution and commitment by the community, the canteens, enclosed sheds and roads were built, and stables extended.
In 1980 the area was renamed Hawthorne Rodeo Park in honour of Roy and Tom Hawthorne for their instrumental role in establishing the Rodeo Grounds.
*Adapted from 'Hawthorne Park- Plan of Management' by Sustainable Futures 2004
Aerial view of Hawthorne Park today