Hi to all Members.
Happy New Year to you all.
10 YEARS OF DOWNUNDER EXTREME COWBOYS. This is a special year for DEC as the founding member of EXCA in Australia celebrating 10 years.
On the 10th January DEC held their AGM.
Office Bearers for 2026 are:
President: Shane Woodall
Vice President : Annette Thomas
Secretary / Race Coordinator: Chris Woodall
Treasurer: Sandra Woodall
General Committee
Maurice Thomas
Kim Gooch
Geoff Woodall
Alison Van Bree
DEC would like to thank the committee members who chose to stand down for the great job they have done over the last few years.
If any members who were unable to attend AGM but would like to be on committee please feel free to let us know.
We are very appreciative of all our members any help that can be given to make our events and specially Nationals run smoothly we would be very thankful.
Saturday 14th February 2026.
DEC have been fortunate to be given that date to run the Bunnings Sausage Sizzle at Leopold. This is a major fundraiser for the club. We have to be there from 8am to 4pm. If anyone can help for a couple or more hours this would be very much appreciated. Please let us know.
DEC Clothing.
We are looking at purchasing DEC Polos, Vests, Jackets and Caps. If you are interested in purchasing any of these items can you please let us know.
We will be running our next Come Try Afternoon on Saturday 28th February from 2pm to 5.30pm. These afternoons have become very popular and as we are limited on numbers in the Arena it is very important you book your spot early. Bookings will open next week 1st February.
Sunday 1st March we will be running a DEC Jackpot. Remember to qualify for Nationals you need to have attended 2 EXCA events since last April. This Jackpot will count as one.
Helpers are needed for the Jackpot to run smoothly. Please let us know if you can help.
Downunder Cowboy Challenge / EXCA Australian Nationals.
I have attached a flyer for both these events to this email please spread the word.
The following are our Sponsors so far for this event.
Ryebucks Ballarat
SW Horsemanship & Obstacles
Rockin W Ranch - Wade Farquhar
Ballarat Epoxy & Flake Flooring
6P Horsemanship
Barwon Tyre & Auto Centre
Hewitt & Whitty Ballarat
Black Diamond Performance Horses
Jan Convey : Garlands
Hanns Transport
Southern Cross Xtreme Cowboy Racing
Ballarat Agricultural Society
Prydes Feed
DEC is very thankful for these sponsors, which without we would not be able to run Nationals.
Please support these Businesses and let them know you are from DEC.
We are still looking for sponsors for Ride Smart & Novice Division: Reserve Champion Buckle and Youth and Young Gun Division: Champion & Reserve Champion Buckles.If anyone is interested or knows a business that would be interested in sponsoring any of these buckles please let us know as the buckles need to ordered by 28th January and if the sponsors name is to be on the Buckle we don't have much time left.
We will also be looking for helpers over the three days so if you are interested and can help with Time Keeping, Arena gate, Arena Reset or General help it would be very much appreciated if you can let us know. Closer to the Nationals we will have a Roster.
Further dates for DEC events after Nationals were discussed at the committee meeting last night. Once we have these dates verified by Mt Rowan we will let you know. We are looking forward to a big year.
We appreciate our members' support and hope to see you in the near future.
Cheers
Sandra Woodall
DEC Treasurer