08/06/2026
July school holidays in Milparinka means it is gymkhana time and this year (I understand) marks 76 years since the Milparinka Gymkhana club ran THEIR first event.
But, was it the first such event in Milparinka? Not according to Trove.
Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW : 1888 - 1954), Friday 24 April 1914, page 4
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EASTER MONDAY AT MILPARINKA.
Gymkhana sports were held at Milparinka on Easter Munday in aid of Tibooburra Hospital funds. A good gathering of country visitors was present; delightful weather prevailed, and everybody had ;t good time. An excellent programme was. put on, and the various events were keenly contested.
Tho secretary, Mr. A. Clune, together with the committee, worked hard, and as a result of their labors was able to band over the splendid balance of 10/10 to the secretary of the Tibooburra Hospital. A vote of thanks to all contributors was passed by the committee.
Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW : 1888 - 1954), Friday 2 January 1925, page 1
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MILPARINKA NEWS.
(From a Correspondent.)
A gymkhana was held in Milparinka on December 26 and 27 to raise funds for the Tibooburra and District Hos-pital. Both financially and socially it was a distinct success, and a large number of people from the surround-ing district attended, although they are suffering from a severe drought. The programme was a long one, and the horse events were the main at-traction. Many close finishes were witnessed and good displays of horsemanship given. Many horses com-peted for the respective events, and this greatly helped to make the meet-ing a success financially.
Mr. J. Hayes, of Tibooburra, brought down a large string of horses to compete. A grand ball was held each evening, and every section, both young and old, were found indulging in the light fan-tastic and enjoying themselves immensely.
The frocking of the ladies was smart, and many of the latest fashions were displayed. Mr. Kerschner and Mr. H. O'Connor ably kept the dancers going by playing excellent music, and Mr. J. O'Connor was a very versatile M.C. The business people of Broken Hill gave valuable assistance, and the ladies' committee pro-vided an excellent supper each night.
Western Grazier (Wilcannia, NSW : 1896 - 1951), Friday 5 November 1943, page 3
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MlLPARINKA
SUCCESSFUL GYMKHANA
On Saturday last a most successful Gymkhana and dance were held at Milparlnka. The weather was good and a very large crowd assembled for both functions. In the day there were seven horse races decided and Mr. Simmons, of Yamba Station, annexed five of them, a remarkable performance
His horse, Blue White, started once. This was in the Cup race and, ridden by an aboriginal horseman named Yargo, he scored impressively from Surrender, owned by Mr. Maxwell, and Moolagan, the property of Miss Joan Harding, who rode him. Blue White has been sent to Adelaide to be pre-pared for racing there. The functions were conducted in aid of the Flying Doctor Service and over £40 will be realised. There were about 40 horses competing in the seven events. The president of the committee was Mr. J. Kershaw, and the joint secre-taries were Messrs. J. Wheeler and W. Walden. . At night the local hall was packed and dancing continued till the small hours of Sunday morning. People came from all round the district. The catering arrangements were equal to the demands and much appreciated.
The images below are from a few years' ago now, many of the younger participants are all grown up, but the spirit of the community continues.
Milparinka Gymkhana 2026 will be held on July 11th.
