27/11/2025
To our President
"Each year you stand up here and talk about the great year we have had and thank all of us. Barry, on behalf of our entire committee, we want to say thank you.
A president can often be seen as a front man, a spokesperson, just a custodian. But you are so much more than that. You are a true leader, a strong competitor, and a dedicated advocate for the sport we all love so much, campdrafting. You value your team, you appreciate and support us and together we have achieved great things. But we all know that our campdraft would not be what it is today without you.
The Manumbar Campdraft is highly respected and dearly loved by competitors for the grounds, the facilities, the cattle, the atmosphere and the way it is run. At the end of a long rewarding weekend of drafting, we can all sit back as a team and be proud of the event we have put on.
I think I can speak for many of us when I say that this year has been a tough one. It has brought the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Losing Warren has undoubtedly left a hole in our community, our family, and our committee. Being able to memorialise him and his contributions to campdrafting with the Warren Hockey Memorial Restricted Open this year and watching you compete and successfully place in it was a real privilege for us.
As a committee, we have faced many challenges over the years, but through these times we have been led by an incredible president, one who shows strength, resilience, integrity, and humility.
This year, you achieved something truly special—not only winning the Open at your own draft as President, but also taking home one of your own family memorials, the John Smith Memorial Open draft. We know how proud Warren would have been. You wouldn’t have been able to wipe the smile off his face, or drag him away from celebrations at the bar that night, I’m sure.
We couldn’t be prouder of you either.
Now I know all of this is sounding a bit like you are retiring, let me be clear this is not that. You aren't getting off the hook that easily! We just wanted to take some time tonight to acknowledge your outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication as our President.
As a committee we would like to present you with a small token of our appreciation and we look forward to many more great years of campdrafting under your Presidency"
From your committee
