In December of last year Tash and Mark, and their daughter Amelia Maguire officially opened Maya's rest, a home that offers non medically-assisted respite for families of children who are undergoing active treatment for life-threatening illnesses.

From auctions to pub crawls, the Yass Valley community rallied around the Maguire family to help make real their dream with Maya’s Rest.

Local resident and Murrumbateman Rodeo organiser, Matt Darmody (who many would know from his days high-tailing it across a rodeo pen dressed like a clown), was deeply moved by the Maguire’s story. Passionate about supporting the cause, he knew of only one way how - heart racing entertainment and bucking Bulls.

“The story was truly inspirational,” he said.

“When I first heard what this family had gone through and how, instead of letting it overwhelm them, they have built something remarkable and have set themselves on helping others, it was very humbling.”

This year’s annual Murrumbateman Rural Supplies Rodeo Stampede will be helping raise money to support Maya's Rest and the local fire brigade.

This year the committee is excited to be running a charity event within the rodeo, the grand finale feature bull which pays a $100 per second to the champion bull rider of the night, who is matched against one of Australia’s only unridden bucking bulls with the remainder unwon money being donated to Maya’s Rest.  

Darmody hopes that this year’s event will bring not only the most passionate of rodeo fans but also some first timers.

“It's an action packed night and everyone goes home wanting more,” he said.

“We have tried to make this year as interesting as possible. I was thrilled when we were able to get Lachie Cosser, the best animal entertainer in Australia, he's incredible.”

“There are sideshows for everyone, markets, water balls, a jumping castle, of course we have the mechanical bull, merchandise and clothing.”

This year's rodeo promises an adrenaline pumping, edge of your seat action, with a first class lineup of both bulls, bucking horses and riders.

For Darmody, it's all about bringing the thrills straight to the people’s seats.

“Being so close to a metropolitan area, where rodeos aren't permitted, we feel as though it gives people the opportunity to have the rural experience so close to home. For the locals, it's just some good old fashioned fun,” he continued.

The Murrumbateman Rural Supplies Rodeo Stampede starts at 6pm at the Recreation Grounds on February 6, and with bull-riding, barrel-racing, bare-back and saddle-bronc riding, there is sure to be carnage.

"That's what it's all about, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats," Darmody said.

In the odd moments when the crowd isn't covering their eyes and gasping, they'll be transfixed by animal tamer Lachie Cossor. Lachie is the star of the RM Williams showdown at Longreach in Queensland every year at the Stockmans Hall of Fame. He has featured on the Today Program, been seen at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and will now make his debut at Murrumbateman this year.

Darmody was unable to attend this year's rodeo as the official clown due to an horrific motor bike accident that has rendered him lame and wheelchair bound until April. This year's bullfighting routine will fall to a new young star on the tour from Bathurst, Lance Bonhom.

This will be the fourth Murrumbateman Rodeo in recent times and the first to raise funds for Maya's Rest. With 12 months of preparation in the making, Darmody hopes it will draw people in by the thousands.

The ABCRA event counts towards the national title and $10,000 worth of prizes will be on offer, so it's no surprise that more than 70 competitors have nominated.

There will also be a raffle with hundreds of dollars in prizes up for grabs.

Major sponsors of the stampede include Murrumbateman Rural Supplies, Yass Towing, Luff Motors, Yass Real Estate, Shaw Wines and D & H Automotive.

The event after-party will be held at the Murrumbateman Country Inn.

Tickets can be bought from the Yass Newsagency or Murrumbateman Caltex ($15 single/$40 family) or at the gate ($20/$50), and there is free admission for children under five and seniors over 80.

For any information contact 0431 757 996.