The fifth rodeo would have taken place at Mayday Hills in January, but Maree Anstee said problems arose following the 2017 event.

“We ran at a loss and we said at the start of this year that we needed more people to help on the committee, particularly with approaching businesses for sponsorship,” she said.

“We needed some more help getting things done in town – I no longer live in Beechworth – and that was lacking.”

Ms Anstee said a postponement was considered but the decision was made to cancel and instead build support for the event’s return.

“We believe this is in the best interest for the event for future years and have already booked our date in for 2019, which will be Saturday, January 5,” she said.

“We will get together in March … but if we don’t reach a certain level of sponsorship again, we will have to pull the pin.”

Stock contractor John Gill urged residents to show their support of the event.

“With agricultural shows and rodeos right across Australia, it is harder to get voluntary labour … people can’t wait to get the first one going but the fourth is always a hurdle,” he said.

“Beechworth is just after the Myrtleford and Tumbarumba rodeos, so the date is perfect.

“When people come to the rodeo, they buy food and fuel – I think the rodeo is more important to the town than some people would think.”

Ms Anstee said a number of sponsors had committed to 2019 but only with the involvement of more businesses and passionate community members would the rodeo’s future be secured.

“We would like to thank all our fantastic sponsors and also our committee and volunteers for all the hard work put in,” she said.

“We really need local people not just to be on the committee, but to be active members.

“We would love to keep this rodeo running for many years to come.”