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David Chidgey talks about being on the back of a thrashing bull as though it’s a place of calm and quiet.“I call it being in my flow state,” David says.“You’re in your subconscious mind. It’s awesome. There are no other words that can describe it. You just feel like in that state, you can do anything. And without thinking about it.”<img alt="IMG_8702" class="richtext-image full-width" height="860" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_8702.width-800.jpg" width="800">When he’s in flow, David feels untouchable. He’s one of the nation’s top bull riders – a sport which involves attempting to ride a bucking bull for eight seconds while holding with one hand a braided rope wrapped around the animal&#x27;s chest.Bull riding is usually the main event in a traditional rodeo, with other events including cattle roping, steer wrestling and bareback riding.David, 23, trains daily on his physical strength – “your whole body needs to be strong; you use your legs a lot, but it’s pretty much your whole posterior chain” – but his mental training is just as critical.<img alt="399333FA-8C04-44AC-B019-A21CE9E08F49" class="richtext-image full-width" height="943" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/399333FA-8C04-44AC-B019-A21CE9E08F49.width-800.jpg" width="555">“I invest heavily in my mental training and work with some of the best bull riding coaches in the world,” he says.“At this stage in my career, I&#x27;ve been on enough bulls to know how to ride them.“I just need to stay out of my own way and let my body do what it knows how to do.”Earlier this year, David was chosen for a short scholarship to Texas’s Odessa University. In the same way you can be a football, basketball or golf scholar in the United States, you can also be a bull riding scholar, and compete on behalf of your college at rodeos nationally.Rodeo is a way of life in Texas, and cowboys can – and do – make a living competing in bull riding. Although he’s in Australia at the moment, recovering from injury, David will move back to the United States in early 2025.<img alt="photo-output" class="richtext-image full-width" height="778" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/photo-output.width-800.jpg" width="800">The world’s number one bull rider and rodeo superstar, Josh Frost, has agreed to take David under his wing for further training and to compete alongside Josh.Not bad for a kid who’d never even ridden a horse – let alone a bull – despite growing up on a farm called Doughboy Downs between Bungendore and Braidwood.“I just rode motorbikes,” he laughs.“But I had some friends at school who were bull riding. I&#x27;d seen their first rides and they&#x27;d done pretty good. They made it look pretty easy and I thought I could do better.<img alt="IMG_6746" class="richtext-image full-width" height="500" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_6746.width-800.jpg" width="347">“I got straight on a steer at a rodeo in Harden. I wasn’t very good, and I wasn’t very good for a long time.“But it was exciting, there was something in me that wanted to be really good at it. It was the challenge of trying to do something that you probably shouldn&#x27;t be able to do.”From then on, David “got on bulls wherever I could, we travelled heaps.” And he started to understand the physical toll of riding an adrenaline-filled beast.<img alt="IMG_8701" class="richtext-image full-width" height="689" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_8701.width-800.jpg" width="800">His injuries over the seven years since he started riding have included a broken collarbone (twice), which now has a plate and eight screws, a broken wrist, a fractured shoulder requiring five anchors and a torn groin.Are the injuries worth it?“For sure,” Dave says.“I’ve found something that drives me and gives me purpose at a really young age. That’s pretty special.”<a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/search/?listing_type=sale&amp;address_region=Bungendore%20%26%20Braidwood&amp;surrounding=true&amp;order_by=price&amp;property_status_groups=current,underOffer,includePrivate&amp;page=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View properties for sale in the Bungendore and Braidwood region, where David grew up.</a>

Meet the Braidwood cowboy chasing his dreams all the way to Texas

<h3 data-block-key="3kgfb">Michelago General Store &amp; Cafe</h3><img alt="IMG_2827" class="richtext-image full-width" height="782" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_2827.width-800.jpg" width="800">The most <a href="https://www.instagram.com/michelago_general_store/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wholesome Instagram account</a> in the world inspired us to drive south last weekend for a taste of the baked goods on offer at the store, and boy did it deliver.The store is a bakery and cafe (and general store!) in one, located in a big tin shed in the heart of Michaelgo on Ryrie Street (just off the Monaro Highway).<img alt="IMG_2825" class="richtext-image full-width" height="792" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_2825.width-800.jpg" width="800">The kids ordered bright pink strawberry milkshakes and chocolate fudge brownies, while mum had scones with jam and cream, and dad had “probably the best pie I’ve ever had” in the form of beef and red wine casserole. Dad also had a Puppacino afterward, the dad version of a babycino.The ambience at Michelago General Store is gorgeous – think classic rustic charm – and the staff are the best. We’ll definitely be back.Michelago General Store 50 Ryrie Street, Michaelgo NSW Weekdays, 8am to 6pm Weekends, 8am to 4pm<h3 data-block-key="2djrl">Gunna Doo Bakery, Bungendore</h3><img alt="IMG_2830" class="richtext-image full-width" height="800" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_2830.width-800.jpg" width="800">There are so many reasons to head to the village of Bungendore on the weekend – the fine art gallery and the homewares at Manon and Moss are top of the list – but there’s also Gunna Doo.<img alt="IMG_2829" class="richtext-image full-width" height="1066" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_2829.width-800.jpg" width="800">The bakery’s exterior gives Wild West with its dark wood panelling and black-framed arched windows, but the interior is warm and drenched with the savoury smells of freshly-baked pies and pastry. The cheeseburger pie (!) is a must and make sure you get plenty of serviettes for the cream pie that leaves icing sugar from forehead to chin.Gunna Doo Bakery 18 Gibraltar Street, Bungendore NSW Weekdays, 4am to 3pm Weekends, 5am to 3pm<h3 data-block-key="1caq2">Saigon Bakery, Queanbeyan</h3><img alt="IMG_2823" class="richtext-image full-width" height="600" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_2823.width-800.jpg" width="800">At the end of an old alleyway is Queanbeyan (okay, it’s actually a 1960s arcade) is a traditional Saigon bakery, with shelves crammed with Saigon rolls, loaves of bread and meat pies, and a glass cabinet full of sweet treats.It’s a local secret that this bakery is home to the best sausage rolls in town; nothing fancy, just old-fashioned meat and pastry, but the locals have been eating them religiously ever since the bakery opened more than 30 years ago.<img alt="IMG_2824" class="richtext-image full-width" height="600" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_2824.width-800.jpg" width="800">An apple turnover is the best way to top off a couple of sausage rolls at lunch.Note: there’s nowhere to sit at this bakery, but Queanbeyan’s town park is a 60-second stroll away.Saigon Bakery City Arcade, Monaro Street, Queanbeyan NSW Monday to Friday, 6am to 5pm Saturday, 6am to 3pm Sunday, 6am to 11am

The 3 best bakeries within a 40-minute drive of Canberra

Property

There’s no doubt a move to the country is a massive plunge if you’ve lived in suburban Canberra a long time; but what if you could try before you buy?Say hello to number <a href="https://zango.com.au/rent/31-malbon-street-bungendore-nsw-2621-99362/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">31 Malbon Street, Bungendore</a> — a cottage that dates back to the early 1900s and takes pride of place quite literally on Bungendore’s main street.<img alt="31-malbon-street-bungendore-nsw-2621-99362-image-0-20240415040159337736-thumbnail-1920x1920-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/31-malbon-street-bungendore-nsw-2621-99362-ima.width-800_YbExI4Z.jpg" width="800">While the house is a cosy two-bedroom plus study, the block it sits on is a huge 1937sqm: perfect for pets (you’ll need to apply) and kids to roam free.The gorgeous cottage is looking for new tenants for the next 12 months. It’s a chance to sample life in the burgeoning NSW town before fully committing to buying and moving there.<img alt="31-malbon-street-bungendore-nsw-2621-99362-image-0-20240415040200741782-thumbnail-1920x1920-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/31-malbon-street-bungendore-nsw-2621-99362-ima.width-800_WmQcCkG.jpg" width="800">Here’s what we’re loving about this $450/week rental.<h4 data-block-key="easu8">Wonderful eating options just seconds from your front door.</h4><img alt="fat baby thai" class="richtext-image full-width" height="600" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/fat_baby_thai.width-800.jpg" width="800">The Bungendore population was around 4,745 as of the last census, but high growth is expected in the area over the next decade. As such, new eateries are popping up consistently with Fat Baby Thai, Cafe Woodworks and The Lake George Hotel just a short stroll from the rental on Malbon Street. A bakery, food vans and a lolly shop are also located on the same street.<h4 data-block-key="e5be">The community.</h4><img alt="31-malbon-street-bungendore-nsw-2621-99362-image-0-20240415040201688583-thumbnail-1920x1920-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/31-malbon-street-bungendore-nsw-2621-99362-ima.width-800.jpg" width="800">Whether you’re into horse riding, bridge, fine art, tennis or golf, there’s a group or club for you in Bungendore. There’s also a Men’s Shed, a Women’s Shed, Country Women’s Association and Lions Club in the area.<h4 data-block-key="ff15k">You wake up every day in a historic town.</h4><img alt="Screen Shot 2024-04-30 at 12.28.02 pm" class="richtext-image full-width" height="531" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Screen_Shot_2024-04-30_at_12.28.02_pm.width-800.png" width="800">Located 265 km south-west of Sydney and 26km north-east of Queanbeyan, Bungendore was originally occupied by the Ngarigu people. The first Europeans in the vicinity set up a stock station at Turallo Creek in 1824.The village began around 1835 and mail started arriving as part of the Queanbeyan route in 1836. The townsite was approved and Bungendore proclaimed in 1837.<img alt="bungendore royal hotel" class="richtext-image full-width" height="474" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/bungendore_royal_hotel.width-800.jpg" width="800">The following year a lock-up was built and The Harp Inn was established as the settlement became an important crossroads which linked – and still links – Goulburn, Braidwood, Queanbeyan, Canberra and Cooma.In the mid-1850s, bushrangers roamed the area in and around Bungendore, often convicts who had escaped captivity on one of the local properties.<h4 data-block-key="4nh5g">You’re closer to the coast.</h4>With just 110km to travel, you’re about 90 minutes from Batemans Bay.<a href="https://zango.com.au/rent/search/?property_class=rental&amp;listing_type=lease&amp;address_suburb=Bungendore,%202621,%20NSW&amp;surrounding=true&amp;order_by=price&amp;property_status_groups=current,underOffer,includePrivate&amp;page=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View all properties for rent in Bungendore.</a><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/search/?listing_type=sale&amp;address_suburb=Bungendore,%202621,%20NSW&amp;surrounding=true&amp;order_by=price&amp;property_status_groups=current,underOffer,includePrivate&amp;page=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View all properties for sale in Bungendore.</a>

Keen to sample Bungendore life? Check out this charmer to rent

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View important property information for 54 Birchfield Drive BUNGENDORE, NSW 2621

54 Birchfield Drive BUNGENDORE, NSW 2621 is for Sale on Zango

Doug Merriman

Ava Merriman

BUNGENDORE

Bungendore & Braidwood

ACT & Surrounds

54 Birchfield Drive takes pride of place within Bungendore's new suburb, Elmgrove.

The large block is 931sqm allowing for a large house footprint and plenty of room left over, BBQs, backyard cricket and winter firepits with marshmallows. We can't wait to watch a lovely new home unfold here. 

The block benefits from walking pathways that lead across and around the region, past lakes, to the village and there are a few lookouts along the way.

• 931 sqm
• Full town services
• Terrific outlook to the Western Escarpment
• No time limit to build 

Call Doug Merriman on 0419 999 001 or Ava Merriman on 0429 517 003 for more information or Ray White Bungendore on 6238 0700.

DISCLAIMER. We have in preparing this document used our best endeavours to ensure the information contained is true and accurate, but accept no responsibility and disclaim all liability in respect to any errors, omissions, inaccuracies or misstatements contained. Prospective purchasers should make their own enquiries to verify the information contained in this document.

The lifestyle you've always wanted

Ray White Bungendore

Population in Bungendore is 4178, with a median age of 38. This is below the Canberra average of 40.5 and below the national 41.6

Your new suburb is young

Compared to other areas, families (67%) are over represented and the amount of singles lower than national average

Perfect? Families Agree

A majority of 98% live in a house, followed by 1% apartment dwellers. Households are 2.9 people on average, seems like Bungendore is the place to go for spacious living!

It's spacious too

Bungendore

54 Birchfield Drive BUNGENDORE, NSW 2621

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54 Birchfield Drive BUNGENDORE, NSW 2621

The lifestyle you've always wanted

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Sales History for 54 Birchfield Drive BUNGENDORE, NSW 2621

Local Neighbourhood

About Bungendore

Household Composition

Dwelling Types

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News & Articles about Bungendore

Meet the Braidwood cowboy chasing his dreams all the way to Texas

The 3 best bakeries within a 40-minute drive of Canberra

Keen to sample Bungendore life? Check out this charmer to rent

Ava Merriman

Doug Merriman

Ava Merriman

Doug Merriman

Ava Merriman

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Bungendore

Bungendore & Braidwood