SUPERLATIVES continued to flow thick and fast for Dubbo during the weekend as the 45th annual NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout brought massive crowds into Caltex Park and the city with local businesses benefiting from the cash injection.
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The estimated 15,000 visitors that were going to spend $6.6 million seemed justified as accommodation, pubs, cafes, takeaway shops and general retail businesses did a roaring trade from the time they opened their doors through to closing time.
Dubbo mayor Mathew Dickerson could not speak highly enough of the event, likening the atmosphere at the Koori Knockout to that of a show or carnival.
"The whole vibe of the event has been great, all the kids have smiles on their faces, the stands and government departments have been great and of course the footy has been fantastic," he said.
"The footy has been tough on the field with a lot of pride on the line, but off it you can see a lot of people having a great time and catching up with family and friends.
"I've been on my 30 year school reunion as well this weekend and I've had a number of people who have returned to Dubbo who have commented on how its great to see so much happening in Dubbo.
"They're impressed with how Dubbo has changed and moved forward since they were last here."
Koori Knockout co-ordinator Mark Deweerd was ecstatic with how the event had unfolded but was predicting the biggest day would be Monday.
"We are extremely happy, the footy has been great and off the field everything has been awesome," he said.
"The Dubbo community has got right behind it and everywhere I have gone people have been talking about the Knockout and how good it has been.
"I'd really encourage everyone to come down on Monday as it will be a blockbuster day of footy with all the finals on.
"You don't have to be a footy fan, its a great way to support the event and support the community."
Following the success of the Koori Knockout, which comes on the back of the impressive job Dubbo did in hosting the NRL Country versus City game last year, Mr Dickerson believes the city is more than capable of hosting other big events in the future.
"Whenever we get the chance to prove ourselves we do," he said.
"You look at previous events like Triple J's One Night Stand and now this event and Dubbo is getting great exposure.
"We have flights to Brisbane and will have flights to Melbourne soon so Dubbo stacks up very well when looking at venues for major events.
"We have the infrastructure but more importantly the community embrace it."