Mount Isa Mines Rodeo: A 66 year legacy of community, culture and connection

There are few events in Australia that capture the heart of a community quite like the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo. More than just a rodeo, it’s a celebration of outback resilience, a gathering of generations and a proud tradition that showcases the spirit of Mount Isa to the world.

At Glencore, we are honoured to once again stand as foundation rights sponsor for this legendary event, continuing a 66-year legacy partnership that reflects our deep roots in the region and our unwavering commitment to the people who call Mount Isa home.

Since the very first Mount Isa Mines Rodeo in 1959, Mount Isa Mines have been there, helping to build and sustain what has become one of the largest and most iconic rodeo events in the southern hemisphere. Over the decades, the rodeo has grown from a local gathering into an internationally recognised celebration of sport, culture and community, drawing thousands of competitors, spectators and visitors to our city each year.

This year marks an exciting new era, as we proudly partner with the newly formed Mount Isa Rodeo Board, a passionate and capable team dedicated to ensuring the event continues to thrive well into the future. Their vision for innovation and inclusivity aligns perfectly with Glencore’s long-term commitment to supporting vibrant, sustainable communities.

The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is more than broncs, bulls and barrel racing. It’s a community touchstone. It brings together local families, regional businesses, First Nations communities, station workers and visitors from across the country, all united by a shared love of tradition, sport and the unique energy of Mount Isa.

Each year, the rodeo generates a significant economic boost for local businesses, creates jobs, supports tourism and offers a major platform to showcase what makes Mount Isa such a special place to live and visit.

It also provides important opportunities for local charities and volunteer groups to raise funds and build connections, reinforcing the social fabric that makes Mount Isa strong. It’s this deep local impact that makes the event such a natural fit for Glencore’s community investment strategy.

Our 66-year partnership with the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is one of the longest-standing corporate-community collaborations in regional Australia, and we don’t take that legacy lightly. Supporting the rodeo is just one part of our broader commitment to Mount Isa, where we invest in initiatives across education, training, health, infrastructure and the environment.

We believe that regional communities deserve the same opportunities, celebrations, and visibility as anywhere else in the country. That’s why we’re proud to help bring the rodeo to life year after year, ensuring it remains a flagship event not only for Mount Isa, but for Queensland and beyond.

We’re looking forward to welcoming the crowds back to Buchanan Park, where dust will rise, the grandstands will shake, and the unmistakable buzz of the rodeo will echo across the city. Whether it’s your first time experiencing the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, or you’ve been coming for decades, this year promises to be something truly special! 

We invite all locals, visitors, and rodeo lovers to join us in celebrating this extraordinary event, and to share in the pride of what we’ve built together over the past 66 years. You can buy your tickets to the action on the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo website. 

Here’s to the return of the rodeo. Here’s to tradition. Here’s to Mount Isa.