Rodeo season returned with more to offer than ever

Since 1959, cowboys and cowgirls have been showcasing their talent at the most anticipated rodeo event of the year. Again, tens of thousands of spectators flocked from across Australia to be a part of this legendary week of festivities where the true essence of outback community, culture and tourism was on display.

Adrian Herbert, Queensland Metals’ General Manager for Smelting and Refining says that as proud naming rights sponsors, we know the heart of any community is its culture and it is our privilege to keep these events and traditions alive.

“The week of festivities provides opportunities for people to come together and connect whilst experiencing the excitement of the rodeo, at the same time as contributing to the success of our local economy,” Adrian says.

“The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo contributes more than $10 million a year to the town’s economy, with last year’s investment topping $16 million, which is no small feat.”

“This year our sponsorship expanded to include the first annual Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships, to encourage First Nations Indigenous stockmen and women to showcase their skills and create opportunities for Indigenous youth to train and become professional rodeo competitors.”

Building the excitement

Rodeo week was ushered in by the annual gilts and glam of the Rodeo Ball, with this year’s theme being 70’s disco! The ensuing festivities included the Best Dressed Premises competition, Bush Poets Breakfast and the Mailman Express.  Other fan favourite events included Xtreme Bull Ride, Junior Rodeo, Brophy’s Boxing tent, and a host of live entertainment all contributing to the atmosphere of exhilaration and fun.

Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships

Adding to the thrill this year was the new kid on the block - the first annual Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships, a new world championship rodeo event created in partnership with Mona Aboriginal Corporation.

The event delivered rodeo action, family entertainment, Baker Boy rock concert, cultural celebrations and food experiences. The indigenous culture of the local Kalkadoon people and the skills of our indigenous stockmen and woman were on proud display for all visitors to North West Queensland.

Natalie Flecker, Chief Executive Officer Isa Rodeo says that the championships shine a spotlight on our indigenous rodeo athletes, giving greater visibility to their skills and the stories of learning these skills through generations. Indigenous decision makers were instrumental in shaping the event from the design of the competition to the arts, culture and entertainment programs.

“The event fosters pride in the indigenous rodeo community and provides the space for up-and-coming indigenous rodeo athletes to showcase their talents in a culturally safe space,” Natalie says.

Mount Isa Mines Rodeo

With a prize pool of $300,000 offered and a record of 956 entries (plus another 85 entries for the Indigenous Rodeo Championships), it is no wonder that Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is the considered the jewel of the APRA national rodeo circuit and the biggest buckle battle in the Southern Hemisphere.

As naming rights sponsor for both rodeos, Mount Isa Mines is proud to help rodeo-goers make unforgettable memories against the backdrop of the Outback’s beauty and charm.