Competitors will be vying for the title of Australian Champion and a ticket to compete in the United States at this weekend's 2024 National Finals Rodeo in Gracemere.
The Australian Professional Rodeo Association is hosting the three-day event at CQLX Austadium, with Rockhampton Regional Council contributing $10,000 from the Community Assistance Program (CAP) towards the finals.
Deputy Mayor and Communities, Culture and Heritage Councillor Drew Wickerson said the action gets underway from 5pm on Thursday night and runs over four sessions to conclude on Saturday night.
"Council is once again proud to support a local event through CAP, with the Rodeo receiving funding as part of Round 1 of the 2024/25 program," Cr Wickerson said.
"The program aims to provide a financial boost to clubs, groups and organisations who are hosting events in our Region.
"Not only does it help them with the costs associated with running events, it aids in promoting the events which in turn boosts community spirit and generates economic benefits.
"For Round 1 of the 2024/25 program, seven local events and initiatives will share in a generous allocation of over $31,000.
"In addition to the events, Council also dedicated $10,970 towards four Environmental and Sustainability projects and $3275 to four Community Development Grants."
Divisional Councillor Edward Oram said the event is a fantastic opportunity for the community of Gracemere and the wider Region.
"It will be an action-filled weekend with eight full rodeo events and about 135 competitors contending for the title of Australian Champion," Cr Oram said.
"The competitors have travelled a lot of miles and put in a lot of hard work over 12 months to prepare for this weekend.
"I encourage everyone to come out and support this event and cheer on our local competitors."
NFR Event Coordinator Diana Atkins said the rodeo concludes with the finals and the presentation of the buckles and saddles on Saturday night, followed by live a band for celebrations to continue late into the night.
"For the first time ever, the association has teamed up with Teton Ridge so all the champions from the weekend have an automatic entry into their competition over in the States," Ms Atkins said.
"If they make it through the rounds successfully, they will go on to compete for a million-dollar purse which is an outstanding opportunity for our Australian competitors.
"We are not the poor cousins when it comes to Rodeo competitions either, if our Australian competitors aren't winning then they are still pulling in great results."
Ms Atkins explained these events aren't just about awarding national champions, it's also a chance to showcase the sport to juniors to inspire them.
"It's good to see such focus and dedication from our juniors, they are training and working hard to progress," she said.
"Rodeo really is a generational sport, a lot of our juniors are following in the footsteps of mum and dad or even their grandparents.
"That's why we take such care in making this a family-friendly event to include everyone."
A new initiative this year includes a gold coin courtesy bus running Friday and Saturday nights throughout the Region.
As a way of saying thanks, the association has made Thursday free entry for all emergency service personnel and their immediate family if they show their badge.
