Calling all cowboys and cowgirls - it's time to rodeo, and it's not just any rodeo, it's the world famous Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, held in the Queensland Outback, on the famous red dirt arena of Buchanan Park.
Nominations open this FRIDAY, July 14 for all events in both the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo AND the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships.
Natalie Flecker, CEO of Isa Rodeo Limited, said the event continues to set the bar with exhilarating rodeo, top competitors, quality stock and the richest prize pool offered in Australian Rodeo.
"It's the unbeatable combination of taking home a prestigious Mount Isa Mines Rodeo buckle and winnings, fought hard for in the Australian Outback against the best of the best," she said.
"Isa Rodeo Limited continues to grow and support the sport of rodeo in Australia, leading the way with record breaking nominations, increased prize money for competitors, event innovation and the creation of new rodeo events that continue to attract more people and raise awareness around the sport we all love. In 2023, we are again offering a $300,000 plus purse, and we can't wait for the arena action to start to see who will take the titles."
Will the reigning Open Bull Ride Champion, young Barcaldine cowboy Jackson Gray return to defend his title or will second placegetter (by half a point) and 2021 CRCA bull riding champion and 2021 ABCRA NQ Rookie of the year, Townsville cowboy Eli Bee successfully challenge in 2023?
Will celebrated cowboy Troy Wilkinson return? He is the 2021 Bull Ride Champion who last year, changed ends of the arena and, on debut became the 2022 Steer Wrestling Champion, beating a field that included four former Australian champions, and six of the top 10 Steer Wrestlers in the current National rankings.
Will we see twice Australian Bareback Bronc champion, and three time and current Mount Isa champion, the legendary Fred Osman from Cameron's Corner ride again?
Will the All Round Cowboy and Cowgirl from 2022 in Campbell Hodgson and Leanne Caban return to defend their red dirt arena titles?
Entries are also open to all riders for the second Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships. The 2022 event saw Mount Isa cowboy Stafford Swan win the Bullride buckle, while famed rider Jason Craigie from Acacia Hills in the Northern Territory took the Bareback title, Tylor Chong from Gracemere near Rockhampton the Saddle Bronc, and Shilo Gosbee from Mount Isa the Steer Wrestling. Dimbulah (FNQ) cowgirl Ricki Sivyer won the Barrel Race while fellow cowgirl Maisey Hetherington from Mackay took out the Breakaway Roping, and rising cowboy to watch Travis Coolatah won the Junior Steer. Will they return to defend their buckles in 2023?
ENTRIES OPEN this Friday, July 14.
Mount Isa Mines Rodeo: entries open 14/7/2023 and close 23/07/2023
Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships: entries open 14/07/2023 and close 24/07/2023
Mount Isa Rodeo Festival highlights include:
Saturday 5th August: Bell and Moir Toyota Rodeo Arena Ball
THE MOST glamorous country hoedown, held on the famous red dirt of the open-air rodeo arena, raising funds for Mount Isa-based charities. Prepare your rhinestones and sequins and get ready to boot scoot 'til late!
Tuesday 8th August: Isa Rodeo Hall of Fame BBQ Dinner
Celebrating the pioneers and champions of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo with four new inductees announced.
Wednesday 9th August: Isa Street Festival featuring Darryl Braithwaite
A street parade for the ages in Mount Isa, headlined by the man himself, Darryl Braithwaite, who will pay tribute to the horses of the rodeo with his most famous song.
Thursday 10th August: Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships featuring Jessica Mauboy
- The second year of the Mount Isa Indigenous Rodeo Championships will see more records set, and indigenous riders celebrated, before Jessica Mauboy takes to the stage, with DJ Deadly Jacob hosting.
- A Welcome to Country and cultural performance by the Sundowners Kalkutungu Dancers and the spectacular Komet Torres Strait Islander Arts and Culture Dance Group.
- Don't miss Dancing Dexter in the Red Dirt Arena, the crowd-pleasing Bull Fighter from last year's Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships!
Friday 11th to 13th August: Mount Isa Mines Rodeo
- Returning champions and contenders go ride for ride in the Southern Hemisphere's largest rodeo and the third largest rodeo in the world.
- Entertainment includes The Angels, The Screaming Jets, O'SHEA, Furnace and the Fundamentals, and Luke Geiger
- The Shank Brothers return with their infamous Hot Chilli Wing Challenge - register for one of their HEATS!
- NEW – Bell and Moir Toyota Kalkadoon Bar & Grill for lunch and dinner – a new dining offering which includes a two course menu prepared by Chef Jason Peppler, beer and wine and outstanding views of the rodeo arena hosted by Channel Seven's Kimberley Busteed and a bunch of good friends. Bookings essential.
- An incredible 5m high inflatable boot as part of our Kids Zone – perfect for rodeo selfies!
ABOUT MOUNT ISA MINES RODEO
In 1959, a group of people with passion and an intrinsic sense of potential formed the Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo Inc (MIRRI). Their vision was to put the new, remote town of Mount Isa on the map and raise funds for charity organisations in the new city. Through 63 years of whip-cracking vision and dedication, the event has evolved into legendary status. The event is part of the Australian Professional Rodeo Association's (APRA's) national circuit. The event is supported by the Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland and is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The rodeo schedule includes the Bull Ride (Open, Over 40s, 2nd & Junior Division), Saddle Bronc (Open & 2nd Division), Bareback (Open & 2nd Division), Rope & Tie (Open), Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Ladies Barrel Race, Ladies Breakaway Roping and Mini Bull Rides.
Mount Isa Mines Rodeo FESTIVAL: August 5 to 13, 2023
After a record-breaking event in 2022, which saw entries top out at 956, a highest ever purse of $300,000 and the staging of the first ever Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships, the largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere is back! Website: Isarodeo.com.au
This event is supported by the Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland
