Rodeo is in the running

The largest rodeo in the southern hemisphere is in the running for the Festivals and Events category for the third consecutive year. Winning a category at the Queensland Tourism awards three years running is a feat that comes with Hall of Fame recognition.

After taking out the category at the Outback Queensland Tourism Association earlier this month, now the event takes on the best in the state at the awards night in Brisbane.

Rodeo manager Natalie Flecker was hopeful Mount Isa’s flagship event would be successful.

“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame would the ultimate achievement,” she said.

“Our event achieves great things for the outback and it puts Mount Isa on the map.”

“We’re proud of what we do.”

This year’s Queensland Tourism awards will be based on the success of last year’s event.

The rodeo’s success at the 2012 and 2013 awards were also based on the year before.

Comparisons between 2012 and 2013 have Ms Flecker confident of taking out the award.

“In 2012 we had 15,529 through the gates and in 2013 we had 18,429,” she said. “2013 was very successful with all-time records and by what we were able to also give back to the community.”

The 2014 rodeo eclipsed the 2013 record with 18,698 visitors.