Somewhere in the middle of North West Queensland, a small rodeo committee has started making plans for its annual event.
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Started by a group of locals, the first Quamby Rodeo was in 1997. Starting from the ground up, the committee received funds and support to build their rodeo grounds 50-kilometres north of Cloncurry on the Normanton road.
Club member, Allan Abdy, said this one day rodeo was known as one of the most iconic bush events in the area.
“It has always been a rodeo for everyone around the area and the community,” Abdy said.
“The best part about Quamby Rodeo is that it is good old fashioned family fun. It is an old fashioned bush type rodeo and it allows for all the local lads the opportunity to have a go.
“All the families get together from the local stations and run it. We do everything ourselves and it is a family deal for the local community.”
With almost $13,000 up for grabs competitors will travel all across the North West to compete on Saturday July 30.
Rodeo events include bull ride, feature bull ride, steer wrestling, wild cow ride, team roping, station buckjump, feature horse, breakaway roping, bronc ride, calf roping, calf scruffing, donkey ride and ladies barrel race.
The best part about Quamby Rodeo is that it is good old fashioned family fun. It is an old fashioned bush type rodeo and it allows for all the local lads the opportunity to have a go.
- Allan Abdy
Some of the junior events include barrel race, wild sheep ride, poddy ride and pony club.
Abdy said there was usually around 30 competitors in each event.
“Our competitor numbers aren’t huge compared to some rodeos but there is certainly enough events to fill the program and keep everyone busy,” he said.
“Quamby is also a big social event on the calendar. In the last two to three years we have had anything from 1500 to 2000 spectators.
“It is usually tent-city at the rodeo grounds on Friday evening. We have even had people travel all the way from Victoria each year because they say they love it.”
Quamby charges a small entry fee and provides back to back rodeo entertainment with food and camping areas available. Spectators are encouraged to take cash with them although there will be eftpos available.
A band from Charters Towers called 52 Pick Ups will provide live entertainment throughout Saturday evening with the bar open until midnight.
Saturday night campers will wake up to a big farm breakfast on Sunday - the perfect end to the best little bush rodeo in Queensland.
Quamby Rodeo Committee would like to thank Hacon and Son’s for supplying the bulls and McMillan Pastoral for supplying the cows.
Interested competitors can find all information about nominations on Rodeo Central’s website. Nominations opened on Wednesday July 20 and will close when full or by July 24.