Ernest Henry Mining Curry Merry Muster Festival marketing coordinator, Vicki Wilson, paid tribute to the entrants – Kate Taylor representing Royal Flying Doctor Service and Emma Scott representing Ronald McDonald House.

She said entrants had been judged on local knowledge and horsemanship and the winner would be crowned on Thursday, August 4 at the festival.

“The entrants this year have been working very hard to raise much needed funds and awareness for their charities,” Ms Wilson said. 

Entrant Kate Taylor, 24, is originally from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, she moved to Cloncurry and currently works as an assistant at Cloncurry Pharmacy.

“By being an entrant in the queen quest I hope to help build the festival. I have found that this competition is a great platform to get out and get the community together to support the community, their rodeo and charities that are important to us all,” she said.

“Words cannot describe how valuable the RFDS is to rural and remote Australians and to be able to play a small part in keeping the Flying Doctor operating means so much to me. It is an honour.” 

Entrant Emma Scott, lives at Glen Isla Station north of Cloncurry. Mrs Scott is a stay at home mum for two children and a co-station manager with her husband.

Mrs Scott, 21, made the decision to run for Rodeo Queen to help promote the family festival.

“I love that rodeo is for the whole family, there is competition for everyone and it is an amazing social event for spectators,” she said.

“I have competed in barrel racing for years and am now proud to be competing in the queen quest.”

Mrs Scott entered the competition to raise the profile of rodeo in the North West, her charity and represent young mums.

“My family is very supportive of my decision to run for Rodeo Queen and support Ronald McDonald House. Using the house myself and I will never forget my stay, it was overwhelmingly generous.”

The winner will be announced at the festival on Thursday August 4.