Isa Rodeo Manager Natalie Flecker has expressed her delight after another year of rodeo comes to an end.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ms Flecker said competitors from Australia, New Zealand and the United States competed for the richest prize money in the iconic event’s 57 year history, worth $230,000.
“Our cowboys and cowgirls bought their best ability but the stock matched them,” Ms Flecker said.
Stars of the rodeo world including multi All Around Australian Cowboy Shane Kenny, PBR Australian Bull Riding Champion Cody Heffernan and All Around Australian Cowgirl Stephanie Gard had put on a spectacular display of skill, determination and pure grit, according to Ms Flecker.
“Obviously it takes a week or so for final numbers but I am ecstatic with how it’s gone, it’s been a huge few days,” she said.
The not-for-profit rodeo is run by Mount Isa’s two Rotary Clubs, which managed a 700-strong team of volunteers to help run the massive event.
“Once again we’ve had incredible support from the locals, our naming sponsor Mount Isa Mines, all the sponsors and of course from Rotary – it’s a huge team effort to make the event the success that it was,” Ms Flecker said.
Arena Director Steve Hilton said this year’s entries were stronger than ever, with 646 entries compared to last year’s 615.
The rodeo committee also thanked their rodeo protection clowns
“They have gone above and beyond to protect our cowboys, truly the best in the country,” the committee said.
“A special shout out to Dan Roberts who is retiring after many years in the arena.”
There was also a surprise for Lions volunteer Peter Roberts who had generously given his time to help out in the rodeo coffee shop.
Peter was given a framed and signed Cowboys shirt for his grandson in hospital.
Kael Lovelock is currently in lady Cilento Hospital in Brisbane undergoing treatment for Leukemia.
Many organisations in Mount Isa, including the Rugby, Golden Octopus and Lions have been fundraising for Kael and this was part of that fundraising. Peter thanked Bell & Moir Toyota and the Mayor for this presentation.
Art Union comp winners:
Toyota Landcruiser Wagon GXL: Tegan Hall
Silver Toyota 86 2.0 GT Coupe: Susan and Paul McGrady
$3000 Helloworld Travel Voucher: Steve Bax
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
