Cloncurry’s own Bessie Smits has taken out a trifecta in the Rodeo Queen of Australia competition.
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On Saturday evening, Ms Smits was awarded Rodeo Queen of Australia for the National Rodeo Council of Australia (NRCA), but was not expected to win two more titles.
“I was also fortunate enough to win Miss Horsemanship and Miss Fundraiser, a trifecta of titles that has not yet been achieved in the history of the Quest,” Ms Smits said.
Other contestants included Roxy Wooley from the Northern Territory and Bianca Mason, Kylie Mace, Cherie Bramich and Stacey Harper from Queensland.
All six contestants were judged at the Gold Coast on their presentation, deportment, interview with the judges, knowledge of rodeo, onstage interview, modelling and horsemanship.
“Judging was so much fun. We attended so many different venues, from nursing homes to amusement parks. I grew very close to my room mate Cherie Bramich who won first runner up.”
Her first appearance as Rodeo Queen of Australia will be at the NRCA Dalby National Rodeo Finals in November.
Ms Smits said she was most looking forward to travelling overseas next year.
“I will attend Calgary Stampede in Canada, Fort Worth Stock Show in Dallas Texas and Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne Wyoming,” she said.
“I will participate in fly-bys, street parades, grand entries and multiple appearances. I will also get to meet some of the best rodeo athletes the world has to offer. I will also tour rodeos all throughout Australia, America and Canada.”
Ms Smits said thank you to the rodeo council, judges, supporters, sponsors, family and friends for their continuous support throughout her Queen Quest journey.
“The support I have received from Cloncurry, surrounding communities and local rodeos has been absolutely overwhelming and I would not be here without them,” she said.
Ms Smits will now represent the NRCA and the seven associations that fall under the council including: Rodeo Services Association, Queensland Rodeo Association, NRCA Western Australia Branch, Professional Bull Riders Australia, Australian High School Rodeo Association, Northern Cowboys Association and Northern Australia Horse and Cattle Association.
Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
