Bowlers who barely played before took the games seriously. The Miss Rodeo Australia contestant was required to use her foot to determine the distance of some competitors’ balls on Saturday. 

Ms Taylor held the event as she competes in the 40^th Miss Rodeo Australia Quest held in Warwick from January 27 to 29.

She qualified after being crowned the local rodeo queen at the Curry Merry Muster Festival last August. 

“There’s no reason not to (compete),” Ms Taylor said. “I’ve got the opportunity, I may as well take it. 

“It’s really good to represent my town. I wasn’t born or bred here but I do love this town.Fingers crossed we can bring the crown back.” 

Ms Taylor held an ‘ironman style’ series of games to raise money for her chosen charity, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). Competitors paid $15 to compete in bowls, pool and darts.

The fundraiser was held at the Cloncurry Bowls Club while Shayne Barwick played lawn bowls for 73 hours to complete his record, although was a separate event. 

Ms Taylor said she raised enough for her entry fee. Now she was raising as much money as she could for the RFDS. 

She chose to support the RFDS because of its importance for the lives of isolated Australians. Ms Taylor said she had friends that may not be alive without the medical services the flying doctor provided. 

Her next method of fundraising is through her raffle which is drawn on Friday, January 20.

The first prize was $500. Other prizes included a framed copper windmill, a Melbourne Storm jersey signed by Kevin Proctor, and a Tambo Teddy. Ms Taylor said people interested in buying tickets could contact her on Facebook. 

Curry Merry Muster president Keith Douglas said it was exciting to have another contestant representing Cloncurry and western Queensland in Miss Rodeo Australia.

Mr Douglas referred to local Katy Scott, who won last year’s national title.