As for many years, my husband and I are usually the last people to leave the rodeo arena on the Sunday, having my last chats with ex Mount Isans that I will hopefully see again next year. 

I watched the droves of volunteers come out for the big task of clean up. 

So I just wanted to thank all the volunteers who have worked so long and hard to help ensure the success of our world famous event. 

I know that I speak for so many people when I thank the Rotary clubs, the Rodeo Committee and all the organisations that worked together tirelessly to ensure the success of our rodeo.

I would also like to thank all those involved with the Cloncurry Merry Muster.

This rodeo is impressive in its own right and is part of nearly two weeks of community events in our region. 

These events give our tourists a huge reason to make the journey to the North West. 

I would also like to thank all the businesses that sponsor and support all our events and I know we will all shop locally because of this kind of support in our community. 

I would also like to thank our Premier for making the trip to Mount Isa to open our Rodeo and also supplying the funding that allowed us to have Jessica Mauboy attend our Street Party.  

The premier’s visit has given us national media coverage of our rodeo and I’m hoping that next year, being the 60th year of Mount Isa Rodeo, this will help ensure it’s our biggest rodeo to date.  

The state government is a huge supporter of tourism and is an active sponsor of the rodeo, so I kindly asked the Premier if she would consider doing something special for the 60th Anniversary of Mount Isa Rodeo. 

The Premier has agreed.   

I already have a few ideas on this.

I would love to see a huge star, the likes of Keith Urban perform at the Isa for Rodeo next year, although it would be great to hear ideas of what local people think our state government could do to make next year’s 60th Mount Isa Rodeo Anniversary special.

Danielle Slade

ALP Candidate for Traeger

In my Mount Isa street of 80 houses, I never go and ask my neighbours about their sex lives.

Or their marriage status.

Or their degrees of gayness.

Or if they want to have children.

Or if they are secret paedophiles.

Gay people just want equality.

What part of that is hard to understand?

George Harley 

Mount Isa 

Thousands of abused children are languishing in care, with many facing no hope of ever being reunited with abusive drug-addicted parents.

Recent changes in NSW have seen time limits placed on deadbeat parents to get their act together before alternate permanent placement orders are considered for abused children. Latest child safety data in Queensland shows more than 430 children who exited care had been there for 5 years or more with 85 of those having 10 or more carers. Abused children deserve better than languishing in care on a hope that someday their parents may get their act together or kick the drugs. 

Child Safety Minister Shannon Fentiman will give kids back to drug addict parents so long as they submit to “mandatory” testing.

We have to ask “When is enough, enough?” and give these vulnerable kids a loving, safe and stable home life in which to grow up. It’s time we ensured the best interests of a child are upheld and not trampled on by a failed policy of reunifying broken families at all costs.

ROS BATES MP

Shadow Minister for Child Safety