Four Mount Isa women are raising thousands of dollars for their local charities as this year’s entrants in the Isa Rodeo Queen Quest.
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They are: Caitlynd Gardner (BUSHKids), Alison Gibbs (Ronald McDonald House North Queensland), Maureen Miller (The Laura Johnson Home); and Samantha Eaton (Estelle Cardiff Community Kindergarten).
Isa Rodeo Manager Natalie Flecker said the Rodeo Queen and Charity Queen will be crowned at the Bell & Moir Toyota Rodeo Ball on Saturday, August 5.
“The entrants this year have been working very hard to raise much needed funds and awareness for their charities,” said Ms Flecker. “They have been busy with everything from a silly sock day to high teas and raffles.”
Adelaide-born Caitlynd Gardner, 21, moved to Mount Isa aged nine. An auto electrician at Mount Isa Mines, she recently completed her apprenticeship and is now a qualified tradesperson.
“I chose BUSHKids because when I was in primary school I dealt with a similar organisation,” she said. “They don’t get enough recognition for the great work they do.”
Samantha Eaton, 34, said she entered the Queen Quest to raise funds for Estelle Cardiff Community Kindergarten, where she works as an educator.
Samantha grew up on a property near Rockhampton. “I moved to Mount Isa after university hoping to find a job in the mines but instead, I actually found my passion working with children at Estelle Cardiff kindy,” she said.
Alison Gibbs, 20 was born and bred in Mount Isa. Alison, who works at Bella Duck gift store, said she entered the Queen Quest because she had always wanted to do fundraising.
“I chose the Ronald McDonald House North Queensland as it is a charity I have had a family connection with and it’s touched my heart in more ways than one,” she said.
Maureen (Moz) Miller, 28, is from the Darling Downs and works as a beauty therapist for Natural Beauty & Medi Clinic.
“I’ve entered the Queen Quest to gain further life experience in a new and exciting journey,” she said.
Moz said she chose the Laura Johnson Home as it was important to support our senior citizens from all over the North West.
Ms Flecker also acknowledged Worn Out West for their support by providing clothing for the entrants. “We are very grateful for the ongoing support of all our sponsors, and Bell & Moir Toyota have been long time sponsors of the Rodeo Ball where the Queens are crowned,” she said.