Rodeo buckles bring boom for the Outback
Mount Isa Mines Rodeo injects $10 million into the Outback and Queensland
If the famous red dirt of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo arena could talk, the story would be of a world class competition, record entries, riders from across the nation, fairy-tale endings, brilliant bulls and broncs, whip-fast times, fearless riders, a wave of super talented juniors, and serious economic benefit for the region, and the state.
As the countdown kicks in to the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo Festival next month (yes, now it’s a nine-day festival!), the dollar figures have just been released for the 2022 event, and there’s a definite shine to those famous buckles that are awarded to the champions.
Statistics released by Tourism and Events Queensland found that in 2022, Mount Isa Mines Rodeo generated overnight visitor expenditure of $10.0 million for the Queensland economy. The event was responsible for more than 33,000 visitor nights in Mount Isa, with most of these nights from intrastate visitors who travelled more than 40km from their home.
“These are significant numbers, with the power of rodeo undisputed as a major drawcard for Outback Queensland,” said Natalie Flecker, CEO of Isa Rodeo Limited.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is a highlight on the It’s Live in Queensland event calendar and provides a significant boost to the Outback region.
“The iconic Mount Isa Mines Rodeo attracts droves of people to the region each year for the southern hemisphere’s largest rodeo event, more than doubling the size of the town. Last year’s event generated almost $11 million into the visitor economy and this year is expected to be bigger and better.
“There’s plenty to get excited about at the 64th annual Mount Isa Mines Rodeo with live bull and bronc riding action, team roping, steer wrestling and so much more. Dust off your hat and polish your boots as Outback Queensland is calling you for this bucket list event.”
In 2022 the first ever Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships was held the day before the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo. Similar research has found that this event generated direct and incremental expenditure of $1.3 million to the Queensland economy.
“We are thrilled to report that the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships was responsible for generating more than 4,000 visitor nights in Mount Isa, with the majority of these nights from intrastate visitors,” said Natalie.
“Importantly, the research also highlighted the incredible sense of pride the event brings to the region, and this year we are looking forward to celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the city of Mount Isa, as part of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo Festival.”
Ms Flecker paid tribute to the local community.
“What does it take for this robust, mining town to host the largest rodeo in the southern hemisphere and one of Queensland’s major tourism events for the year? It takes incredible community support, hard work, perseverance, an enormous logistics operation, passion, positive energy and a determination that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we will never lose sight of the vision forged by our rodeo founders, a group of visionary Rotarians.”
“In 1959, the Combined Rotary Clubs of Mount Isa, armed with passion and an intrinsic sense of potential, formed the Mount Isa Rodeo with the aim to put the new, remote town of Mount Isa on the map and raise funds for charitable organisations in the new city. Today, through 63 years of whip-cracking dedication, the Rodeo has evolved into an event of legendary status that this year has morphed into a nine-day festival.”
Mount Isa Rodeo Festival highlights include:
Saturday 5th August: Bell and Moir Toyota Rodeo Arena Ball
THE MOST glamorous country hoedown, held on the famous red dirt of the open-air rodeo arena, raising funds for Mount Isa-based charities. Prepare your rhinestones and sequins and get ready to boot scoot ’til late!
Tuesday 8th August: Isa Rodeo Hall of Fame BBQ Dinner
Celebrating the pioneers and champions of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo with four new inductees announced.
Wednesday 9th August: Isa Street Festival featuring Darryl Braithwaite
A street parade for the ages in Mount Isa, headlined by the man himself, Darryl Braithwaite, who will pay tribute to the horses of the rodeo with his most famous song.
Thursday 10th August: Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships featuring Jessica Mauboy
- The second year of the Mount Isa Indigenous Rodeo Championships will see more records set, and indigenous riders celebrated, before Jessica Mauboy takes to the stage, with DJ Deadly Jacob hosting.
- A Welcome to Country and cultural performance by the Sundowners Kalkutungu Dancers and the spectacular Komet Torres Strait Islander Arts and Culture Dance Group.
- Don’t miss Dancing Dexter in the Red Dirt Arena, the crowd-pleasing Bull Fighter from last year’s Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships!
Friday 11th to 13th August: Mount Isa Mines Rodeo
- Returning champions and contenders go ride for ride in the Southern Hemisphere’s largest rodeo and the third largest rodeo in the world.
- Entertainment includes The Angels, The Screaming Jets, O’SHEA, Furnace and the Fundamentals, and Luke Geiger
- The Shank Brothers return with their infamous Hot Chilli Wing Challenge – register for one of their HEATS!
- NEW – Bell and Moir Toyota Kalkadoon Bar & Grill for lunch and dinner – a new dining offering which includes a two course menu prepared by Chef Jason Peppler, beer and wine and outstanding views of the rodeo arena hosted by Channel Seven’s Kimberley Busteed and a bunch of good friends. Bookings essential.
- An incredible 5m high inflatable boot as part of our Kids Zone – perfect for rodeo selfies!
ABOUT MOUNT ISA MINES RODEO
In 1959, a group of people with passion and an intrinsic sense of potential formed the Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo Inc (MIRRI). Their vision was to put the new, remote town of Mount Isa on the map and raise funds for charity organisations in the new city. Through 63 years of whip-cracking vision and dedication, the event has evolved into legendary status. The event is part of the Australian Professional Rodeo Association’s (APRA’s) national circuit. The event is supported by the Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland and is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The rodeo schedule includes the Bull Ride (Open, Over 40s, 2nd & Junior Division), Saddle Bronc (Open & 2nd Division), Bareback (Open & 2nd Division), Rope & Tie (Open), Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Ladies Barrel Race, Ladies Breakaway Roping and Mini Bull Rides.
Mount Isa Mines Rodeo FESTIVAL: August 5 to 13, 2023
After a record-breaking event in 2022, which saw entries top out at 956, a highest ever purse of $300,000 and the staging of the first ever Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships, the largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere is back! Website: Isarodeo.com.au
This event is supported by the Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland
