It's Finals Day at the mighty Mount Isa Mines Rodeo – History, heroes and a whole lot of red dirt glory
It's finals day at the mighty Mount Isa Mines Rodeo – where champions will be crowned, some get up close and personal with the famous red dirt of Kalkadoon Arena at Buchanan Park and everyone knows they are part of something very special – the return of this historic rodeo to community hands. The community has rallied, Buchannan Park has been at capacity, and fans and riders have travelled from all over the country to see history made.
NRL Legend Sam Thaiday arrived to support the Indigenous Rodeo Championships riders, Tourism Minister Andrew Powell experienced his first Isa Rodeo, a high fashion cowgirls cocktail event made its debut, the Grand Entry brought tears to fans' eyes, the ground announcers kept the commentary fast, furious and funny, and the riders delivered in spades in the famous red dirt of Buchanan Park. This rodeo is back and it's heading for a best ever!!
STILLS HERE – Peter Wallis
(code 6818)
Vision and talent order:
- Aaron Ryan – Ground Announcer
- Sam Thaiday – Indigenous Rodeo Championships Ambassador, talking with 6-time protection athlete and proud indigenous man Daryl Chong
- Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell
- Overlay: enormous arena action, flag galloping, crowd excitement, new cocktail fashion event, rock concert with Luke Geiger
STILLS FRIDAY AUGUST 8 – by Peter Wallis
Mt Isa Rodeo by Mount Isa Pro Rodeo Ltd password 4406
(Names of talent at base).
INDIGENOUS CLINIC
Mt Isa Rodeo DAY 1 VNR
- AMAZING vision of the Haka this morning by the Junior NZ Youth Rodeo team!!
- Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae – about the resurgence of rodeo and it's importance to the region and Queensland
- Eddie Gill, Australia's leading stock contractor, from Upper Horton, north west NSW - and the famous stallion Elvis, a direct descendent of the famous Carandotto horses
- Natalie Culina – Chief Executive Officer, Akubra, 2025 presenting sponsor of the value and importance of rodeo and riders
- Jake Curr, national titled cowboy and Indigenous Rodeo Coach – lives in Mount Isa
- The famous four Murphy Boys – from Cloncurry 0- aged 9, 11, 13 and 15.
- 13 year old Teal Borghero (female) – from Blackall
- Vision of Rodeo Clinic – with interviews with Jake Curr and 6 time protection athlete of the year Daryll Chong
- Mount Isa STREET FESTIVAL from Wednesday night
MOUNT ISA MINES RODEO is back!!
Something very special is happening in the Queensland Outback, the legendary 2025 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, thousands of kilometres from the capital and millions of miles from ordinary, is BACK and it's booming. On the famous red dirt of Buchanan Park, the bulls and broncs and barrel racers are making history as the rodeo begins a new era, one now in community hands.
From record-breaking prizemoney to returning rodeo royalty from right across the country and iconic new partnerships, the 2025 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is galloping toward one of its most exciting years yet. Every single event—from saddle bronc and bull riding to steer wrestling and barrel racing—if offering more prize money than ever before. That means higher stakes, fiercer competition, and a serious drawcard for the country's top riders. While the rodeo veterans bring the grit, it's the next generation that's lighting up the arena. The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is witnessing a phenomenal surge in junior competitors—young guns who ride with the heart of champions and the hunger to prove themselves on the famous red dirt of Kalkadoon Arena at Buchanan Park. Add to that the unstoppable rise of women in rodeo, whose strength, speed and skill are rewriting the playbook.
HISTORY: Back in 1959, the first Mount Isa Mines Rodeo offered just over £500 in prize money—a mighty sum for its time, but a whisper of what's on offer now. Since then, it has grown to become the largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere, and one of the most prestigious anywhere in the world. The 2025 event confirms its status as a juggernaut of the sport, drawing riders, fans, and media from far and wide.
What's New in 2025?
Record-Breaking Prize Pool - All open events at the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo now have a $15,000 purse, with 2nd Division Events at $2,000 and Junior events $500.00. The Indigenous Rodeo Championships now has a $2000 purse for Senior events and $500 for Junior. The competition will be fierce, the talent elite, and these famous buckles are more coveted than ever.
Rodeo Returns to Community Hands - Mount Isa Mines Rodeo presented by Akubra is owned and led by the people of Mount Isa. A passionate new community board is behind the reins, and 2025 marks the beginning of a new era grounded in local pride, legacy and connection.
Entry Prices Slashed - In a major win for fans, families, and the future of the event, entry prices have been slashed. Adult day entry is just $50, kids aged 8–17 are $20, and children under 7 get in free. Pensioners are just $35, and the brand-new Family Pass offers incredible value at $120 for two adults and three kids.
Akubra Named Presenting Partner - Two legends unite! Iconic Australian brand Akubra has officially joined as a Presenting Partner of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, bringing a proud history of Outback craftsmanship to the greatest show on dirt.
Sam Thaiday Joins as Indigenous Rodeo Championships Ambassador - NRL legend, proud Indigenous man and community champion Sam Thaiday has been announced as the first ever ambassador for the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships, helping shine a national spotlight on this powerful celebration of culture, courage and connection.
The Return of ELVIS - Buckle up for a red dirt reunion! Legendary stallion Elvis, with bloodlines traced to the famous Carandotta horses, and his daughter Little Egypt, an eight-time Australian Bucking Horse of the Year, will be back in Mount Isa thanks to stock contractor Eddie Gill and the Gill Bros crew.
2025 YOUTH RODEO - almost 40 of the world's best junior riders have arrived for the first Australian leg of the inaugural 2025 International Youth Rodeo Challenge.
Young rodeo guns from eight to 18 years, from Australia, New Zealand the USA, run by the Youth Rodeo Organisation. THE DAY OPENED WITH AN EPIC HAKA form JUNIOR Team New Zealand.
Cowgirls in the Capital Cocktail Brunch - An unforgettable new event making its sparling red dust debut in 2025 – tomorrow at the brand-new Cattleman's Bar, a glorious brunch – all with a side of sparkle, sass and sisterhood.
NEW Events Hit the Program - The Eli Donovan Memorial Local Station Buckjump will celebrate local jackaroos and jillaroos who work the land and the Local Steer Ride will give emerging riders from the region their moment in the red dirt spotlight.
The Back Paddock – A New Vibe Zone - Introducing The Back Paddock – the ultimate chill-out zone featuring local legends, rising stars, musicians, buskers, poets, dancers, puppeteers and more. All acoustic, all family-friendly, and all-out fun. Performances across Saturday and Sunday.
Fan-Favourite Luke Geiger Returns - Much-loved rodeo troubadour Luke Geiger is back by popular demand, performing on both Friday and Saturday nights. His soundtrack is the heartbeat of rodeo week—and the perfect way to kick back after a day in the stands.
The Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships is proudly supported by the Queensland Government. The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
Mount Isa Mines Rodeo August 8 to 10
NAMES IN STILLS:
Rhys Callahan10 Axton Hale 8 from the Missouri. Kids in red shirts
5 kids in white hats...
Rowell Hartley 8 Carter McDonald 10 Slater McDonald 9 Tobee Remey 10 Chilla Hartley 9
Katie Pierce 10 from Tooma who will be singing the National anthem. (on the fence)
Kicking Dust photo
Ashley 13 Tyler 15, Dallas 9 and Tommy 11 Murphy.
Cowgirls in red shirts
Hannah Phillips and Bailee Pavlou
