Australia's biggest and most legendary outback rodeo just got even more local. Two new crowd-pleasing events will return in the 2025 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo arena – and they're tailor-made for the gutsy jackaroos, jillaroos, station workers, and young guns who call the Outback home.
The Eli Donovan Memorial Local Station Buck Jump and the Open Steer Ride – will spotlight local riders and honour the spirit and skill of the bush.
The Eli Donovan Memorial Local Station Buck Jump, named in tribute to a much-loved local rider, will see regional jackaroos and jillaroos take centre stage in a raw, rugged, and unfiltered bucking showdown. It's all heart, all grit – and 100% Outback.
The Steer Ride is for the next generation – a new platform for up-and-coming young riders from the region to cut their teeth in the arena and ride under the same spotlight that's shone on champions for nearly seven decades.
"These events honour the heritage of the Isa and the hardworking people who keep the Outback ticking," said Mark 'Tommo' Thompson, Chair of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo. "It's about community pride, showcasing the incredible talent we have right here at home, and creating new pathways for local riders to rise."
The 2025 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo runs 8–10 August, and is shaping up to be the biggest yet – with record prize money, an electric entertainment line-up, and now, more opportunity than ever for locals to saddle up and shine.
