From the people behind the iconic Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, the largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere, comes a brand new event series for Outback Queensland.
Road to Rodeo – An Isa Rodeo Experience will bring a taste of the legendary Mount Isa Mines Rodeo experience to regions across Queensland, featuring the signature ingredients of this iconic event including thrilling rodeo action and live Rodeo Rock, with Longreach the first in the series to kick off on Saturday April 30 and Sunday May 1, 2022. The series aims to create four new annual rodeo events across Queensland by 2024, representing a long-term economic injection to the state of over $4 million.
“In 1959, a group of passionate Rotarians with an intrinsic sense of potential formed Isa Rodeo. Their vision was to put the remote town of Mount Isa on the map and raise funds for local charities. Over 62 years of whip-cracking vision and dedication, this event has evolved into one of legendary status globally,” said Natalie Flecker, CEO, Isa Rodeo Limited
“Labelled as one of the most electrifying events in the country, the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is on the bucket list of many, has won numerous awards and generated millions of dollars in economic benefit to Mount Isa, Outback Queensland and Queensland, and now, it’s time to take this experience state-wide and develop, champion and share it across Queensland. This is what Road to Rodeo is all about,” she said. “Longreach in the heart of Outback Queensland is the perfect first location. It is a proud rodeo-loving region, is home to the Stockman’s Hall of Fame and has a long rodeo and camp drafting history. As we re-open borders and re-connect with Australia’s own backyard, Road to Rodeo Longreach is set to be one of the must-attend events of 2022, and a new annual event on the calendar.”
***Road to Rodeo Longreach was launched today on the Speaker’s Lawn at Parliament House in Brisbane. Budding poddy calf and mini-bull rider, Byron Kirk (8 years) and his cowgirl sister Willow (6 year ) stole the show with their line-dancing and his whipcracking! They were joined by 2021 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo Open Bull Champion Troy Wilkinson and rising country star James Johnston, who is set to perform at Longreach in 2022!!
Building on the dual legends of rodeo and Outback Queensland, the Longreach Showgrounds and Rodeo Arena will host the two-day ticketed event in 2022. This outback festival will come alive with the thrills and spills of professional rodeo action each day, and when the sun goes down it will host the live Rodeo Rock event.
Road to Rodeo Longreach features a full rodeo competition, the Rodeo Rock concert on Saturday evening with a knock out line-up of Australia’s leading country performers, food & wine, low ‘n’ slow BBQ from the pitmasters themselves The Shank Brothers, Brown Brother’s Proseccos Paddock (wine tasting), markets and sideshow alley, a local talent stage, competitor meet and greets, cooking demonstrations, bush poetry and more.
A full 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.
Straight from the upper echelon of Australian country music, The Wolfe Brothers lead the line-up for the Rodeo Rock Concert on Saturday 30 April. They will be joined by skyrocketing country star and winner of the 2020 People’s Choice winner in the Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival Bella Mackenzie from Mackay, along with fellow North Queenslander Luke Geiger & Bareback, a finalist in Rise-Up at this year’s Winton’s Way Out West Festival, and from Wingham on the mid-north coast of NSW, young country superstar James Johnston. Two local Longreach music-makers will star on stage with the national names – young, rising talent Corinne Ballard and local legend, singer-songwriter John Hawkes who comes with his bullock named Ollie!
“Road to Rodeo is an exciting, long-term vision for Outback Queensland that leverages off the incredible success of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, drives economic and social benefits to regional Queensland and ensures that the opportunity for amateur and professional rodeo continues to be a part of the Australian outback experience. This is an exciting day!” continued Ms Flecker. “Over the next few years, similar smaller regional events will join Longreach in the Road to Rodeo series, serving to not only promote Outback Queensland, but also the individual event destinations, driving visitation while creating a professional rodeo circuit to keep Australian competitors at the top of their game.”
So… mark the diary for April 20 and May 1 next year! Pack your boots, buckles, wide brimmed hats and sense of adventure and see you in Longreach!
Tickets, accommodation packages and travel itineraries: all at isarodeo.com.au
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