Let the buckle battle begin!

The countdown to the biggest buckle battle in the Southern Hemisphere has begun – the legendary Mount Isa Mines Rodeo today announced dates, the return of reigning champions and a music line-up guaranteed to scoot even the toughest cowboys boots!
In addition, this year Isa Rodeo Limited will stage a new world championship rodeo event created in partnership with Mona Aboriginal Corporation – the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships.
This year some 750 world class competitors will compete for Australia’s largest rodeo prize pool of over $270,000. Tickets are ON SALE NOW at Isarodeo.com.au
“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,” said Natalie Flecker, CEO of Isa Rodeo Limited.
Already three 2021 Champions have confirmed they will return to defend their titles – Open Bull Ride champion Troy Wilkinson, Bareback Bronc winner Fred Osman and Open Barrel record holder and famed Cootamundra rider Kerrie Holder; among a rollcall of rodeo royalty and emerging stars who will compete for the ultimate rodeo trophy – the prestigious, custom-made winners buckles.
Leading the music line-up on the Friday evening is one of Australia’s most famous music makers in Guy Sebastian together with Australian indie-folk/blues and roots performers the Pierce Brothers. On Saturday evening the party continues with country-rock titans, McAlister Kemp on stage before rising star of Raised Like That and Small Town fame James Johnston takes over.
First Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships announced
In more exciting news, this year Isa Rodeo Limited will stage a new world championship rodeo event created in partnership with Mona Aboriginal Corporation – the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships, to take place on Thursday August 11.
Taking the lead in championing the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships is the current Australian Champion Bullrider himself, 22 year old Mount Isa cowboy Donovan Rutherfurd. Being the highest ranked Indigenous cowboy in the country, and the inspiration for so many junior and emerging riders, Donovan’s journey to wear the prestigious winner’s buckle is one many hope to follow.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Craig Crawford said the nation’s best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rodeo riders will be on show. “Some of Australia’s most legendary bull-riders and bronco-busters are Indigenous and plenty of young talent will be bursting out the gates,” Mr Crawford said. “The best thing about the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is how it brings communities together from all across the Gulf, the Cape and Outback Queensland. It’s got something for all the family.’’
Not only will the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships deliver a new line-up of riders to watch, the dedicated rock concert staged that evening will star Baker Boy, the ferociously talented, multi-award winning rapper who was raised in Arnhem Land and is now based on Wadawurrung Country. Baker Boy was the 2019 Young Australian of the Year, won Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Video of the Year at the 2020 NIMA Awards and was nominated for three ARIAS in 2020. His appearance at the event is set to draw thousands.
Performing alongside Baker Boy will be the Sundowners Kalkutungu Dancers from Mount Isa and the Desert Dust Dance Group from Barcaldine, local DJ and Kalkadoon man, Deadly Jacob will open for Baker Boy.
Maryann Wipaki, General Manager HSEC, Glencore Zinc Assets Australia said as a founding partner of the iconic Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, Mount Isa Mines was proud to sponsor the inaugural Indigenous Rodeo. “Glencore supports initiatives that promote Indigenous participation and the importance of diversity and inclusion. Our continued sponsorship for rodeo and many other community events, helps to inject confidence in Mount Isa, and create a sustainable community, by generating more than $10 million into the local economy,” she said.
The addition of the Mount Isa Indigenous Rodeo Championships into Rodeo Week will create four-days of non-stop rodeo action, family entertainment, behind the scenes tours, rock concerts, cultural celebrations, food experiences including low and slow classes by famed bit bosses The Shank Brothers, and outback trader markets. Mount Isa is set to host a party for the ages! So… Pack your boots, buckles, wide brimmed hats and sense of adventure and see you in the ‘Isa – BOOK NOW!