Indigenous riders from across the region, state and country are being called on to saddle up and step forward now for the 2025 Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships, to be held on Sunday August 10.

Whether you're a buckle-wearing champion or it's your first rodeo, organisers want this year's Indigenous Rodeo Championships to be the biggest and the boldest.

There's great news for riders this year - the Championships now has a $2000 purse for Senior events and $500 for Junior. Plus, Sam Thaiday, rugby league legend and proud Indigenous man, is the inaugural Ambassador for the event, bringing his passion and deep community pride to Australia's most significant celebration of Indigenous rodeo talent and culture.

In the lead-up to the Championships, a free Indigenous Rodeo Clinic will be held on Thursday, August 7, at the Mount Isa Campdraft Grounds. Led by Kalkadoon cowboy Donovan Rutherford, PBR Rookie Jake Curr, and six-time Australian protection athlete champion and proud Waanyi Darryl 'Chongy' Chong, the clinic is open to Indigenous adults and juniors aged 14-17. Participants will learn fundamental rodeo skills, safety, and gain confidence in the sport.

'Chongy' is a busy bloke this year, he's also heading up the Indigenous Championships, and he's calling on riders to get their nominations in now.

Last year, talent was on full display: Jed Farrington (Katherine) took out the Bull Ride with 71 points, Luke Metcalf (Western) claimed the Bareback with 69 points, and Kimba Fien (Injune) rode to victory in the Saddle Bronc on 72 points. Local hope Jack Mullins thrilled the home crowd by winning the Junior Steer event with 65 points. Steer Wrestling was dominated by Mount Isa cowboys, with 27-year-old Layne Creer taking the coveted buckle ahead of 19-year-old Cordel Gosbee.

Nominate at Mount Isa Rodeo.