Cowboy greats to support next generation of riders at Indigenous Rodeo Championships

Callan Morse Published May 15, 2025 at 1.50pm (AWST)

Sport

Kalkadoon cowboy Donovan Rutherford will co-lead an Indigenous rodeo clinic at this year's Mount Isa Indigenous Rodeo Championships. (Image: supplied)

The fourth iteration of Mount Isa's Indigenous Rodeo Championships is set to return this August, with a free Indigenous rodeo clinic added to this year's program.

In its first few years, the Championships have grown to into a multi-award-winning event which unites riders, artists and fans, celebrates the talent of First Nations athletes while generating notable economic activity in the Mount Isa region.

This year, Kalkadoon man Donovan Rutherford will lead the free Indigenous rodeo clinic alongside Jake Cure.

Rutherford, a national rodeo champion and professional bull riding star and Cure, a professional bull riding rookie champion, are lifelong mates, having ridden together since they were six years old.

They'll be joined by six-time Australian Champion Protection Athlete and proud Waanyi man Darryl 'Chongy' Chong, who has a longtime connection to the Mount Isa Rodeo and is committed to mentoring and guiding the next generation of riders.

Together, Rutherford, Curr and Chong will lead riders through the fundamentals of rodeo — from skills and safety to confidence and connection — helping to build not just talent, but a stronger, more inclusive future for the sport.

Mount Isa Rodeo Community Board chair Mark 'Tommo' Thompson said he hopes Indigenous riders from across the country will nominate and make the journey to 'Isa.

"To see the level of skill, commitment and interest from our Indigenous riders — particularly the young guns coming up through the ranks — shows this sport is in great hands," Thompson said.

This year's Indigenous Rodeo Championships will be held on the morning of Sunday August 10 ahead of the Open Finals, making for an action-packed finale to the three day rodeo.

Last year's Championships saw Katherine's Jed Farrington take out the bull ride with 71 pints, Western Australia's Luke Metcalf claim the bareback with 69 points with Injure's Kimba Fien riding to victory in the Saddle Bronc on 72 points.

Jack Mullings won the junior steer event with 65 points, with Mount Isa locals Layne Creer and Cordel Gosbee dominating the steer wrestling.

Nominations for the Indigenous Rodeo Championships and Indigenous rodeo clinic can be made via email.