Back-to-back buckles and spectacular rides were witnessed by a record crowd at the 2023 Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo, held in regional Queensland on Thursday.
The second annual instalment of the event saw 119 First Nations riders nominate to participate across the entire program, showcasing the skills of Australia's extraordinary Indigenous stockmen and women.
The event saw Northern Territorian, Jason Craigie, take home back-to-back Bareback Ride buckles, the proud Pitta Pitta cowboy doubling up to also win the Saddle Bronc Ride.
Katherine cowboy, 27-year old Darcy McBean became the 2023 Indigenous Bull Ride champion after riding Darren Brandenburg's bull 'Dacky' to the eight second buzzer, whilst Mackay cowgirl, Maisey Hetherington, won back-to-back buckles in the Breakaway Roping, stopping the clock at 13.4 seconds.
Competition was just as fierce amongst junior cowboys, with 13-year-old Rockhampton cowboy Riley Ahern, 14-year-old Cloncurry cowboy Bronzon Mara-Skellern, and 12-year-old Murgon cowboy Johnathan Carlo ending the Mini Bulls category (11-14 years) in a three-way tie for first place.
In younger Mini Bulls (8-10 years), the buckle went to Kaleigha Brennan from Healy in Queensland.
Bidjara cowboy Matty Ahern scored 69 points in the Junior Steer Ride to take the buckle and Barcaldine cowgirl Emily Ward won the Ladies Barrel Race with a 19.69 second run.
Isa Rodeo Limited CEO, Natalie Flecker, said after just two years as part of the Mt Isa Rodeo calendar, the Indigenous Rodeo Championships have a strong future.
"We've witnessed an incredible event here in Mount Isa, and one that doubled in size in just two years, which really defies the norm," Ms Flecker said.
"These Indigenous Rodeo Championships showcase and celebrate the connection between our Indigenous riders and their families to country, and to stock, and it's obvious how proud they are to have this event as a standalone tribute to their own rodeo culture.
"The future for this event is so exciting."
The Sundowners Kalkutungu Dancers and the Komet Torres Strait Islander Arts and Culture Dance Group performed the Welcome to Country in the evening, which also featured live entertainment from KuKu Yalanji R&B-pop sensation, Jessica Mauboy.
The Kalkadoon people officially opened the Rodeo with a Welcome to County and dance performance. (Image: Peter Wallis)
Culture was at the forefront of mind for rodeo organisers, who commissioned a spectacular artwork from Cungelella Art that featured across the event posters, merchandise, on shirts and in a fashion parade.
The rodeo also has a strong relationship with the local 100 per cent owned and operated Mona Aboriginal Corporation, who in partnership with event organisers have developed a number of culturally appropriate programs including a Cultural Horsemanship Program, Junior Ranger Mentor Program as well as an On Country Program for Youth Justice for the Mount Isa Region.
Mona Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Patrick Cooke said the programs, which are tailored towards an intervention for troubled adolescents, provides positive pathways for Indigenous youth from the Mount Isa region.
"This landmark indigenous rodeo event celebrates Indigenous culture and importantly, creates opportunities for Indigenous youth to train and become professional rodeo competitors," Mr Cooke said.
Acknowledging the heritage of Buchanan Park as a ceremonial dancing site, the main arena was referred to as the Kalkadoon Arena and the Traditional Owners of this north-west region. (Image: Peter Wallis)
Moving forward, the Championships will be supported by a new volunteer program and accredited certificate program for Indigenous youth from north west and north Queensland communities to participate in prior to and during the event.
Mona Aboriginal Corporation will facilitate the programs, which include stock handling and back of house rodeo responsibilities, hospitality, security and event management.
The Mount Isa Indigenous Rodeo Championships will return on 8 August, 2024.
