One of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo's most powerful legacies is set to continue in 2026, with Mount Isa Mines once again backing the Indigenous Rodeo Championships, a multi-award-winning event that celebrates First Nations talent, honours the deep connection between Indigenous Australians and rodeo, and creates pathways for future champions.

Held on the morning of Sunday, August 9, immediately before the Open Finals, the Championships will once again set the stage for an action-packed Super Sunday at the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, where thousands of spectators will witness the next generation of rodeo stars alongside some of the country's most accomplished Indigenous competitors.

Mount Isa Mines Rodeo community chair, Mark 'Thommo' Thompson, said the ongoing support from Mount Isa Mines and Glencore had been instrumental in turning the Championships into the success story it is today.

"Without the ongoing support from Glencore Mount Isa Mines, the Championships simply would not exist, and we are thrilled to welcome them back again in 2026 for the fifth year," he said.

"In just five years, we've built something really special."

Mount Isa Mines' Jonathan Eden said the company was proud to continue its naming rights sponsorship of the Indigenous Rodeo Championships.

"We recognise the proud history of Indigenous Australians as graziers and stockmen and celebrate their outsized contribution to Rodeo in this country," he said.

"This event provides an opportunity to showcase the talent and grit of our country's indigenous athletes and Mount Isa Mines are committed to contributing towards that in anyway small way we can."

Adding to the excitement, NRL icon Sam Thaiday will return as Indigenous Rodeo Championships Ambassador after embracing the inaugural role last year, although this time he'll be arriving with a little extra hardware, proudly wearing his own Mount Isa Mines Rodeo buckle.

The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo also acknowledged the invaluable support of major partners Carlton Hills Station (Kalkadoon Tribal Council) and Gidgee Healing, whose contribution continues to strengthen and grow the Championships.

Last year, raw talent was on full display as some of the nation's best Indigenous riders battled for top honours. Jack Stower claimed the Bull Ride title ahead of Alan Gilbo and Ezekial Douglas, while Jesse Amber took out Bareback and Clayton Brayden topped the Saddle Bronc.

Brooke Pokarier was fastest in Breakaway Roping and Joseph Foxlee secured Rope & Tie glory. Max Hardin muscled his way to victory in Steer Wrestling, with Mount Isa's own Cordell Gosbee finishing second.

On the barrels, Leila Rose Aliya Simpson shone with a Junior Barrel Race victory, while Abby Plate took the senior title.

The Junior Steer event went to Simon Collets, with podium finishes also for Hunter Kerr and Mackewan Hookey-Lansen. In the Mini Bulls, Cloncurry's Dallas Murphy (runner-up in 2024) rode to victory in the 8-10 years division, while Wyatt Gill claimed the 11-14 years title.

The Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships has received national acclaim, winning GOLD at the Queensland Tourism Awards in the Festivals and Events category, and the Queensland Reconciliation Award for Partnerships alongside Mona Aboriginal Corporation.

Some of the biggest names in Australian rodeo are set to return to where it all begins: the dirt, the basics, and the next wave of talent, with nominations now open for a free Indigenous Rodeo Clinicahead of the famous Mount Isa Mines Rodeo.

Leading the clinic is proud Kalkadoon cowboy and national rodeo champion Donovan Rutherford, who is currently in red-hot form on the PBR Australia circuit, alongside his lifelong mate and PBR Rookie Champion Jake Curr.

They will be joined by six-time Australian Champion Protection Athlete and proud Waanyi man Darryl 'Chongy' Chong, a Mount Isa Rodeo legend whose reputation in the arena is matched only by his commitment to mentoring the next generation of riders.

Together, Donovan, Jake and Chongy will lead participants through the fundamentals of rodeo helping to build not just stronger competitors, but a more inclusive and supported future for the sport.

The clinic will be held at the Mount Isa Campdraft Grounds on Thursday the 6th of August, with an 8am start.

2026 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo presented by Akubra will take place from Friday the 7th of August until Sunday 9th of August 2026.

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