New Rodeo event places a spotlight on Outback Queensland

Isa Rodeo Limited - the people behind the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, the largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere - have launched a brand new event series for Outback Queensland.

‘Road to Rodeo – An Isa Rodeo Experience’ will bring a taste of the legendary Mount Isa Mines Rodeo experience to regions across Queensland, featuring the event's signature ingredients including rodeo action and live Rodeo Rock, with Longreach the first in the series to kick off on Saturday 30th April and Sunday 1st May, 2022. The series aims to create four new annual rodeo events across Queensland by 2024, representing a long-term economic injection to the state of over $4 million.

Building on the dual legends of rodeo and Outback Queensland, the Longreach Showgrounds and Rodeo Arena will host the two-day ticketed event in 2022.

Natalie Flecker, Chief Executive Isa Rodeo Limited notes “In 1959, a group of passionate Rotarians with an intrinsic sense of potential formed Isa Rodeo. Their vision was to put the remote town of Mount Isa on the map and raise funds for local charities. Over 62 years of whip-cracking vision and dedication, this event has evolved into one of legendary status globally.

“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, and now, it’s time to take this experience state-wide and develop, champion and share it across Queensland. This is what Road to Rodeo is all about.

“Longreach in the heart of Outback Queensland is the perfect first location. It is a proud rodeo-loving region, is home to the Stockman’s Hall of Fame and has a long rodeo and camp drafting history. As we re-open borders and re-connect with Australia’s own backyard, Road to Rodeo Longreach is set to be one of the must-attend events of 2022, and a new annual event on the calendar.”

Building on the dual legends of rodeo and Outback Queensland, the Longreach Showgrounds and Rodeo Arena will host the two-day ticketed event in 2022.

Road to Rodeo Longreach features a full rodeo competition, the Rodeo Rock concert on Saturday evening with a line-up of Australia’s leading country performers, food and wine, low ‘n’ slow BBQ from the pitmasters themselves The Shank Brothers, Brown Brother’s Proseccos Paddock (wine tasting), markets and sideshow alley, a local talent stage, competitor meet and greets, cooking demonstrations, bush poetry and more.

A full rodeo schedule includes the Bull Ride (Open, Over 40s, 2nd & Junior Division), Saddle Bronc (Open & 2nd Division), Bareback (Open & 2nd Division), Rope & Tie (Open), Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Ladies Barrel Race, Ladies Breakaway Roping and Mini Bull Rides.

Flecker adds “Road to Rodeo is an exciting, long-term vision for Outback Queensland that leverages off the incredible success of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, drives economic and social benefits to regional Queensland and ensures that the opportunity for amateur and professional rodeo continues to be a part of the Australian outback experience.

“Over the next few years, similar smaller regional events will join Longreach in the Road to Rodeo series, serving to not only promote Outback Queensland, but also the individual event destinations, driving visitation while creating a professional rodeo circuit to keep Australian competitors at the top of their game.”

For program, accommodation and ticket information go to isarodeo.com.au

Road to Rodeo LONGREACH: An Isa Rodeo Event Experience
Saturday 30th April and Sunday 1st May, 2022
Longreach Showgrounds and Rodeo Arena
Isarodeo.com.au

Image top: Byron Kirk (eight years old) and his sister Willow (six years) from Mt Isa and reigning open Bull Riding Champion Troy Wilkinsonat the launch of ROAD TO RODEO Longreach. Credit Pete Wallis; image centre: Troy Wilkinson marks 83.50pts on board 'Forever Amen' to make it three from three to be the 2021 Mount Isa Mines Bull Ride Champion; image above: Nine year old Mount Isa Cowboy Byron Kirk in a three way split for the win in the Helloworld Poddy RIde with a 60 pt score