Back

Indigenous talent backed by Mount Isa Mines as award-winning championship returns

Mount Isa Indigenous Rodeo Championships

Key Facts:

2026 MOUNT ISA MINES RODEO presented by Akubra

Fri 7^th August – Sun 9^th August 2026

Buchanan Park Events Complex, George St & Sutton St, Mount Isa QLD 4825

Website and TICKETS ON SALE NOW: www.mountisarodeo.com.au

Indigenous talent backed by Mount Isa Mines

 

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.

Stills IMAGES HERE

 

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.

 

2025 RESULTS: 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.

 

LEGENDS LINE UP TO LEAD FREE INDIGENOUS RODEO CLINIC

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 Clinic ahead 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 – from safety and skill development to mindset, confidence and connection – 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 6 August, with an 8am start. IT IS AT CAPACITY after booking out in hours!

 

2026 MOUNT ISA MINES RODEO presented by Akubra

Fri 7^th August – Sun 9^th August 2026

Buchanan Park Events Complex, George St & Sutton St, Mount Isa QLD 4825

Website and TICKETS ON SALE NOW: www.mountisarodeo.com.au

 

ABOUT Mount Isa Mines Rodeo – it is the largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the biggest in the world. It’s where champions return to defend their titles, rising stars carve their names into history, and eight electrifying seconds can feel like an eternity. For three adrenaline-fueled days, Mount Isa in Outback Queensland comes alive with the raw power of bull riding, bronc busting, barrel racing, roping and more, as the world’s toughest cowboys and cowgirls battle for some of the most coveted buckles in rodeo. Since 1959, the red dust of Mount Isa has risen beneath hooves, boots, and the roar of the crowd. The rodeo is the heartbeat of Outback Queensland, and an event that welcomes riders and fans from all over the globe.

The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.

 

 

For media interviews or imagery, please contact Kath Rose on [email protected] or 0416 291 493

 

Contact details:

Kath Rose on [email protected] or 0416 291 493