Red dust, huge crowds and raging bulls are back in action at Mount Isa Rodeo, and the outback legacy is here to stay.
Almost 2,000 kilometres north-west of Brisbane, it’s not the outback city’s first rodeo.
And thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers, it won’t be the last.
“The vibes are electric, it’s the red dirt, it’s the people, it’s the feel of it all,” said committee member Ally Finlay.
The crowd was “electric” on Saturday night. (Supplied: Mount Isa Pro Rodeo Ltd)
Despite being on the brink of collapse just months ago, the largest and richest rodeo in the southern hemisphere made a comeback in front of a record crowd on the weekend.
About 700 cowboys and cowgirls from all over Australia, New Zealand and America competed for a prize pool of almost $200,000 and coveted belt buckles.
Riders collect belt buckles as trophies at rodeos. (ABC North West Qld: Maddie Nixon/Hannah Walsh)
Organisers said the goal was to bring the world-famous rodeo back to its roots, after the event fell into voluntary administration in September 2024.
Administrators SV Partners revealed at least 83 creditors were owed $1.9 million, after ticket sales and competitor numbers plummeted at last year’s rodeo.
About 7,000 people came through the gates on…