Indigenous rodeo 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.
The championships are a multi-award-winning event that celebrates First Nations talent and honours the deep connection between Indigenous Australians and rodeo, and creates pathways for future champions.
Held on 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.”
Warren Webb, 9, Joshua Ah-One, 11, and Lareece Daley, 11. Photo: Luke Marsden.
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.
About the rodeo
The largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the biggest in the world, is 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.
- 2026 MOUNT ISA MINES RODEO presented by Akubra
- Friday August 7 – Sunday August 9 2026
- Buchanan Park Events Complex, George St & Sutton St, Mount Isa QLD 4825
- Website and TICKETS ON SALE NOW: www.mountisarodeo.com.au
