Sport
10 October, 2025
Great Northern Rodeo Series finals to be staged this Saturday
The Mount Isa rodeo season officially comes to an end this weekend.
Mark ‘Tommo’ Thompson says he’s hoping Mount Isa’s rodeo season finishes with a bang after a massive year in 2025.
The Great Northern Rodeo Series will stage its finals on Saturday night and Tommo said he was expecting a strong crowd.
“It’s looking real good,” he told North West Weekly.
“The weather has been good in the mornings and the nights so we think we’ll get a good turnout.”
After more people than expected turned up to the Great Northern Rodeo earlier this year, Tommo said the committee had made changes to cater for the bigger audiences.
“We’ve added a second bar and more food options that should help a lot,” he said.
“In March, all the roads were cut so it was all locals here and they supported it.
“We’ve got good competitor numbers and it should be a great night for rodeo.”
The arena action should finish before 9pm and local band Burnt Horizon will take to the stage immediately after, with gates closing at midnight.
Tommo, who successfully led the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo to enormous success this year – the event posted a $750,000 profit – said he and his wife Kate were looking forward to a well-deserved break after Saturday.
“We’ve got two young kids and we’ve both got businesses to run but I will be glad when it’s over,” he said.
“It’s been a great year … it’s been a blur. To think we only formed the Isa Rodeo board in February.
“Kate deserves a lot of credit. She does lot behind the scenes, especially with the Great Northern Rodeo Series.”
Tickets are $20 for adults at Saturday night’s event, with kids getting in for free.
“Drink prices are reasonable with $6 beers and spirits, which makes the night very affordable,” Tommo said.
“The gates at Buchanan Park open at 3pm and the rodeo kicks off at 4.”