Community
23 July, 2025
It's officially rodeo season in the North West!
Massive crowds are expected to attend rodeos in the region over the next six weeks.
Rodeo fever has descended on the North West, with a big block of events over the next six weeks to draw crowds and competitors from far and wide.
Having begun in Burketown last weekend, the bucking action is split between Richmond and Quamby this weekend, with the two events to go head-to-head.
The Richmond APRA-backed rodeo is part of the Northern Run of events, which will see cowboys and cowgirls make their way to Cloncurry for the Merry Muster, before the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo the following week.
Throw in big events at Townsville and Julia Creek – a rescheduled program from the Dirt and Dust postponement – and the region will have had its fix by the time September rolls around.
While Quamby is not a part of a professional circuit, that won’t stop thousands from flocking to the tiny hamlet north of Cloncurry this weekend.
Drew Hacon has stepped up this year to take on the reins as president, having served a 20-year apprenticeship as the vice-president under the leadership of Anthony McMillan.
“I suppose I had to step up eventually,” he said with a smile.
“It’s been pretty seamless, to be honest. Anthony is still involved and the committee is all the same, so everyone knows their roles.”
Mr Hacon said there would be no major changes for this year’s Quamby Rodeo, which begins on Friday afternoon and runs all day Saturday, finishing with live music from Luke Geiger and his band.
“The only thing we are doing a bit different is setting up an undercover area for Luke and his band,” the president said, nodding to a weather forecast that suggests there could be some rain in the North West.
“The rain won’t worry the crowd but we want to keep the band and their equipment dry.”
At Richmond, secretary Renee Kohler said nominations were up for Saturday’s rodeo, although the action begins on Friday with a new addition to the program, a breakaway roping feature event.
A whopping 49 competitors will take part on Friday.
“Holly Forster has organised that and I think it’s going to be big,” Ms Kohler told North West Weekly in the midst of trying to get ready for the weekend.
“At the moment I’m organising the bar and buses and all the events ... and getting the grounds looking good and everything nice and tidy.
“It’s great for the community but it is a lot of work.”
Saturday’s action at Richmond begins in the morning and runs throughout the day, with the major rough stock events to be held under lights.
Then all roads lead to Cloncurry for the Merry Muster, which has a street parade on Friday before the Extreme Bulls at the showgrounds.
However, there will be activity at the rodeo grounds from Thursday until Saturday night.
UPCOMING RODEOS
Richmond: July 25 & 26
Quamby: July 25 & 26
Cloncurry: July 31 to August 3
Mount Isa: August 8 to 10
Townsville: August 15 & 16
Sedan Dip: August 15 & 16
Julia Creek: August 29 & 30