Championships will run on Sunday 9 August 2026
Indigenous Rodeo Championships will return to Mount Isa on Sunday 9 August 2026. The event will run on Sunday morning before the Open Finals at the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo.
Part of the 2026 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo presented by Akubra, the programme runs from Friday 7 August to Sunday 9 August. Buchanan Park Events Complex on George Street and Sutton Street, Mount Isa, Queensland 4825, will host the three-day event.
Tickets are on sale now through www.mountisarodeo.com.au. Thousands of spectators are expected across Super Sunday.
Mount Isa Mines is again backing the Indigenous Rodeo Championships in 2026. The multi-award-winning event celebrates First Nations talent and honours the deep link between Indigenous Australians and rodeo.
Mount Isa Mines Rodeo Community Chair Mark “Thommo” Thompson praised support from Mount Isa Mines and Glencore. “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.
He added: “In just five years, we’ve built something really special.” As a result, 2026 will mark the fifth year of that backing.
Meanwhile, Mount Isa Mines’ Jonathan Eden confirmed the company will continue as naming rights sponsor. “We recognise the proud history of Indigenous Australians as graziers and stockmen and celebrate their outsized contribution to Rodeo in this country,” he said.
Eden added: “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.”
NRL icon Sam Thaiday will return as Indigenous Rodeo Championships Ambassador in 2026. After taking the inaugural role last year, he will arrive with his own Mount Isa Mines Rodeo buckle.
Major partners Carlton Hills Station, part of the Kalkadoon Tribal Council, and Gidgee Healing will also support the event. Their backing continues to strengthen the championships.
2025 winners
In 2025, Jack Stower won the Bull Ride title ahead of Alan Gilbo and Ezekial Douglas. Jesse Amber won Bareback, Clayton Brayden topped Saddle Bronc, Brooke Pokarier was fastest in Breakaway Roping, and Joseph Foxlee won Rope and Tie.
Max Hardin claimed Steer Wrestling in 2025. Cordell Gosbee finished second.
Leila Rose Aliya Simpson won the Junior Barrel Race and Abby Plate took the senior barrel title. Simon Collets won the Junior Steer event, while Hunter Kerr and Mackewan Hookey-Lansen also made the podium.
Dallas Murphy won the Mini Bulls 8 to 10 years division. Wyatt Gill took the 11 to 14 years title.
