Mount Isa Women Champion Local Initiatives
The 2026 Zonta Rodeo Queen Quest in Mount Isa features four women championing local causes. Highlighting community engagement, this event supports various initiatives that make a difference.
Participants Tylah Muller, Maddy Wiedman, Kylie Vonhoff, and Marina Ferencek are using their roles to raise funds and awareness for causes they are passionate about. These causes range from health support to education, emergency services, and heritage preservation.
Tylah Muller, an Administration Officer with the Queensland Police Service, is focusing on the Mount Isa & North West QLD Breast Cancer Support Group Inc. Driven by a fierce belief in community action, she aims to enhance local awareness and support for families affected by breast cancer. Tylah, who has a background in community fundraising through a local Irish dancing school, emphasizes the power of collective effort.
English and Humanities teacher Maddy Wiedman, who has been part of the Mount Isa community since 2023, is raising funds for the Spinifex State College P&C. Her efforts are dedicated to providing students with educational opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. “I wanted my fundraising to go toward something that directly helps the kids I teach,” she states, highlighting her commitment to local education.
Kylie Vonhoff, deeply rooted in Mount Isa’s cattle industry, supports the Mount Isa State Emergency Services. Her fundraising endeavours aim to back the volunteers crucial during community emergencies. “These are the people who are there for our community and beyond when everything goes wrong,” Kylie emphasizes.
Marina Ferencek, an admin and retail worker in Mount Isa, is active in local fundraising. She supports the Mount Isa Miners Memorial, which honours the town’s mining heritage and the contributions of miners to the region’s development.
Nikki Rowsell from Zonta Club of Mount Isa expressed pride in the participants’ dedication, stating, “Last year’s entrants worked tirelessly and achieved incredible results for their chosen charities.” This tradition continues in 2026 with high expectations.
The 2026 event will conclude with the Rodeo Ball on 1st August, where the Queens will be announced. Following this, they will take on ambassador roles during Rodeo Week, continuing to champion their causes and the community.
