Entertainment
16 April, 2026
Bull rides return
IT’s time to dust off your boots and don your best pair of jeans as local rodeo action returns with the first round of the Great Northern Bullriding Series this Anzac Day.
The Series is set for its fifth Anzac round in 2026, with proceeds from the event continuing to be donated to the Mareeba RSL sub-branch.
Series director Peter Brown said the Anzac round was created serendipitously but it was also a good way to finish off a day that celebrated Australian pride.
“We used to do it for the Mareeba Hospital Foundation and so we did a few events for them, but for whatever reason, the date happened to fall on Anzac Day,” he explained.
“And the RSL was struggling a little bit – not knowing whether they were going to reopen or not, so it just went hand-in-hand.
“It’s also good to bring national pride and Australian rodeo together – country people are the salt of the Earth, and I think patriotism in this country has been missing for a while, so we need to get back to it.
“It’s just our way of giving back to our community and RSL and looking after our history and respecting those who fought for our freedom.”
Although nominations had only just opened, there were already dozens of entries, and high expectations that more would be received.
“We’ll get the normal number of cowboys. So there’ll be about 50 to 55 buck-outs for the night,” he said.
“There’s a few new names on the scene, which is good, with some of the younger boys having stepped up to the Open Bullride.”
With the Anzac round being the first show of the year for the Series, Peter expected the stock would be “fresh as mud” and give cowboys a run for their money.
However, the Series will likely see a new Bucking Bull of the Year crowned this year, after the previous title holder Move n Groove injured itself recently.
“I’m not sure whether he’s going to go around again this year. He staked himself about a month ago, so he probably won’t buck again which is disappointing,” Peter said.
Peter encouraged locals to come along to the family-friendly event.
“Come out and support your local town, and let’s get some patriotism back in this country and be proud of the people that fought for our freedom,” he said.
“By coming to the bull ride, not only are you supporting the Mareeba Rodeo and the Great Northern Bullriding Series, but you’re also supporting the RSL so their story can keep getting told.
“That history is something we don’t want to lose and we’re just proud to be part of giving that small donation to them to help keep the legacy alive.”
There’ll be a wide variety of food and drink on offer as well as a bar open until late, with an onsite afterparty headed by a country DJ set to provide good tunes for the night.
Free camping is also on offer Saturday night for those looking to enjoy a country night under the stars or just have a safe place to sleep.
The event will be held Saturday 25 April at Kerribee Park, Mareeba, with gates opening at 5pm for a 7pm start. For more information or to book a ticket, visit https://events.humanitix.com/gnbs26mareeba.
Tickets will also be available for purchase at the gate on the night.
