Community & Business
10 July, 2025
It’s rodeo time!
IT’s time to don your best jeans, pull on your boots and put on your best cowboy hat as the annual Mareeba Rodeo gets set to celebrate its 75th anniversary this weekend.
From the iconic downtown parade, two days of non-stop rodeo action and dozens of rides and attractions to choose from, this year’s rodeo will also feature other quality entertainment including an Australian Idol finalist and the nation’s best freestyle motocross team.
On top of that, the Women’s Ranch Bronc Ride, and a new grandstand and bar area will make its debut this year, and a Mareeba cowboy who’s climbed his way to being ranked as Australia’s number one bull rider is set to compete at the event.
The rodeo has a long-standing tradition that now spans 75 years, and it is the premiere event on the Tablelands, as well as a significant highlight on the Australian Bushman’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association (ABCRA) calendar.
Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin said the rodeo was one of the shire’s most popular events.
“The Mareeba Rodeo brings out the country spirit of the town with businesses, locals and visitors alike getting on board during the week - decorating shops and dressing the part,” she said.
“It stands as a testament to the wonderful volunteers and the hard work behind the scenes from the Mareeba Rodeo Committee, bringing this event back for the 75th year.”
The rodeo festival program kicks off this Friday night with the downtown parade and the crowning of the Queen ceremony before two days of action-packed rodeo competition.
Saturday night’s entertainment will feature Australia’s best freestyle motocross act, FMX Kaos, who will be showcasing their jaw-dropping stunts in the arena, as well as a performance from this year’s Australian Idol finalist Keely Ellen.
Additionally, Australia’s number-one-ranked bull rider and Mareeba’s very own, Kurt Shephard, will be showcasing his skills in the bull rides and hopefully nudging Queensland towards a win in the State of Origin event.
Shephard currently leads the Australian Professional Bull Riding (PBR), so spectators will be able to witness the best in action at this year’s event.
This year’s State of Origin is expected to be the most exciting to date, with three new events now part of the competition.
Melville’s Duck Races will get things underway with a red and a blue duck going head-to-head on the big screen. The next part of the competition will be the crowd-favourite Mazda Ute Challenge.
As well as making its rodeo program debut, the Women’s Ranch Bronc Ride will also feature in the State of Origin, with three cowgirls from each state set to saddle up and buck out on a bronc. The event will also have a standalone round on Sunday afternoon.
Cowboys and cowgirls from Queensland and New South Wales will then compete in the other events for state pride and bragging rights.
All these events can now be enjoyed by even more fans with a new section of grandstand seating and bar this year.
The Great Northern Rodeo Bar will be able to cater to those sitting in the new grandstand area or who are using the grass hill to watch the action from the comfort of a blanket or rug.
Attendees can also visit the multitude of other attractions on offer such as Sideshow Alley that features dozens of rides and games for all ages, as well as boasting an array of different foods and drinks.
The popular agricultural show will once again showcase the region’s finest crafts from 9am to 6pm across both Saturday and Sunday.
Animal lovers can visit Melville’s Animal Farm across the weekend to see, and even cuddle, a range of different animals.
The rodeo will officially kick off first thing Saturday morning from 7.30am and continue into the night until Mareeba’s favourite band Careless sings the night away until 2am. Sunday’s program will run from 7.30am-5pm.
Entry on Sunday will also be discounted, with the rodeo once again offering Family Day so locals can enjoy all the event has to offer.
Downtown parade set to deliver good show
THE Downtown Parade is one of the highlights of the Mareeba Rodeo festival, with cars, trucks, tractors, horses, Queen entrants, and local sports clubs circling the main street to put on a grand show.
It’s one of the most well-attended events in the program and it’s also where locals will get to see the 10 Rodeo Queen entrants of 2025 glitzed and glammed on their specially decorated floats, hoping to be crowned as the Queen later that night.
The parade does two laps of Byrnes Steet, allowing everyone to get a good look at each entrant and the other parade entrants, as well as the winners of the Ute Muster categories who will no doubt be showing off their car’s style and noise.
Prizes are on offer for the best entrants across nine categories which include Best Western theme, best Sporting theme, Best Display float and Best Queen float.
After the parade, the official ceremony and crowning of the Mareeba Rodeo Queen and Rodeo Princess will take place on the main stage near the Cenotaph.
There will also be a mini Sideshow Alley with rides, games, showbag stalls, and food, giving attendees a sneak peek into the real deal that will be seen at the rodeo.
The parade is set to kick off in the main street of Mareeba this Friday from 7.45pm.
Kaos to rain down on Kerribee
ONE of the best international freestyle motorcross (FMX) teams in Australia will be putting on a performance of a lifetime for Mareeba Rodeo attendees this weekend.
FMX Kaos have over 20 years’ experience in the extreme entertainment industry and have performed with some of the most internationally renowned acts such as Crusty Demons and Nitro Circus and they will be bringing their own dose of “kaos” to the Kerribee Park arena this Saturday night.
The team builds their own ramps and “engineers their own madness” as they attempt some of the best spectaculars known to FMX.
Team riders are internationally acclaimed professional athletes with skills and tricks “second to none” in the country. Be sure not to miss this once in a lifetime event.
Youngster buckles up for rodeo
AFTER falling in love with bull riding at the Malanda Bullrides last year, 10-year-old Russell Edwards is in his first year of doing the rodeo circuit and will be competing at the Mareeba Rodeo for the very first time.
Following in the footsteps of his uncle and late grandfather, the young cowboy from Evelyn is so far enjoying his first year of rodeo competition.
“When my mum first took me to the Malanda Bullrides last year, I decided that I liked it, and now I’m doing the circuit,” he said.
“I’m excited to compete at the Mareeba Rodeo and I’m probably the most excited to ride the mini bulls. It just feels nice to get the experience of what it actually feels like to ride a bull.
“I got my first placing at the Chillagoe Rodeo this year. But only because I got a lazy bull, it just walked around the arena basically.”
Russell’s first ever bull ride was at Malanda last year, which he had no preparation for.
“He completely winged it,” his mother Akasha said. “His grandfather and uncle used to do it when they were young, so his uncle just explained the process to him.
“Russell would ask me every year if we could go, and I’d always just forget about it. So, last year I said we’ll go and then to make up for it, I asked if he wanted to try having a ride and he said, ‘sure I’ll try’.
“Then he had a ride and he just fell in love with it.”
The young cowboy dreams of becoming a professional bull rider one day and is looking forward to the prize money that comes with riding time.
“I’ll probably do the PBR when I’m older,” he said confidently.
“If I get a good bull, a good bucking one, and if I get the eight seconds, I’ll feel really happy. And when I get the money, I’ll probably keep saving up and maybe help my parents.”
Singer brings a dash of Idol
A FINALIST from this year’s Australian Idol competition will be performing in the arena of Kerribee Park this Saturday night.
Up-and-coming Queensland country artist Keely Ellen has made waves in the music world recently, especially during her time on Australian Idol earlier this year.
She is known to have a “knack for mixing pop feels with country narratives” and has been gaining traction since the release of her debut single, Redhead, early last year.
The young artist has an impressive resume. She’s clinched the top spot at the Country on Kepple Peter Blundell Memorial Talent Search, won an Ekka competition, and has attended the esteemed Academy of Country Music in Tamworth, among many other accomplishments.
The 18-year-old from Bundaberg will showcase her talents at the rodeo on Saturday night before the opening ceremony.
Queen competition remains a popular tradition
THE Mareeba Rodeo Queen competition is steeped in tradition. With the first Queen crowned in 1959, this year will see the 65th Queen crowned at the Downtown Parade.
A LOOK AT ALL OUR QUEENS 1959 – 2024
1959 – Noela Connolly
1960 – Norma Callaghan
1961 – Margaret Remfrey
1962 – Daphene Tullipan
1963 – Gail Marshall
1964 – Beryl Dowling
1965 – Margaret Emmerson
1966 – Margaret Wicks
1967 – Christine Angaard
1968 – Barbara Kingston
1969 – Therese Duignan
1970 – Robyn Milner
1971 – Nancy Wallace
1972 – Janelle Morris
1973 – Clare O’Shea
1974 – Fay Cornish
1975 – Lynne Mallet
1976 – Shirley Davis
1977 – Jennifer Troughton
1978 – Tracey Roos
1979 – Linda Copine
1980 – Maryanne Snell
1981 – Glennys Bimrose
1982 – Kim Aqulina
1983 – Lea McLaghlan
1984 – Linda Tomic
1985 – Sue De Faveri
1986 – Deborah McGrath
1987 – Leanne Foley
1988 – Kayleen Stewart
1989 – Barbara Kerlin
1990 – Narelle Dati
1991 – Lenore Gear
1992 – Rachel Stallan
1993 – Belinda Blakeney
1994 – Sharelle Dyer
1995 – Amanda Williams
1996 – Jeanie Henning
1997 – Rebecca Johns
1998 – Tracey Binnie
1999 – Kieryn Cornish
2000 – Tammie Ball
2001 – Rebecca Merritt
2002 – Chloe Larsen
2003 – Faith Hatfield
2004 – Talitha Carter
2005 – Natasha Brtevnik
2006 – Tency Tyler
2007 – Vicki Bombardieri
2008 – Katie Rains
2009 – Natasha Cain
2010 – Rebecca Trimble
2011 – Eliza Michael
2012 – Kendall Axford
2013 – Alessia Aloyia
2014 – Rachel Whiteing
2015 - Chloe Hampton
2016 – Sarah Bensted
2017 – Logan Foxwell
2018 – Lauren Brown
2019 – Kayla Amos
2022 – Maia Gambino
2023 – Raquel France
2024 – Jordana Giacometti
Celebrating 75 years
THIS year is an important milestone for the Mareeba Rodeo which has now been a part of the town’s identity for 75 years. Look back on the history of the Mareeba Rodeo from 1949-1999 with this article by Bill Fossett.
THE first Affiliated Mareeba Rodeo was held in July 1949. A committee was formed by members of the R.S.S.A.I.L.A and the Q.A.T.B. to raise funds for both groups. The first president was Alan Butler (R.S.L) and the first secretary was Norm Parker (Ambulance).
A lot of sweat was lost by the pioneers of the Mareeba Rodeo to provide facilities such as stock yards, chutes, temporary announcers stand, some seating and part of an arena fence for the first Rodeo.
The initial secretary’s office was a large marquee and the balance of the arena fence was made up of early model motor cars (tourers) being parked side by side in a semi-circle.
The grounds, being the “new” showgrounds, later to be known as Davies Park, was under the control of the local council who provided toilet facilities, water supply, some materials for yards and seating and shifted the old grandstand from the first showground.
In 1955, the Mareeba Rodeo held its first Australian Championships. Sideshows and rides also became a part of the entertainment thanks to the efforts of the legendary Jimmy Sharman.
In 1959, the popular Mareeba Rodeo Queen Competition commenced. Ms Noela Connolly was crowned as the first Rodeo Queen and Mrs Willie Nieuwenhius was the Matron of Honour.
In the intervening period from 1949 to 1975 many improvements were made by the committee including the provision of a secretary’s office, committee stand, ambulance station, announcers stand and the extension of yards, seating, arena fences and electricity supply for sideshows. The Shire Council also provided arena lighting.
In 1966, the association acquired its stock holding property “Kimalo”. The following year, Mareeba participated in an Australia-wide series of rodeos which went towards a “World Championships” for the country. Jim Wallace was the instigator of the event and attended meetings as far down as Victoria.
On 16 November 1970, the committee made a momentous decision to shift the rodeo to the Old Aerodrome Reserve, renamed “Kerribee (Wild Horse) Park”.
Work commenced fairly soon and Mr Bill Edmonds, with his D8 bulldozer, cleared 12 hectares (or 40 acres) of land. Mr Ron Reddicliffe and his men excavated the new arena and brought in top dressing at a reduced cost. Many people helped with the final levelling of the arena and the construction of the arena fence.
The building of the new stockyards was a massive task. A keen rivalry between the “Pensioner Gang” and the “Juvenile Gang” ensued and each group set a fair pace. All the work done on the yards and chutes had been accomplished after the 1975 Rodeo.
The Juvenile Gang cut and carted rails, set out the yards and stood most of the railway line fence posts. A huge number of steel lugs were welded to the posts by a separate welding gang using a tractor pack welder.
The Pensioner Gang stood some of the steel posts, all of the wooden posts, and secured all the rails to the posts, without the benefit of electricity. The building of about one hundred timber yard and chute gates was carried out by Stan Harries, then aged 78 years old.
At 5.15pm on Sunday 21 August 1977, water reached Kerribee Park through 2.5km of 100mm fibro pipe that had been laid from the irrigation channel on Carman Road by committee members.
In 1978, the committee decided to approach the National Bank for a large loan, which was granted, so that the first rodeo could be staged in 1979. From January to July 1979, the tremendous effort by committee members, supporters, service clubs, two rugby league football clubs, employees of the electrical authority, and many other private citizens witnessed an upsurge in activity.
High rise seating, electricity installation for Sideshow Alley, electricity reticulation to buildings, installation of arena lighting, construction of four toilet blocks, sewage disposal by a pump station and 2km of piping to the town’s sewer system, water reticulation around the grounds, outer security fence and the relocation of some of the buildings from Davies Park were completed, with some trenches still being filled in on the Friday of the Rodeo.
Some temporary facilities also had to be provided. With the exception of the sewage disposal system, masonry blocklaying and toilet block plumbing, all the works were carried out by voluntary labourers.
The honour of the Official Opening was carried out by a very proud Stan Harries, long-time and life member of the rodeo association, gate builder and trustee of the association, to the cries around the arena of “WE MADE IT”.
In 1984, the second Australian Championships were conducted at Mareeba and a large contingent of A.B.C.R.A. officials and supporters came from New South Wales in buses to help honour the occasion.
From 1979 to 1999 a lot of new buildings had been erected including the Bronc and Bull Bars, rodeo workers dining area, tool sheds, souvenir and soft drink stalls, caretakers’ residence and extensions made to toilet blocks, seating, yards and electricity distribution system, thus making Kerribee Park a very high standard rodeo complex.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
THE Mareeba Rodeo festival is upon us again. Over the last 12 months, the Mareeba Rodeo committee and a small band of volunteers have worked extremely hard to ensure that this year’s rodeo will be one to remember. Once again, we have two full days of rodeo action along with two weeks of festivities leading up to the event.
As part of the 2025 Mareeba Rodeo, we have some exciting entertainment such as the State of Origin Rodeo, the Mazda Challenge, and the Freestyle Motocross show along with new entertainment like “Melville’s Famous Duck Races”.
We are also excited to announce “The Savannah Bite”, an early sneak peek into the Savannah in the Round music festival. This will see well acclaimed artist and Australian Idol finalist Keely Ellen performing centre stage on Saturday night before the official opening.
We welcome back our event partner City N Country who again is supporting our event. I would also like to thank Mareeba Mazda for their ongoing support of the Mareeba Rodeo as they will again be the major sponsor of the Friday night Downtown Parade where we will see our 2025 Mareeba Rodeo Queen and Princess crowned. We are very fortunate to have so many amazing sponsors supporting this year’s event. All sponsors can be found on our website www.mareebarodeo.com.au. I encourage you to support these local businesses.
We have also secured some of Australia’s best stock and they will be travelling to Mareeba from all parts of the country. We are also very fortunate to have a record number of nominations this year, with cowboys and cowgirls travelling from all corners of Australia to compete at this iconic event.
We are excited to announce our new Great Northern Hill Bar that will be open for all patrons, whether sitting in the grandstands provided or lazyin’ on the grassed hill area, it will be a popular spot allowing for great viewing of all the action.
The Saturday night programme will be jam- packed and you won’t want to miss a minute of the show. Along with the celebrations in the main arena on Saturday night, patrons will have a chance to visit our bar area after the entertainment finishes. We have a live big screen, so you won’t miss a minute of the action whilst enjoying a cold beer or soft drink.
Our Rodeo Cabaret will kick off with the band “Careless” after the main arena finishes for those wanting to dance the night away with live music until 2am.
The action will then start bright and early Sunday morning on what we are calling our “Rodeo Family Day” where we have reduced the gate entry dramatically to ensure all household budgets can come and enjoy the big Mareeba Rodeo.
Sunday will see another full day of rodeo, finishing off with our finals in the afternoon where we will crown the 2025 Mareeba Rodeo champions.
Once again, the arena events will be complemented by a variety of activities such as all the trade displays, the Agricultural tent, Melville’s Animal Farm, the Ute Muster and Sideshow Alley.
The Mareeba Rodeo is one of the best rodeos in Australia with outstanding facilities and continues to bring enormous financial benefit to the local Mareeba economy.
I encourage you all to come out and be a part of this iconic event “The Big Mareeba Rodeo”. I look forward to seeing you all at Kerribee Park this weekend.
Peter Brown
President
Mareeba District Rodeo Association Inc.
Rodeo Ball - Saturday 5 July
2025 Mareeba Rodeo Queen entrants
