General News
25 June, 2025
Rediscover the rodeo vibe
MAREEBA community leaders are calling for locals to get into the rodeo spirit as the town’s annual event prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary.
From the traditional Rodeo Queen competition and the annual ball, to the cowpokes competition and the popular downtown parade, the rodeo and its events have been a part of 75 years of country tradition.
For decades, it was fully embraced by the local community, with people dressing up in western gear, businesses decorating their shops, country music echoing through speakers in the CBD, and rodeo-themed decorations lining the main street, letting everyone know it was rodeo time.
But some locals have started to voice their concerns that, in recent years, the “rodeo vibe” has disappeared from the town.
Mareeba Rodeo Association president Peter Brown has also noticed the decline and said he just wants people to get involved and embrace the rodeo’s tradition.
“I mean, just be a part of it, yeah? Rodeo is all about tradition. It happens every year and everyone should get excited about it,” he said.
“What people don’t realise is that the Mareeba Rodeo invests in the community very, very heavily, and we probably don’t say that enough. So, by supporting us, you’re supporting Mareeba as well.”
Mareeba Chamber of Commerce president Joe Moro said the rodeo was up there with the biggest events in Mareeba, alongside Savannah in the Round and the Rotary Field Days, but he thinks local businesses could be doing more to support the event.
“I think a lot of businesses don’t do their shopfronts up like they used to… the vibe is definitely not in the main street like it used to be,” he said.
“Being the 75th anniversary, it would be great to see businesses put an extra effort in this year.”
Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin took Mr Moro’s sentiment further by challenging businesses in the main street to get into the spirit of the event.
“It is wonderful to see local businesses get into the spirit of the event, and we highly encourage everyone to enter the rodeo’s competition and decorate your shop and dress up on parade day,” she said.
“Our council staff enjoy decorating our customer service area and library. It really is a great way to showcase our country town.”
Mr Brown also acknowledged the community’s feedback about the downtown parade having “too many trucks”, but he also noted that people had stopped entering floats.
“I think there has been a drop off in clubs participating,” he said.
“We used to have all these different sports clubs doing it every year, but there’s only a couple now. It just gets harder and harder because people don’t want to organise it.”
Mr Brown is excited to announce new additions to the rodeo this year, including an Australian Idol contestant who will perform, more seating at the grounds, a new bar, and an expansion of the existing bars and camping areas.
Up-and-coming Queensland country artist Keely Ellen will be performing in the arena on the Saturday night. The young 18-year-old from Bundaberg has made waves in the music world recently, especially during her time on Australian Idol earlier this year.
Rodeo-goers and country music fans can expect an authentic and entertaining show from her.
“For the first time this year, we’re also actually having grandstands all the way around the arena and there’ll be a new bar on that side too,” he said.
He is also happy that the 2025 rodeo isn’t clashing with any other big events this year, which he expects will lure in even more competitors.
“We’ve got some great competitors coming. In the past couple of years, we’ve had other big events and rodeos clash with us, but none of them clash with us this year,” Mr Brown said.
“So, we should do pretty good from a competitor point of view. I think we’ll see a lot more New South Wales cowboys and cowgirls, which is good.”
Mr Brown is also encouraging families who may not be able to afford to attend the first day of the rodeo to take advantage of the “family day” on Sunday.
“We do offer a cheaper option for families to come on the Sunday. It’s good for the cowboys because they’re not riding or competing to an empty stand, and it’s good for families that can’t afford to come on the Saturday. I think that’s a good thing we’ve brought in and it’s good for the locals.”
This year’s rodeo will be held from 12-13 July, visit www.mareebarodeo.com.au for more information and to secure tickets for the event.
How can I get involved?
Dress up in western gear and decorate your business to win prizes.
Buy a ticket to the Rodeo Ball.
Enter a float in the downtown parade.
Enter your ute in the Ute Muster Show & Shine.
Purchase some raffle tickets at the Cowpokes to win some major prizes.
Tag along to the Horse Sports to watch some country action.
For more information, visit www.mareebarodeo.com.au/entry-forms
New venue for Rodeo Ball
The Mareeba Rodeo Ball will be held at a new venue this year, with the rodeo committee deciding to move it to the grounds at Kerribee Park.
The 5 July event is the first official introduction of the queen competition entrants.
“We’ve always looked at doing the Rodeo Ball at the rodeo grounds but there was always a lot of weather-based concerns,” Mr Brown said.
“This year we just felt that it should held here. It’s a pinnacle of our rodeo, so we thought we’d try it. We’ve got 10 queen entrants. It’ll be a gala event, and we’ve already sold quite a few tickets, so it’ll be a good night.”
A marquee tent will be set up with doors opening at 6pm. The dress code is country-formal (jackets or coats recommended), and tickets are $75 per person.
To book a spot, call 4092 1583 or email to info@mareebarodeo.com.au
