General News
15 July, 2025
Rodeo notches up record year
THE 75th Mareeba Rodeo has been hailed as a great success with record numbers seen across all aspects of the event.
“We had record numbers again this year,” Mareeba Rodeo Association president Peter Brown said.
“We haven’t finalised the final numbers from Sunday, but based on Saturday we’re probably about 12% up, which is really good.
“Camping was up, attendance was up, nominations were up by about 70, and Saturday night was just crazy.
“It’s really great to see another record year, and I think that’s been the same for every rodeo this year.
“It’s cool to be country at the moment, which is helping us out. All the young people want to come and wear their boots and put their hat on, and that’s good for our rodeo.”
The rodeo weekend kicked off with the Downtown Parade which saw the 10 Queen entrants and many local clubs, sports clubs and businesses participate.
Following the parade was the highly anticipated Crowning of the Queen and Princess ceremony.
It was entrant Number 9, Velenia Musso-Tatti, who stole the show and was crowned as the 2025 Mareeba Rodeo Queen, while Kiyah Iacutone was crowned as the Princess.
Both girls were over the moon when they heard their names get called out.
“I feel overwhelmed and very shocked,” Velenia said. “I wasn’t ready when they said, ‘Number 9’. I was like ‘Oh, that’s me!’”
Kiyah added, “I’m so shocked. We’re both shaking in our boots and I’m just very grateful. I was not expecting it, honestly. It’s a massive shock.”
Saturday and Sunday saw two massive days of rodeo action, with the exciting State of Origin keeping fans entertained into the night.
Queensland came close to clinching a win this year, but New South Wales managed to claim the title once again. Both teams finished on the same points, so it all came down to a countback to see who had more wins in each event.
“We’ll take (last) Wednesday night, they’re not over that yet,” Mr Brown smirked.
This year’s Champion Bullrider was Brumby Brandenburg from Bloomsbury, north of Mackay.
The cowboy found himself good rides in both rounds of the Open Bullride, scoring an 80- and 73-point ride, totalling 153 points.
Local cowboys Leith Malone and Ky Borghero tied for second spot on 145 points, while Jack Rowlandson finished third on 142 points.
The All-Round Cowboy and Cowgirl were also announced on Sunday afternoon, with Josh Barnett awarded as the All-Round Cowboy and Lorraine Wellby as the All-Round Cowgirl.
There was only one serious injury this year and that was a broken leg in the Women’s Ranch Bronc Ride during the State of Origin.
Mr Brown sighed relief when it was all said and done on Sunday afternoon, but overall, he was pleased with how everything went.
“All in all, it was a great event. Everything flowed well and we were ahead of time on Saturday,” he said.
“The crowd was pretty well behaved, which is surprising, given the amount of alcohol they drink.
“There were so many young people in the camps too, but they were fairly well behaved. You had your few that went away for a sleepover, but that’s just rodeo.
“We’re looking forward to next year and we’ve already got a few ideas for improvements.”
WESTERN STYLE DRESS, DECORATED FOYER, AND WINDOW DISPLAY COMPETITION WINNERS
Best Decorated Shop Window – Vinnies.
Best Overall Western Dress – Sundance Vets.
Best Overall Foyer and Window Display – Mareeba Hospital.
DOWNTOWN PARADE WINNERS
Best Sporting Theme Float – Mareeba Gymnastics Club.
Best Western Themed Float – Ngoonbi Community Services.
Best Overall Float – Hotshots Big Band.
