50TH ISA RODEO RID’N HIGH: BLIGH
Published Friday, 28 March, 2008 at 03:42 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Mount Isa’s iconic rodeo is set to become one of Australia’s ‘must see’ events, after Premier Anna Bligh today announced its funding under Queensland Event’s Regional Events Innovation Scheme (REIS).
Celebrating its 50th year in 2008, the Rodeo will receive up to $50,000 under the scheme that offers targeted assistance to events that show potential for future growth through development or initiatives in a particular area.
Ms Bligh said the funding allows the Rodeo to complete a feasibility study of the event to determine its potential to grow further and become the Outback Queensland’s ‘signature event’.
“The ‘Isa Rodeo’ is the biggest event in the Outback and one of the largest and most prestigious rodeos in the world,” she said.
“It is huge both in terms of visitor numbers – it attracts about 25,000 people – and media coverage yet, at its heart, remains an event run by the community for the community.”
“Hundreds of volunteers help plan and stage the Rodeo and the event has so far donated more than $2.5 million to charitable and community organisations,” said the Premier.
Member for Mt Isa Betty Kiernan said the grant would allow the Rodeo to involve even more of the region’s enthusiastic community while showcasing the Outback to potential visitors throughout Australia and across the world.
“This is great news for our rodeo and will take it to a new level,” said the Member for Mt Isa.
The Mount Isa Rodeo, organised by the town’s combined Rotary clubs, attracts the best Australian and international rodeo competitors with its promise of prestige and $200,000 prize money.
Run in the second weekend of August, the Rodeo is the focus of a two- week program of festivities that includes a ball, horse race, ute muster and hugely popular mardi gras.
The event began in the late 1950s when Rotarians – with no stock, no ground and no experience – decided to stage Mt Isa’s first rodeo. The rodeo has grown enormously and, in 2007, moved to Mount Isa’s new world-class events complex, Buchanan Park.
The REIS is part of the State Government’s Queensland Event’s Regional Development Program (QERDP) which, since 2001, has invested more than $10 million in events that boost economies and communities around Queensland.
More information on the Mount Isa Rodeo can be found at www.isarodeo.com.au. Those interested in the REIS or QERDP can call the secretariat in Townsville on 1300 881 255 or visit www.queenslandevents.com.au
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Celebrating its 50th year in 2008, the Rodeo will receive up to $50,000 under the scheme that offers targeted assistance to events that show potential for future growth through development or initiatives in a particular area.
Ms Bligh said the funding allows the Rodeo to complete a feasibility study of the event to determine its potential to grow further and become the Outback Queensland’s ‘signature event’.
“The ‘Isa Rodeo’ is the biggest event in the Outback and one of the largest and most prestigious rodeos in the world,” she said.
“It is huge both in terms of visitor numbers – it attracts about 25,000 people – and media coverage yet, at its heart, remains an event run by the community for the community.”
“Hundreds of volunteers help plan and stage the Rodeo and the event has so far donated more than $2.5 million to charitable and community organisations,” said the Premier.
Member for Mt Isa Betty Kiernan said the grant would allow the Rodeo to involve even more of the region’s enthusiastic community while showcasing the Outback to potential visitors throughout Australia and across the world.
“This is great news for our rodeo and will take it to a new level,” said the Member for Mt Isa.
The Mount Isa Rodeo, organised by the town’s combined Rotary clubs, attracts the best Australian and international rodeo competitors with its promise of prestige and $200,000 prize money.
Run in the second weekend of August, the Rodeo is the focus of a two- week program of festivities that includes a ball, horse race, ute muster and hugely popular mardi gras.
The event began in the late 1950s when Rotarians – with no stock, no ground and no experience – decided to stage Mt Isa’s first rodeo. The rodeo has grown enormously and, in 2007, moved to Mount Isa’s new world-class events complex, Buchanan Park.
The REIS is part of the State Government’s Queensland Event’s Regional Development Program (QERDP) which, since 2001, has invested more than $10 million in events that boost economies and communities around Queensland.
More information on the Mount Isa Rodeo can be found at www.isarodeo.com.au. Those interested in the REIS or QERDP can call the secretariat in Townsville on 1300 881 255 or visit www.queenslandevents.com.au
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500