Eight seconds can seem a lifetime. Just ask riders at the Pormpuraaw rodeo, which treated the community to plenty of spills and thrills after six years on the sidelines. Photo: Christine Howes.
Pormpuraaw riders finally jumped back on board to buck on their home turf when the local rodeo returned after a six-year hiatus.
The community roared in support of the action-packed two-day Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council (PASC) event on 20-21 September, which welcomed 38 riders across three categories to the dusty arena.
“The quality of the buck and bulls and everything was just top-notch this weekend,” master of ceremonies Darryl Paradise said at the event.
“The way this event was organised and the way it’s been put together, you couldn’t say it’d be run any better than what’s been run here the last two days.”
With 12 riders registered for the Calf Ride, 12 for the Juvenile Ride, and 14 for the Open Ride, there was no shortage of competition for local and visiting competitors as they put on their game faces and exited the chute.
PASC community services manager Shelina Bartlett said it had been a priority of the current council to bring the local rodeo back to life this year.
She said it was great for Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama riders to have an event close to home.
“Mayor Ralph Kendall was committed to getting the rodeo back and happening for Pormpuraaw. It came together and was a fantastic day,” she said.
“It brought families and community together to celebrate culture and enjoy some adrenaline-filled fun.
“The feedback was that everyone had a fantastic time and can’t wait another 12 months for the next one.”
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2025 Pormpuraaw Rodeo results
Calf Ride
1st: Bobbie Kendall
2nd: Vernon Michael
3rd: Eddie Kendall
Juvenile Ride
1st: Matyious Robin
2nd: Trayquane Gibo
Open Ride
1st: Tylan Donnell
2nd: Tennyson Paul
