The region’s budding cowboys and cowgirls will have a chance to learn from some of the best in the business when the Weipa Rodeo school is held on 21-22 August. Photo: Karlene Shephard Photography.
There may not be a crowd of thousands cheering from around the arena, but it is an annual event held before the chutes are pulled open that helps set the Weipa Rodeo apart from all others.
The 2025 Weipa Rodeo school will be held on the Thursday and Friday before this year’s milestone edition of the rodeo, with a cohort of cowboys and cowgirls preparing to return to the classroom to learn about how to get the most from the sport they love.
The interactive school has gone from strength to strength over the past few years, a move Weipa Rodeo Association (WRA) president Reuben Slingo said had been made possible by sponsor support.
“We’ve gone from practicing on drums suspended by ropes to fabricated mechanical bucking machines made by Jai-Mec and, in recent years, the inclusion of livestock,” he said.
“Jai and Sandy have been a longstanding sponsor of our rodeo school, and we couldn’t put this on every year without their support.
“Taking care of our riders is one of our highest priorities; our riders, and in particular, our younger riders, are the future of our sport; teaching them to ride safely and respect the stock is essential in having a safe and entertaining weekend for everyone.”
School for the bull riders will be held on 21 August, with seniors and youth from 9am-2pm, and juniors and poddies from 3-5pm.
The horse sports school will run from 3:30-5:30pm on 21 August, and from 8-10am on 22 August.
Before competitors head back to school, the WRA committee will hold its fundraising night at the Albatross Bay Resort on 8 August from 5pm with Cameron Cusack set to get everyone in the mood with his music.
“It started off as a social night for the committee a few years ago selling raffle tickets, and we are quite proud of what it has grown to since then,” Mr Slingo said.
“We will have the mechanical bull set up and ready for riders of all ages; we will be selling tickets in our event raffle and 50-50 raffle, as well as some spot raffles drawn on the night; our prizes this year are absolutely amazing, and we greatly thank our sponsors for their contributions.
“All proceeds from the raffles will go to this year’s major charity, Redkite, which is there with emotional, financial and practical support for families who have a child with cancer.”
