There will be plenty of thrills and spills when the 2024 Weipa Rodeo kicks off at Andoom Oval on 23 August. Photo: Supplied.
The schedule is printed, the bucking stock have been delivered, and some of the best cowboys and cowgirls in Queensland are ready show off their skills to a pumped up crowd when the 2024 Weipa Rodeo kicks off at Andoom Oval on 23 August.
Weipa Rodeo Association (WRA) president Reuben Slingo said this year’s instalment of one of the township’s favourite events promised a “jam-packed” program and would feature competitors from across the state.
“Everything is looking great,” he said.
“The community and sponsorship have been amazing this year; without our sponsors, the Weipa Rodeo wouldn’t be possible.
“With seating each year in high demand, the Weipa Rodeo has purchased a brand new grandstand, and a concrete slab for a permanent bar area is being poured just in time for the event.
“We are set to have everything in place for a great weekend.”
A rodeo school will be held on Thursday and Friday for emerging bull riders and barrel racers, and Mr Slingo explained it was part of the WRA’s commitment to developing the sport on western Cape York.
“The Weipa Rodeo development program supports competitors who display dedication, commitment and talent,” he said.
“These funds cover costs associated with development clinics, pre-rodeo cattle school, and our professional mentors for the weekend.
This year, the development program introduces a horsemanship clinic for nominated riders on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.”
The Cape of Origin showdown between the Northern Cape, Central Cape and Southern Cape will be a feature of the rodeo, with a bumper $11,000 jackpot on offer for the winning team, as well as priceless bragging rights for the next 12 months.
Each team will be captained by a professional bull rider – Braydon Wellby, Anthony Ryan and Ky Borghero – and include an open bull rider, saddle bronc rider, novice bull rider, barrel racer, ladies bullock rider and mini bull rider.
“Anthony and Braydon are returning captains,” Mr Slingo explained.
“The captains will pull the shirt from a bag on the Friday night at the open bull grand entry and that’s when they know what region they will be representing.”
While the dust will settle for another year at Andoom Oval on Saturday night, Mr Slingo said the event had a lasting impact on the Weipa community.
“Weipa Rodeo is community – the committee work all year round to provide the Cape with not just a two-day event, but support many charities and organisations, as well as improvements to the grounds for all to enjoy.”
Gates open at Andoom Oval at 3pm on Friday, with competitors taking to the arena for the first events from 4pm.
The full 2024 Weipa Rodeo program is available on the event’s Facebook page.
A full complement of events – including barrel racing – will be on offer for rodeo fans when the event is held in Weipa this weekend. Photo: Supplied.
