Yasmin Braes with daughters Zoey and Evie Kalsbeek at the 20th anniversary Weipa Rodeo. Photo: Supplied.
A long-time Weipa Rodeo lover is ensuring one of the town’s biggest events will go ahead this year after stepping up to lead the charge.
Yasmin Braes was named the rodeo committee’s new president at Thursday’s special general meeting (SGM), which was held after the initial annual general meeting on 8 January failed to fill several key roles.
With executive committee positions left open, the 2026 Weipa Rodeo risked cancellation but Ms Braes, who was a general committee member last year, could not let that happen.
“Weipa has been my home for the last eight years, [and] my family looks forward to the rodeo each year,” she said
“I knew I wanted to help keep the event happening this year.
“I didn’t expect to be president, but I am looking forward to working with all the committee, old and new, to make the 2026 rodeo bigger and better.”
Outgoing president Reuben Slingo said he was pleased to see so much engagement and commitment from the community to keep the rodeo running.
“We had quite a few people reach out and, while some of them maybe didn’t want to take on executive roles, there’s a lot of new people that want to get involved in the rodeo, that have been thinking about it for a few years, and this is their opportunity to jump on board,” he said.
“There was great interest from the community, and it just reinforces how much everyone does love this event, and wants to make sure that it succeeds.
“We were able to fill the positions with some great people, and we had a few new faces attend again, so that’s some more committee members, which is great.”
The SGM also welcomed new secretary Natasha Wellby, who brings with her years of experience as the parent of a bullfighter and secretary on another rodeo committee.
“There’s a heap of renewed energy and interest, and with that brings enthusiasm for the event,” Mr Slingo said.
“New people bring new ideas, which is how you grow.
“It’s always great to have a perspective in the team that you have not yet looked into, so the future is bright.”
