Entertainment

Calling all riders for the biggest, the best, the richest, most legendary rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere

Published

10 months ago

18 July 2023

Liam

A man riding a horse carrying an Australian flag in a rodeo

Calling all riders for the biggest, the best, the richest, most legendary rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere

Mount Isa Rodeo Festival in Outback QLD.

Calling all cowboys and cowgirls – it’s time to rodeo, and it’s not just any rodeo, it’s the world famous Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, held in the Queensland Outback, on the famous red dirt arena of Buchanan Park.

Nominations open this FRIDAY, July 14 for all events in both the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo AND the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships.

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Natalie Flecker, CEO of Isa Rodeo Limited, said the event continues to set the bar with exhilarating rodeo, top competitors, quality stock and the richest prize pool offered in Australian Rodeo.

“It’s the unbeatable combination of taking home a prestigious Mount Isa Mines Rodeo buckle and winnings, fought hard for in the Australian Outback against the best of the best,” she said.

“Isa Rodeo Limited continues to grow and support the sport of rodeo in Australia, leading the way with record breaking nominations, increased prize money for competitors, event innovation and the creation of new rodeo events that continue to attract more people and raise awareness around the sport we all love. In 2023, we are again offering a $300,000 plus purse, and we can’t wait for the arena action to start to see who will take the titles.”

Will the reigning Open Bull Ride Champion, young Barcaldine cowboy Jackson Gray return to defend his title or will second placegetter (by half a point) and 2021 CRCA bull riding champion and 2021 ABCRA NQ Rookie of the year, Townsville cowboy Eli Bee successfully challenge in 2023?

Will celebrated cowboy Troy Wilkinson return? He is the 2021 Bull Ride Champion who last year, changed ends of the arena and, on debut became the 2022 Steer Wrestling Champion, beating a field that included four former Australian champions, and six of the top 10 Steer Wrestlers in the current National rankings.

Will we see twice Australian Bareback Bronc champion, and three time and current Mount Isa champion, the legendary Fred Osman from Cameron’s Corner ride again?

Will the All Round Cowboy and Cowgirl from 2022 in Campbell Hodgson and Leanne Caban return to defend their red dirt arena titles?

Entries are also open to all riders for the second Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships. The 2022 event saw Mount Isa cowboy Stafford Swan win the Bullride buckle, while famed rider Jason Craigie from Acacia Hills in the Northern Territory took the Bareback title, Tylor Chong from Gracemere near Rockhampton the Saddle Bronc, and Shilo Gosbee from Mount Isa the Steer Wrestling. Dimbulah (FNQ) cowgirl Ricki Sivyerwon the Barrel Race while fellow cowgirl Maisey Hetherington from Mackay took out the Breakaway Roping, and rising cowboy to watch Travis Coolatah won the Junior Steer. Will they return to defend their buckles in 2023?

ONE MONTH TO GO TIL ‘ISA.jpg

ENTRIES OPEN this Friday, July 14.

Mount Isa Mines Rodeo: entries open 14/7/2023 and close 23/07/2023

Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships: entries open 14/07/2023 and close 24/07/2023

Via www.isarodeo.com.au

Mount Isa Rodeo Festival highlights include:

Saturday 5^th August: Bell and Moir Toyota Rodeo Arena Ball

THE MOST glamorous country hoedown, held on the famous red dirt of the open-air rodeo arena, raising funds for Mount Isa-based charities. Prepare your rhinestones and sequins and get ready to boot scoot ‘til late!

Tuesday 8^th August: Isa Rodeo Hall of Fame BBQ Dinner

Celebrating the pioneers and champions of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo with four new inductees announced.

Wednesday 9^th August: Isa Street Festival featuring Darryl Braithwaite

A street parade for the ages in Mount Isa, headlined by the man himself, Darryl Braithwaite, who will pay tribute to the horses of the rodeo with his most famous song.

Thursday 10^th August: Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships featuring Jessica Mauboy

The second year of the Mount Isa Indigenous Rodeo Championships will see more records set, and indigenous riders celebrated, before Jessica Mauboy takes to the stage, with DJ Deadly Jacob hosting.
A Welcome to Country and cultural performance by the Sundowners Kalkutungu Dancers and the spectacular Komet Torres Strait Islander Arts and Culture Dance Group.
Don’t miss Dancing Dexter in the Red Dirt Arena, the crowd-pleasing Bull Fighter from last year’s Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships!

Friday 11^th to 13^th August: Mount Isa Mines Rodeo

Returning champions and contenders go ride for ride in the Southern Hemisphere’s largest rodeo and the third largest rodeo in the world.
Entertainment includes The Angels, The Screaming Jets, O’SHEA, Furnace and the Fundamentals, and Luke Geiger
The Shank Brothers return with their infamous Hot Chilli Wing Challenge – register for one of their HEATS!
NEW – Bell and Moir Toyota Kalkadoon Bar & Grill for lunch and dinner – a new dining offering which includes a two course menu prepared by Chef Jason Peppler, beer and wine and outstanding views of the rodeo arena hosted by Channel Seven’s Kimberley Busteed and a bunch of good friends. Bookings essential.
An incredible 5m high inflatable boot as part of our Kids Zone – perfect for rodeo selfies!

ABOUT MOUNT ISA MINES RODEO

In 1959, a group of people with passion and an intrinsic sense of potential formed the Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo Inc (MIRRI). Their vision was to put the new, remote town of Mount Isa on the map and raise funds for charity organisations in the new city. Through 63 years of whip-cracking vision and dedication, the event has evolved into legendary status. The event is part of the Australian Professional Rodeo Association’s (APRA’s) national circuit. The event is supported by the Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland and is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The rodeo schedule includes the Bull Ride (Open, Over 40s, 2nd & Junior Division), Saddle Bronc (Open & 2nd Division), Bareback (Open & 2nd Division), Rope & Tie (Open), Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Ladies Barrel Race, Ladies Breakaway Roping and Mini Bull Rides.

Mount Isa Mines Rodeo FESTIVAL: August 5 to 13, 2023

After a record-breaking event in 2022, which saw entries top out at 956, a highest ever purse of $300,000 and the staging of the first ever Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships, the largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere is back! Website: Isarodeo.com.au

This event is supported by the Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland.

For more entertainment news, click here.

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Blues on Broadbeach

Published

5 days ago

15 May 2024

Liam

Blues on Broadbeach

Returning for its 23rd year, Blues on Broadbeach is set to transform the Gold Coast into a rhythm and blues haven from May 16-19, 2024!

The festival will feature over 65 international and local artists across 16 indoor and outdoor stages, promising an abundance of live rhythm & blues over the four-day event.

The festival program and app are now live, so you can start planning your experience today! A highlight of the festival will be US headliner Melissa Etheridge, who is set to deliver a rocking two-hour show on Saturday night.

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Other international stars making their way to the festival include Samantha Fish & Jesse Dayton, Ana Popovic, Eric Bibb, Hi Rhythm Section with Boo Mitchell, and Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, all renowned figures in the contemporary blues scene.

The festival will also showcase plenty of national and local talent, including festival favourite 8 Ball Aitken & Friends, who will host a special All-Star Blues Jam on Sunday, May 19. Gold Coast’s own Karl S. Williams will open for Melissa Etheridge on Saturday night.

A new addition this year is the Kurrawa Park Sunday Ticket, featuring New Zealand’s electronic-reggae-soul pioneers Fat Freddy’s Drop, alongside Tijuana Cartel and BOOMCHILD, who will perform exclusively at Kurrawa Park on Sunday, May 19.

With VIP tickets already sold out, be sure to secure your ticket soon to expand your Blues on Broadbeach experience! Beyond the six outdoor stages in the Broadbeach precinct, 10 Partnered Venues will also offer live music, allowing you to enjoy a meal or drink without missing any of the festival’s packed programming.

With so much happening from May 16-19, don’t miss out on your favourite acts! Download the Blues on Broadbeach 2024 festival app from the App Store or Google Play to create your personalised schedule.

EVENT DETAILS:

When: 16^th – 19^th of May
Where: Broadbeach
Tickets: Available here.

For more entertainment news, click here.

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Entertainment

ASH GRUNWALD AT THE REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH

Published

5 days ago

15 May 2024

Liam

ASH GRUNWALD AT THE REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH

One of Australia’s leading blues musician, Ash Grunwald, has announced a nationwide tour to celebrate the release of his latest single, “Life Without You.”

This laid-back track, which explores the themes of enduring love and appreciation for one’s partner, is a collaboration with Garrett Kato, renowned for his work with Tones & I’s “Dance Monkey” and numerous releases by Ziggy Alberts. The song’s emotional depth is sure to resonate with listeners.

Ash Grunwald has long been an inspiration, encouraging a generation to embrace a nomadic lifestyle, “surfing by day and jamming by night”.

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His illustrious career has seen him share stages with legends like James Brown, The Black Keys, Jack Johnson, Xavier Rudd, and Keith Urban, among many others. He has captivated audiences at sold-out festivals across Europe, Japan, and North America.

Grunwald’s impressive discography includes six Australian Top-50 albums, and he has been recognised with numerous accolades: five ARIA and four AIR Award nominations, two APRA Awards, and the Best International Act at the LA Music Critic Awards.

Don’t miss the chance to see Australia’s most dynamic blues performer live at The Regent Cinema in Murwillumbah. This tour promises to be a memorable experience, showcasing Ash Grunwald’s exceptional talent and his latest musical endeavours.

Be sure to catch this tour and witness the captivating performances of an artist who has significantly shaped the Australian blues scene. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his music, Ash Grunwald’s tour is an event not to be missed.

EVENT DETAILS:

When: Fri 24th May, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Where: The Regent Cinema, Murwillumbah
Price: $50+BF
Tickets: Available here.

For more entertainment news, click here.

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Entertainment

Great Board Games for Family Game Night!

Published

2 weeks ago

9 May 2024

Liam

Great Board Games for Family Game Night!

A classic game night is the epitome of a cosy evening spent indoors, filled with laughter and friendly competition. Whether you’re looking to refresh your game cupboard or considering board games as thoughtful gifts, exploring the right options can enhance these lively gatherings. From strategic board games that challenge the mind to light-hearted party games that bring out the laughs, there’s something for everyone. Let’s delve into a selection of excellent games that are perfect for family game night, ensuring hours of entertainment and cherished memories with loved ones.

The game of life

College, marriage, kids, insurance! What a way to learn about being an adult while adding fun to the mix! In the Game of Life, each player navigates through various life stages using a plastic car on the game board, from choosing a college to settling into retirement.

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The goal of the game is to traverse life by making wise decisions, aiming to retire first and with the most wealth. It’s an excellent game for teaching children about life’s lessons in a fun and accessible manner. Playing this game as a family not only promises enjoyable moments but also ignites meaningful conversations.

Product Details:

Number of Players: Two to four
Recommended Age: 8 and up
Playing Time: 30 to 60 minutes

Monopoly

The first official Monopoly game was released in 1935, and it has been cultivating real estate moguls ever since. This board game involves both risk and chance as players purchase and trade properties while trying to avoid jail.

Players can buy properties if they have the necessary funds and can generate income by charging rent to other players who land on their properties. The objective of the game is to bankrupt your opponents, which can be a lengthy process. The strategy is to acquire enough properties in the same area to create a monopoly, making it difficult for other players to afford rent, ultimately leading to their bankruptcy.

Product Details:

Number of Players: Two to six
Recommended Age: 8 and up
Playing Time: One to two hours

Cards Against Humanity

When playing Cards Against Humanity, forget about maintaining decorum. The game features black cards with open-ended prompts and white cards filled with a mix of humorous, risqué, and bizarre phrases.

In each round, a player takes on the role of the judge and selects a black card to present to the group. The other players then choose one of their white cards that best complements the prompt and hand it to the judge. The judge mixes these submissions and reads them aloud, ultimately picking a favourite based on their appeal.

This game is strictly for adults, designed to provoke laughter. You can enjoy it just for the fun or keep score with points for each round’s winning card to find out who excels at pushing boundaries.

Product Details:

Number of Players: Four to 20
Recommended Age: 18 and up
Playing Time: 30 to 90 minutes

UNO

To play this engaging family game, all you need is an Uno card deck. It doesn’t require any additional pieces like marbles or spinners, making it easy to clean up and perfect for travel.

The Uno deck consists of 108 cards, with 25 cards in each of four colours and eight special action cards, such as Skip and Reverse. Players match cards from their hands to the card in the centre of the game by colour or number. They draw new cards from the deck until none remain. When a player is down to one card, they shout “Uno!”—a highlight of the game. Winning also traditionally involves a celebratory dance, adding to the fun.

Product Details: