Mt Isa Rodeo scraps ‘queen’ from charity quest

An iconic Queensland quest has moved with the times, joining a growing number of more politically-correct contests by replacing its “queen” with “community”.

FIRST it was Miss Supercars and the Summer Surf Girl.

Now another iconic Queensland queen quest has launched a PC rebranding exercise.

The word “queen” from the Isa Rodeo Queen Quest has been replaced with “community” to reflect the competition’s “longstanding focus on the Mount Isa community.”

It comes after the 2019 charity queen title was won by a bloke – Tony ‘Tonka’ Toholke.

Tony Toholke with rival contestants Kat Ufer, Kate Lovett, Kellie Pigliafiori and Aimee Sewell for the 2019 rodeo queen quest. Picture: Peter Wallis

Isa Rodeo Limited CEO Natalie Flecker said change was inevitable, even in the rough and ready cowboy, err cowperson, country of outback Queensland.

“I could see why some people might be a bit surprised (about the name change) but the reality is we are moving towards a more inclusive society and we want people to feel welcome, whatever their gender,” she said.

“The quest’s long history will also be celebrated as part of our iconic event and moving forward we want to evolve into a more inclusive fundraiser where all members of our community are welcome to participate as entrants if they have the absolute commitment to work and fundraise for their community.”

Former Mt Isa Rodeo Queen Katy Scott. Picture: Peter Wallis

Mr Toholke said it was exciting to see the name change.

“The aim is about being inclusive to both women and men, and crowning community champions aligns the program with the Isa Rodeo champions who are named in the arena every year,” he said.

The 2022 Isa Rodeo Community Quest champion and charity champion will still receive the coveted Isa Rodeo belt buckle, tiara and sash.

It joins a growing number of events to move away from an emphasis on gender or appearance in recent years.

In 2019 the Miss Supercars contest, the successor of the old Miss Indy competition which unearthed former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins, was remodelled as an ambassador and junior development program to create pathways for both boys and girls in the motorsport arena.

Jennifer Hawkins took third place in the 2002 Barter Card Miss Indy contest on the Gold Coast. Picture: David Tootell.

Surf Life Saving Queensland’s Summer Surf Girl contest ditched its bikini segment years ago and last year removed the word “girl” from the event completely to become the Surf Woman of the Year competition.